Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
402. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science her Department’s plans to improve pathways for Senior cycle students into higher and further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education outside of the traditional CAO route is a key strategic goal of DFHERIS. The development of tertiary programmes, Further Education & Training routes to higher education such as the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS), and supported part-time provision are some of the key areas which my department is focused on progressing.
Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in further education, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting. As of Budget 2026, €4m per annum is allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes.
Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing an alternate pathway to a degree for individuals who may not have received the requisite points for a course they are passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway, particularly the priority access groups outlined in the National Access Plan.
In September 2023 the first intake of tertiary programmes commenced, with 152 students enrolled on 13 programmes. 2024 saw an increased intake with more than 220 students embarking on 19 degree programmes.
A total of 38 courses are running in the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts.
My department is continuing to expand the Higher Education Links Scheme, which remains a key Further Education/Higher Education pathway. 14,093 students entered higher education with a further education award or equivalent in the academic year 2023/24, and 91% of higher education courses are now available through this route.
On the 1st August 2024, the details of a new part-time fee scheme for specified undergraduate courses was announced. This marked the first time any grant would be provided for part-time education under the Student Support Act 2011.
The scheme covers the fees of eligible part-time students attending specified undergraduate courses leading to a major award with a minimum average of 30 credits and maximum of 50 credits per academic year.
The part-time fee scheme was developed to provide support for more flexible forms of learning to students attending specified undergraduate courses who are considered underrepresented in Higher Education, in particular students who are socio-economically disadvantaged who may not be in a position to participate in full-time programmes.
In the 2024 Budget, €2 million per annum was secured to fund grants for approved students attending a part-time course eligible under this scheme. In the scheme’s first iteration, 62 part-time courses were included for the 2024/25 academic year. This number rose to 111 eligible courses for the 2025/26 academic year.
