It is important to know that you will need a WORK PERMIT, also called the Labour Market Access Permission, to access some Education. 

Before 2021, people in the protection system had to pay non-EU Fees to participate in a level 5/6 one-year full-time PLC (post leaving certificate) course; that fee was about €3,600. 

The Minister for Further and Higher Education announced in 2021 that anyone with a work permit could pay the local fees, mostly about €200 – €300.  

 How to apply for a work permit

• You can apply for your work permit 5 months from the date you applied for protection, and the permit is valid from 6 months. Click HERE or the picture below to apply for a work permit and for more information.  

What is Further Education and Training (FET)?

• Further Education and Training (FET), offers a wide variety of life-long education options to anyone over 16.  It covers levels 1 to 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications. 
• FET includes apprenticeships, traineeships, Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, community and adult education, as well as core literacy and numeracy services. 
• FET courses and programmes are provided through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) throughout the country as well as through other local schools and adult learning centres. 
• FET also includes online courses through eCollege – more information HERE. 
• PLC courses at Level 5 & 6 can be used to gain entry to Undergraduate Degrees at Level 7 & 8. 

 

How to find a course near where you live

You can meet an Adult Education Guidance Counsellor who can help you find a course, and/or search any of these websites.

Also check out the map of colleges, universities and guidance counsellors from the Education home page.

Click any of the logos below to visit the website 

	Type in the course title/keywords At the bottom, add your county and town Click search
Type in the course title/ keywords Add your location  Click search
	Click on 'Become an Apprentice'  'Find Apprentice Jobs' Select location
Click the type of course you want Choose subject area Select a location