Learner Fund Bursary 2025 – Applications Opening 15/09/2025!

Applications will open for the Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary 2025 on Monday 15th September! Both schemes aim to support Early Learning & Care graduates and registered childminders who have recently completed their studies.

Graduate Bursary
Graduates who completed a QAB-approved Level 7 or 8 ELC qualification in 2024 or 2025 can apply. Applicants must be working in a Tusla-registered Early Learning & Care service. The bursary is worth €1,000, with proof of qualification, final year fee statement, and photo ID required.

Childminder Bursary
Tusla-registered childminders who completed a qualification in 2024 or 2025 may also apply. Eligible qualifications include NFQ-recognised Level 5 or 6 awards, or Level 7 or 8 QAB-approved ELC courses. A bursary of €1,000 is available under the same conditions as the Graduate Bursary.

Important to Note:

  • Applicants cannot have received the bursary before.

  • No other public funding can have been used to complete the qualification.

  • Funding is limited – priority will go to services with no graduates, those in disadvantaged areas, and core-funded services.

  • Closing date: 17th October 2025.

  • Application Forms and Rules for both Graduates and Childminders Available in the links below.

In the event of oversubscription DCDE will apply the above selection criteria.

Timeline for applications:

Applications will open on Monday 15th September and close at 5pm on Friday 17th October 2025: please email completed applications to sligochildcare@gmail.com  or by post to

Unit 5 Neighbourhood Centre,
Rusheen Ard,
Caltragh,
Sligo
F91 YY04

Rules Application-form-LF-Graduate -Bursary-2025

Rules-and-Application -LF-Childminder- Bursary-2025

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