Tanya Jones
Deputy Director, National Tertiary Office
Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees provide guaranteed progression from Further Education to Higher Education in a supported environment with no points needed and no college fees while studying in ETB.
With the CAO deadline now closed and Leaving Certificate exams upon us, students across Ireland are exploring their options. One fast-growing alternative is the Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree – now offering almost 40 career-focused courses nationwide. With no points requirements, no college fees for the first one to two years while students are studying in ETB and the ability to start studies close to home, this programme is opening doors to higher education for students who may have felt locked out in the past.
What are Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees?
Developed through the National Tertiary Office (NTO) and co-designed and delivered by Education and Training Boards and Higher Education Institutions to widen access to higher education for people of all ages, students begin their studies at a local Education and Training Board (ETB) and then transition seamlessly to a partner Higher Education Institution (HEI), graduating with the same recognised Bachelor’s Degree as their peers who followed the traditional route.
With smaller class sizes, career-aligned learning and access to supports and facilities from both institutions from day one, this option is ideal for students looking for a more flexible and affordable college experience — whether finishing school, coming back to education or looking to upskill later in life.
Career-focused and accessible education
The development of tertiary education in Ireland has been closely aligned with the nation’s economic and workforce planning priorities, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly dynamic labour market. Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees are developed in collaboration with industry, ensuring graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills employers are looking for.
The National Tertiary Office leads increased collaboration and stronger cooperation in the tertiary education system and plays an important role in shaping the future of the country’s tertiary education system.
This year, nearly 40 Tertiary
Bachelor’s Degrees are
available to potential students.
Growing success of Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees
Several key factors have contributed to the success of Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees, such as no college fees for the first one or two years while studying in ETB; geographical location; small class sizes, ensuring personal attention; and robust student support services. Another unique feature is that embedded awards are designed to address issues created when a student needs to leave an undergraduate programme before completing the final year.
There was a significant increase in numbers in the 2024 intake, with 20 degree programmes offering 224 students access outside of the traditional points system. This year, nearly 40 Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees are available to potential students for application on the nto.ie website.
Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees for everyone
In addition to a wide range of existing Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees across business, ICT, arts, engineering, sport and manufacturing and construction, there has been significant expansion in the health sciences area with occupational therapy, mental health and intellectual disability nursing programmes established. Social care degrees and courses are also available to students this year for the first time. There is also a political science degree option available for the first time in 2025.
Collaboration to support students
With designated Tertiary Managers in place within ETBs and HEIs, coordination has been strengthened, fostering more strategic and effective collaboration. This has reflected a more cohesive and unified tertiary education sector, creating more diverse and progressive pathways to qualifications.
Foundations for transformative progress
Last year, 2024, was a year of remarkable progress, laying strong foundations for transformative growth in tertiary education. As we move forward, the NTO’s commitment to fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments remains unwavering, empowering students to excel and become catalysts for positive change in society.
Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees are about meeting prospective students where they are and helping them get to where they want to go. They provide an opportunity to pursue a degree regardless of background, family circumstances or financial situation.
