Pictured at the launch of MircoCreds.ie launch in July 2023. Jim Miley, Director General of IUA, Ger Carroll, University of Limerick, Professional Education Manager, Daire Keogh, President, DCU, Jools O’Connor, IUA MicroCreds Project Lead, Simon Coveney - Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dr Emma Francis, Senior Project Officer for MicroCreds and Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Pictured at the launch of MircoCreds.ie launch in July. Tony Donohue, Chair of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, Ger Carroll, University of Limerick, Professional Education Manager, Daire Keogh, President, DCU, Jools O’Connor, IUA MicroCreds Project Lead, Simon Coveney - Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dr Emma Francis, Senior Project Officer for MicroCreds and Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Wednesday, 13 March 2024

University of Limerick today, proudly announces the delivery of a €1.7m fund that will subsidise up to 80% of selected course fees for micro-credential courses and one-year professional diplomas, aimed at expanding educational opportunities for part-time learners and bridging much needed national skills deficits.

UL, has been awarded a staggering 1,965 places which is approximately 14% of the total places on offer nationally. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today announced national funding of €9.7 million to subsidise fees for 13,879 learners across 654 micro-credential courses.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said:

“These subsidies are a fantastic opportunity for individuals to access micro-credential courses at reduced rates, providing flexible learning and upskilling opportunities for learners and enterprises alike.

“Some courses also offer 'stackability,' encouraging learners to return and build upon their skills for further qualifications.

The 1900+ additional students at UL will avail of the places across a diverse array of 112 short, part-time courses including; ICT, Data, AI, Sustainability Supply Chain and Tax, Health and Nursing.

Welcoming the announcement, UL President Professor Kerstin Mey said: “This significant investment underscores UL’s dedication to fostering accessibility and flexibility in third level education, while catering to the evolving needs of professional learners.

“The University has delivered consistently on its strategic targets to offer flexible learning routes for Ireland’s workforce, and we welcome this very considerable investment by government and the Minister of funding to subsidise courses for learners.

Shorter Learning Experiences at UL:

UL is one of seven universities working to deliver short, stackable learning as part of the national MicroCreds Project, and similarly, the UL@Work project has delivered over 20, one-year, part-time Professional Diplomas, which can be combined or stacked to achieve a new flexible Masters called the Master of Professional Practice. These initiatives have been accelerated through UL’s engagement with the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) to date.

The 50% – 80% learner fee subsidy is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of micro-credential learning and encourage participation in the courses, while offering courses at a reduced fee rate. The goal is to directly increase Ireland’s lifelong learning participation rates.

Speaking today Professional Education Manager Ger Carroll said: “UL has a strong reputation for delivering skills focused learning that can be applied directly in enterprise. Today’s funding announcement provides more access for learners and enterprise to engage in flexible postgraduate education. You can work, and study at the same time. And now you will be financially supported to do so”

More information on the micro-credential courses and professional diplomas can be found on the Graduate and Professional Studies website https://www.ul.ie/gps/funded-microcreds-at-ul