How to Apply for a funded place
University of Limerick secures funding from several different sources. The type of funding available depends on the course you are applying for. To prepare for applying, consider the steps below.
Types of funding available
Funding for the Individual
- Springboard+
- MicroCred Learner Fee Subsidy 2026
- Self-Financing
Funding for businesses
- Skillnet Ireland
- Generation Apprenticeship
- Government Support
Springboard+: 90 –100% Funding Available
What is it?
The Springboard+ offer 90% funding for those who are employed and 100% funding for those who are unemployed or engaging in a NFQ Level 6 programme.
There are a limited number of funded Springboard+ places available across pre-selected programmes in UL. They are offered on a first come first served basis.
Where to apply
Making an application for a funded place with Springboard+ is slightly different:
- You first must find and register for your course on https://springboardcourses.ie/.
- Springboard+ will let us know you have applied and in 2-5 working days you will receive an email which will invite you to apply directly on the University of Limerick website. Please check your spam regularly to make sure you do not miss this email.
- Your application and eligibility will be reviewed, and if successful, you will receive an offer from the University to take a place in this course under Springboard+. We recommend reviewing your eligibility on Springboard+ before applying.
Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026: 80% Funding Available
What is it?
In partnership with the Government of Ireland through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), UL is offering 10 career-focused MicroCreds under the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 initiative.
These short, flexible and industry-relevant courses are designed to help learners upskill, reskill and progress professionally in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Eligible applicants are funded at 80% under the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 initiative.
Applicants may only apply for, and receive, one subsidised course per semester. View our full range of courses funded under this initiative here.
Where to apply:
The Learner Fee Subsidy is a separate scheme to Springboard+, you must apply for micro-credentials approved for the learner fee subsidy on springboardcourses.ie
- You must first find and register for your micro-credential on https://springboardcourses.ie/.
- In 2-5 working days, you will receive an email which will invite you to apply directly on University of Limerick's website. Please check your spam regularly to make sure you do not miss this email.
- Your application will be reviewed, and if successful, you will receive a subsidised offer from University of Limerick. This offer is strictly subject to you meeting the eligibility criteria. We recommend reviewing your eligibility on MicroCreds.ie before applying.
Self-financing
There may also be a limited number of fee-paying places available on your desired course. Students who are self-financing may have the option to receive funding from four other sources.
- Self-Financing: You can pay your course fee yourself and pay in instalments.
- Employer support, in many instances, your employer may refund you the cost of your course as you complete each semester. You should discuss this with your HR or training department. Your employer may be eligible to pay your fees on your behalf and receive government funding to do so.
- Tax relief may also be available for those in employment. To claim relief on a postgraduate course, you must already have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. For more information, please visit Revenue.ie.
- Student Loans may also be a consideration. More information on student loans.
Skillnet Ireland: 20% - 40% Funding Available
What is it?
Skillnet Ireland offers funding to students who are currently employed in Ireland. There are several courses that will be supported by Skillnet Ireland. To find out if Skillnet Ireland can support your employer to cover tuition fees, contact Skillnet Ireland directly. To find a list of Skillnet networks nationwide visit www.skillnetireland.ie.
Courses that are/have been funded include but are not limited to:
- Supply Chain Management - Certificate (Production & Inventory Control)
- Regulatory Affairs - Professional Diploma
- Airworthiness - Professional Diploma
- Health and Safety - Professional Diploma
- Supply Chain Management - Professional Diploma
- Quality Management, Lean Systems - Professional Diploma
- Quality Management, Six Sigma - Professional Diploma
Where to apply: University of Limerick website
Making an application for a funded place with Skillnet is as follows:
- Apply for your course of interest directly from the programme page of choice on the University of Limerick website.
- Your application and eligibility will be reviewed and if successful, you will receive an offer of a place on a course from the University.
- If you are applying for funding assistance, you must first secure the funding directly from your employer or a Skillnet Network. You will need to provide a letter of sponsorship confirming the funding as part of the offer acceptance process.
Generation Apprenticeship: 70% - 90% Funding Available
What is it?
If you are currently employed in Ireland, you can also receive funding through Generation Apprenticeship. The University of Limerick is Ireland's first University to offer a suite of executive apprenticeships from Level 7 Diploma to Level 10 Doctorate. We currently offer Apprenticeships in Supply Chain, Lean and Equipment Systems Engineering.
Where to apply: University of Limerick website
Contact apprenticeships@ul.ie or visit our Apprenticeship page to learn more.
Government support
The Government of Ireland supports the industry to pay for the upskilling of their staff. Your employer may be eligible to pay your fees on your behalf and receive government funding to do so.
Alternatively, your employer may qualify for tax relief on your chosen course. For more information, please visit Revenue.ie or the Citizens Information website.
