The Government today announced a significant expansion of the tertiary degree programme, with 17 new courses coming on stream for the 2025/2026 academic year.
A total of 41 courses will be available this year, with 27 open for applications tomorrow, February 1st, and a further 14 launching on March 28th.
Speaking today, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said “Enrolments in tertiary programmes surged by 68% in 2024, showing the strong demand for this flexible pathway to a degree so I am delighted to announce the continued investment and further expansion of these courses.
“What makes this option so wonderful, is that students can now begin their studies at a local further education institute before seamlessly progressing to higher education, without relying on the CAO points system.”
Originally launched in 2023 with 152 students across 13 programmes, tertiary courses have grown rapidly. In 2024, 222 students enrolled in 19 programmes, including new options in Tourism, Healthcare, and Social Work, alongside an expanded Nursing offering.
This year the expansion will see courses being offered in areas of high demand such as, ICT, Nursing, Social Work, and Healthcare.
Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea said “The points a young person secure in their Leaving Certificate should not determine their future. If you are preparing for the Leaving Cert, or feel you’ve missed out on higher education, know that there are many pathways available to you.
“I encourage everyone to explore their options and take advantage of these opportunities. With the support of Education & Training Boards (ETBs) and Higher Education Institutes, learners can pursue a degree regardless of their background, family circumstances, or financial situation.”
Additional Information:
Prospective learners can find more information about the tertiary courses and how to apply on the NTO website.
The recently released Guidance Toolkit to assist students on their path to third-level education can also be found on www.nto.ie .
List of courses available for enrolment from February 1st
Higher Education Institution |
Education and Training Board |
Course |
Technological University of the Shannon |
Limerick Clare ETB |
Bachelor of Busines(Hons) – Ennis |
Technological University of the Shannon |
Limerick Clare ETB |
Bachelor of Business (Hons) – Mulgrave Street |
Technological University of the Shannon |
Limerick Clare ETB |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mobile and Web Computing |
Technological University of the Shannon |
Limerick Clare ETB |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Studies with Beauty and Spa Management |
Technological University of the Shannon |
Tipperary ETB |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Sports Science |
Munster Technological University |
Cork ETB |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing |
Munster Technological University |
Cork ETB |
BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing (Morrison’s Island) |
Munster Technological University |
Kerry ETB |
BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing (Mallow) |
University College Cork |
Cork ETB |
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) |
Munster Technological University |
Kerry ETB |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing – Denny Street |
Munster Technological University |
Kerry ETB |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing – Listowel |
Munster Technological University |
Kerry ETB |
BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing |
South East Technological University |
Kilkenny Carlow ETB |
Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality Services |
South East Technological University |
Kilkenny Carlow ETB |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Technology Management |
South East Technological University |
Kilkenny Carlow ETB |
Bachelor of Science in Applied Healthcare |
South East Technological University |
Kilkenny Carlow ETB |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Public Health and Health Promotion |
South East Technological University |
Laois Offaly ETB |
Bachelor of Business (Hons) |
South East Technological University |
Laois Offaly ETB |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Technology Management |
South East Technological University |
Laois Offaly ETB |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Development |
South East Technological University |
Waterford Wexford ETB |
Bachelor of Business |
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology |
City of Dublin ETB/ Kildare Wicklow ETB |
BA (Hons) in Immersive Media Production |
National College of Ireland |
City of Dublin ETB |
BA (Hons) in Digital and Business Skills |
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology |
City of Dublin ETB |
BA (Hons) in Business and Psychology |
Atlantic Technological University |
Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB |
BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Engineering Technologies |
Atlantic Technological University |
Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing |
Atlantic Technological University |
Galway Roscommon ETB |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing |
Atlantic Technological University |
Donegal ETB |
BSc (Hons) in General Nursing |
