Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2026/2027 — Applications Now Open
17 March, 2026
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700+
applicants supported since 2024
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Level 7 & 8
QAB-approved ELC qualifications
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Autumn 2026
academic year commencement
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| ⏰ Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm | Applications open from 10 March 2026 |
ABOUT THE FUND
What is the NSLF?
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) will continue in 2026 for educators seeking to upskill for the academic year 2026/2027 commencing in Autumn 2026. The fund aims to assist early years educators to pursue Early Learning and Care (ELC) qualifications at Level 7 and Level 8, approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB), while continuing to work in the sector.
Since its inception in 2024, the NSLF has offered financial support to over 700 applicants. Further information is available on the Nurturing Skills website:
www.nurturingskills.ie
HOW TO APPLY
Application Process
| 1 |
New applicants
Email Pobal at NSLF@pobal.ie to request a link to the NSLF Student Portal in order to create an account and upload employment details. |
| 2 |
Upload & complete
Upload employment details and complete all elements of the application. Ensure all required documents are provided prior to completing the application process.
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| 3 |
Returning applicants
Applicants who previously applied for NSLF and were unsuccessful should make a new application for 2026/2027 through the NSLF Student Portal.
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| 4 |
Submit before the deadline
All applications must be submitted before 1 May 2026 at 5pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
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KEY DATES
Application Timeline
| 1 |
10 March 2026 — Applications Open
New applicants may email NSLF@pobal.ie to request their Student Portal link and begin their application. |
| 2 |
10 March – 1 May 2026 — Application Window
Complete all sections of the application and upload the required documentation via the NSLF Student Portal.
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| 3 |
1 May 2026 at 5pm — Applications Close
No submissions will be accepted after this deadline. Ensure your application is fully completed before this date.
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| 4 |
Autumn 2026 — Academic Year Commences
Successful applicants enrolled in QAB-approved Level 7/8 ELC courses begin the 2026/2027 academic year.
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WHO CAN APPLY
Eligibility Criteria 2026/2027
To be considered for NSLF funding in 2026, all of the following criteria must be met:
✓ Be working with children in a Tusla-registered Early Learning and Care (ELC) or School Age Childcare (SAC) service.
✓ The service must have a current signed Core Funding contract with DCDE.
✓ Have worked within an ELC or SAC service for the six months prior to application.
✓ Hold a current application/offer for 2026/2027 entry to a Level 7/8 Degree course approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) and eligible for NSLF.
✓ Be a new entrant to an approved course for the academic year commencing Autumn 2026.
✓ Not hold, or be currently undertaking, an approved course at Level 7 or Level 8 in Early Learning and Care at the time of application.
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Please note
Only applicants who fulfil all of the above eligibility criteria will be considered for NSLF funding in 2026. Information for NSLF continuing and graduating students can be found on the Nurturing Skills website. |
Kildare County Childcare Committee