Further Education and Training (FET)

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. On the funding page we explain where you can get help with these costs.

How to apply for a work permit

You can apply for your work permit 5 months from the date that you applied for protection, and the permit is valid from 6 months. This work permit remains valid for one year and then you can renew it easily online.
Click HERE or the picture below to apply for a work permit and for more information.
If you do not have a work permit, you can apply for levels 1-3. It is important in education that you progress each year, not to repeat levels. You will need a level 5 or 6 in order to apply for university degrees at levels 7 or 8.

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 (NFQ).
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.

You can watch this 20-minute video which explains FET and how you can apply.

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 the websites below.

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

Alternatively, look at the map of colleges, universities and guidance counsellors from the Education home page by clicking HERE.

Useful websites

NFQ National Framework of Qualifications - https://www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/the-qualifications-system/national-framework-of-qualifications
Adult Education Guidance Service - https://www.etbi.ie/fet-guidance/contact-a-local-adult-guidance-service/
Map of Ireland - https://bit.ly/3KggrWa
How to search for a course - www.fetchcourses.ie
Work Permit - https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/labour-market-access-permission/
VTOS - https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/returning_to_education/vocational_training_opportunities_scheme.html
BTEA - https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/5afe0f-operational-guidelines-back-to-education-allowance/#criteria-and-qualifying-eligibility
PTEO - https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f4113d-operational-guidelines-back-to-education-part-time-education-option/
IPS Scheme - https://www.gov.ie/en/service/e786a-student-support-scheme-for-asylum-seekers/
SUSI grant - https://www.susi.ie/index.html
IPS and SUSI monthly payment details - https://www.susi.ie/eligibility-criteria/income/undergraduate-income-thresholds-and-grant-award-rates/index.html
IRC Education Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/IRCeducation/ (open to refugees & protection applicants only)
Saint Vincent de Paul Education Grants - https://www.svp.ie/what-we-do/education-grants/