Eligibility

Donegal College of Further Education and Training offers courses that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to students of all ages and backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria for Further Education and Training in Ireland

To qualify for these courses, applicants typically must meet these criteria:

Age Requirement

Most courses are open to individuals aged 16 and over. Certain courses may have a minimum age of 18.

Educational Background

While many courses are open to school leavers, some may require a minimum level of prior education (for example, completion of the Junior or Leaving Certificate).

Motivation and Suitability

Applicants may be asked to demonstrate their interest in the course and how it aligns with their personal or career goals

Residency

Applicants must usually be legally resident in Ireland. Certain supports may require proof of residency for a specific period. (You can find further details below.)

Agriculture and Horticulture
Construction
Electrical
Engineering
Finance
Hospitality
ICT
Logistics
Biopharma
Hairdressing
Healthcare
Insurance
Sales
Recruitment
Motor
Property Services

The following table identifies Residency Status and eligibility for Further Education and Training.

Ireland & European Union	Eligibility
Irish Citizen
EU National

Non-European Economic Area (EEA) (Outside of these 27 countries)	Eligibility
– Spouse/Civil Partner/De Facto Partner of Irish Citizen (cohabiting minimum 2 years)
– Non-EU Parent of Irish Citizen (Under 18 years of age)
– Civil Partner/De Facto Partner/Dependant of EU/EEA National
– Visitor
– Student
– Green Card Permit Holder/Critical Skills Permit Holder
– Spouse/Dependant of Non-EEA Work Permit/General Employment Permit Holder
– Spouse/Dependant of Non-EEA Green Card Permit/Critical Skills Permit Holder

Rest of the World	Eligibility
– Refugee (Geneva Convention & Programme Refugees)
– Subsidiary Protection
– Family members of refugees or people with Subsidiary Protection
– International Protection Application (with Labour Market Access permit)
– International Protection Application (awaiting permit – Literacy and ESOL only)
– Leave to Remain/Temporary Permission to Remain

Entitlements

The following table identifies the Permission Stamp holders and their eligibility for Further Education and Training.

Eligibility:	FET	Work	Additional Information
Stamp 0			Unless specifically permitted.
Stamp 1
Stamp 1A
Stamp 1G			Stamp 1G (Spouse of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder) is not eligible for free access to FET.
Stamp 2
Stamp 2A
Stamp 3
Stamp 4			Article 50 TEU (Stamp 4D) has same status as other Stamps 4 (i.e. eligible for full FET provision).
Stamp 5
Stamp 6

For a full breakdown of the eligibility criteria for accessing further education and training programmes, download the ETBI guidelines below: