February 1 is widely known as the day CAO application closes; not so well known is the fact that February 1 is also the date when applications open for Tertiary degrees.
Getting a place on a Tertiary degree programme is not based on Leaving Cert points, but on career goals and interests.
These programmes, which are open to school-leavers and mature students returning to education, were first introduced in 2023 with the intention of offering an additional route to third level education for students from diverse backgrounds.
Students can start studying in a local Education and Training Board (ETB) and progress to a Higher Education Institution (HEI) after one or two years, with the dual benefits of both campuses, including access to libraries, sports, and other campus facilities as well as academic, health and wellbeing supports.
They will have student cards for both institutions, throughout the duration of their degree.
Progression from the Further Education Institute (FEI) to the Higher Education Institute (HEI) is seamless and guaranteed, without any need to reapply once exams are passed at the FEI.
This differs from the Post Leaving Cert (PLC) LINKS scheme, whereby, in general progression to a HEI depends on achieving a minimum number of module distinctions, and requires a separate CAO application once the PLC is completed.
As of now, 27 Tertiary degree courses are open for application for September 2025 commencement.
These include Nursing, ICT, Multi-media, Business, Sports Science, Public Health, Engineering, Technology and Social Work.
The launch of a further 14 is promised for March this year, subject to validation, in areas such as Occupational Therapy; Radiography; Politics, Society and Media; and Animation.
All of these programmes lead to an NFQ level 7 (bachelor’s) or level 8 (bachelor’s hons) degree.
They all include embedded awards.
Step-back awards are built into their design, meaning that if a learner leaves the programme before completing the final award, they have formal recognition of the learning they have already completed.
Getting a place on a Tertiary degree programme is not based on points, but entry requirements may include a personal statement or interview, relevant work experience, a portfolio of work, or specific subject requirements.
For example a Science degree might require experience of studying a science subject.
There are no tuition fees or student contribution fees for the initial year(s) spent at the ETB.
The Free Fees Initiative and student contribution arrangements apply to the subsequent years spent at the HEI.
From the start students may apply for SUSI grants and any other education bursaries.
Tertiary degree courses beginning at Laois Offaly Education and Training Board’s (LOETB) Portlaoise Institute and progressing to SETU Carlow include Business, Information Technology Management, and Software Development.
Two courses begin at Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training (KCETB) and progress to SETU Waterford, Business ( Tourism and Hospitality) and Science (Applied Health Care).
A further two Science degree programmes also progress to SETU Waterford but begin at Kilkenny, Information Technology Management, and Public Health and Health Promotion.
Dublin currently offers a BA in Immersive Media Production, starting at Ballyfermot College of Further Education and progressing to IADT in Dun Laoghaire. This is also run from Bray.
Further afield, Nursing courses begin in Listowel, Tralee, Castlerea, Sligo, Letterkenny, Mallow and Cork City.
A social Work degree programme also begins in Cork City, progressing to UCC. Sports Science begins in Thurles and other Science and Business degrees begin in several ETBs throughout the country. Click here for further details.
Tertiary pathways offer a new way to get a third level degree. They do not require Leaving Cert points. Starting out at a local ETB lessens the burden of cost, travel and housing Students graduate with the exact same bachelor’s or bachelor’s (hons) degrees as those who take the traditional route to university.
Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
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