78 Tertiary Bachelor's Degree Programs Available by 2026/2027, Up 32
By the 2026/2027 academic year, 78 Tertiary Bachelor's Degree programmes will be offered, a rise of 32. These degrees provide an alternative, fee-free pathway into higher education, bypassing the CAO points system. Led by Tanya Jones, the initiative aims to increase access for underrepresented groups without compromising quality.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, 78 Tertiary Bachelor's Degree programmes will be available, an increase of 32. These new options include routes into primary teaching, health and welfare, business, applied sciences, arts, and ICT. These degrees, co-designed by higher education institutions and education and training boards (ETBs), offer new pathways from further education to higher education.
These programmes operate outside the CAO points system and have no fees during the ETB learning phase. The 2026/2027 year marks their fourth academic year, having started with 13 programmes. Tanya Jones, Head of the National Tertiary Office, stated on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that this process provides an alternative entry into degree programmes, bypassing traditional barriers like points and first-year college fees, without compromising quality.
A Tertiary Bachelor's Degree begins with one to two years in an ETB, with no student fees, followed by guaranteed progression to higher education institutions. There are 16 ETBs across 24 Irish counties and 13 universities involved in delivering these degrees in 2026. The application process is simplified through the ETB website, involving an interview or personal statement to assess aspirations and talents, rather than just points.
Priority groups under the National Access Plan include students from low-income households, mature students, lone parents or carers, and care-experienced students, aiming to provide additional pathways for those underrepresented in higher education.