The National Tertiary Office is reminding students who received their Leaving Cert results last Friday, that there’s still time to apply for a wide range of Tertiary Bachelors’ Degrees for the 2025/2026 academic year, including those located in their home county. There are no points needed and no college fees for the first 1-2 years while studying in your local Education and Training Board (ETB).
This innovative pathway offers a flexible and accessible route into higher education for people of all ages. Students begin their degree in an ETB and progress seamlessly to a higher education institution, graduating with the same Bachelor’s Degree as those who enter through the traditional points route.
First launched in 2023 with 13 courses, the number of Tertiary Bachelors’ Degrees has trebled in just three years. Entry is based on students’ potential, interests, and ability with almost 40 Bachelors’ Degree courses in high demand in areas. The Cork ETB offers courses in General Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology. Given courses commence in ETBs around the country, students can begin their studies close to home, reducing the cost and pressure of relocating.
ETBs offer smaller class sizes and extra support for students starting out or returning to learning. From day one, students are registered with both the ETB and the Higher Education Institution (HEI), ensuring full access to libraries, sports, academic, health and wellbeing supports, and campus facilities at both locations.
The programmes are designed in partnership with industry to tackle real skills shortages and prepare graduates for meaningful careers in sectors that need them.
‘BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS’
Commenting on the options still available to students across Ireland, Tanya Jones, Deputy Director of the National Tertiary Office, said that this is just ‘another route’ to achieving a qualification.
“We know that many students across Ireland are waiting anxiously for their results this week, and we want to remind them that the Tertiary Bachelors’ Degree programmes are still available to them. This is not a lesser option as students earn the very same Bachelor’s Degree, it’s simply a different route, with direct application, outside of the CAO process.
“People interested in education should be able to pursue a degree regardless of their background, family circumstances, or financial situation. This is about breaking down barriers. Whether you’re finishing school, returning to education, or looking for a career change, this route is opening doors to higher education for those who may have felt locked out in the past,” she said.
For a full list of Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees still open for applications, and to apply, visit NTO.ie
