Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) Update for Academic Year 2026-2027

The NSLF will continue in 2026 for educators seeking to upskill for the academic year 2026/2027
commencing autumn 2026.

NSLF 2026 applications are expected to open in Mid-March 2026.

The NSLF aims to assist early year’s educators to pursue early learning and care (ELC) qualifications
at level 7 and level 8 that have been approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) while
continuing to work in the sector.

Since its inception in 2024 the NSLF scheme has been in a position to offer financial support to over
700 NSLF applicants.

Further information on NSLF application date will be notified to you, and be available on the
Nurturing Skills website: https://www.nurturingskills.ie/

NSLF 2026/2027 Eligibility Criteria
Those wishing to make an application for NSLF in 2026 must meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be working with children in a Tusla-registered Early Learning and Care (ELC) or School Age
Childcare (SAC) service.
• The service in which the applicant is working in, must have a current signed Core Funding
contract with DCDE.
• Applicants must have worked within an ELC or SAC service for the six months prior to their
application.
• Applicants must have a current application/offer for 2026/2027 entry to a Level 7/8 Degree
course approved by the Qualification Advisory Board (QAB) that is eligible for NSLF.
• Be a new entrant to an Approved Course for the academic year commencing 2026/2027
(Autumn 2026).
• For clarity purposes, at time of application an applicant must not hold (or be already
undertaking) an Approved Course at level 7 or level 8 in Early Learning and Care.

Note: Only applicants who fulfil all the above Eligibility Criteria will be considered for NSLF
funding in 2026.