PRE-CALL ANNOUNCEMENT: The Higher Education Authority will shortly invite Higher Education Institutions to submit applications for funding under the 2026 Call for the Micro-Credential Course Learner Fee Subsidy (LFS).

Subsiding the learners’ fees across micro-credential courses will:

• Raise the profile of micro-credential learning with the aim to build upon existing momentum in participation in micro-credential courses
• Raise national awareness of what a micro-credential is and the many types on offer
• Directly increase Ireland’s lifelong learning participation rates
• Offer courses at a reduced fee rate for learners
• Deliver skills needed for enterprise

For the purposes of the 2026 LFS funding will be provided to micro-credential courses that are small courses designed to meet the demands of learners, enterprise and society, and that award between 5 and 20 ECTS aligned to Levels 6 to 9 on National Framework of Qualifications.

HEA-designated institutions and non-HEA designated higher education providers whose quality assurance procedures have been approved under the 2012 Act (re-engagement/QA approval processes) will be eligible to apply.

To find out more about this funding and how to avail of it please join the online briefing session at 2pm on Thursday 26^th March 2026. Contact hci@hea.ie for more information.

Indicative Call Timeline