Application Window Now Open for 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary
The 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary is open for applications between Monday 14th September and 5pm on Friday 9th October 2026.
To receive an application form, please contact your local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). Completed applications must be received within the deadline by your local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) who will process applications, for appraisal by the DCDE.
The rules for the Graduate Bursary and the Childminder Bursary are set out below.
The Learner Fund Bursary amount for 2026 will remain set at €1000.
For 2026, the Learner Fund Graduate Bursary is open to Early Learning and Care practitioners who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- have graduated in 2024, 2025 or 2026 only;
- have graduated with a Quality Advisory Board (QAB) approved Early Learning and Care Degree Programme at Level 7 or 8 only. The list can be viewed here: 20260409_List_of_Approved_Programmes_for_Adherence_to_the_Professional_Award_Criteria_and_Guideline…
- For 2026, the Learner Fund Childminder Bursary is open to childminders who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- applicants must currently be a Tusla registered Childminding Service.
- have graduated in 2024, 2025 or 2026 only;
- have graduated with Level 5, or 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
or
- have graduated with a Quality Advisory Board (QAB) list of approved Early Learning and Care Degree Programmes at level 7 or 8 only. The list can be viewed here: 20260409_List_of_Approved_Programmes_for_Adherence_to_the_Professional_Award_Criteria_and_Guideline…
If demand for Learner Fund Graduate Bursary funding exceeds the available budget, policy-based selection criteria will apply, as set out in the rules of the scheme.
Completed applications for the 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary must be received by your local CCC by 5pm on Friday 9th October 2026.