Steven O’Donnell ATU Springboard Coordinator, Tricia Fitzpatrick ATU Online Student Advisor, Jean Gilligan Head of Business Development, Online, Flexible & Professional Development, Louis Walsh ATU Springboard Coordinator and Peter Butler ATU Springboard Coordinator - welcome the news of the Micro-credential Fees Subsidy Initiative. Photo by Conor Doherty.

Up to 80% subsidy for ATU courses

Published: Thu 21 May 2026, 6:00 PM

MORE than a dozen of courses at ATU have been approved for fee subsidies in 2026.

The subsidies will be provided through funding under the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Micro-credential Course Learner Fee Subsidy Initiative. The initiative will subsidise fees for hundreds of students across the 19 industry focused, micro-credential courses approved for funding at ATU.

Eligible learners can receive up to 80 per cent funding towards ATU micro-credential programmes in areas including AI, cyber security, data analytics, fintech, digital health, biopharma, sustainability and innovation. The subsidised courses aim to give students access to education at significantly reduced costs.

“This funding announcement is a significant endorsement of ATU’s commitment to flexible, industry-responsive learning. Micro-credentials are playing an increasingly important role in supporting lifelong learning, career development, and regional skills growth,” said Professor Jacqueline McCormack, Vice President for EDI and Online and Flexible Learning.