Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) - Applications Open!
Portobello Institute is participating in the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) 2026. From 10th March, 2026, new applicants should 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 and complete the new application process.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund gives you the opportunity to study your Level 7 BA (Ord) or Level 8 BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education degree with Portobello Institute starting October 3rd 2026, with up to 90% of the course fees covered by NSLF (80% plus the opportunity to reclaim an additional 10% of fees after graduating).
Fill in the form below to register your interest with Portobello Institute. We will follow up with more information and next steps via email. Please note, this is your application to study with us, you will also need to apply separately for NSLF funding via Pobal.
Whether you are re-applying or this is your first time, we are here to support you through the process. At any stage you can call us at 012 338490 from 9 am - 5 pm or book a call at a time that suits you here.
Register Your Interest with Portobello Institute
The Benefits of Choosing Portobello Institute
- Portobello Institute has been delivering early childhood care and education qualifications for 45 years.
- Complete your work placement in your current role and setting - no need to look for external work placement opportunities.
- Enjoy blended online learning with a schedule designed to fit around your full-time job.
- No stressful exams! Our degrees are entirely assessment-based, so you can focus on learning and succeeding.
- Personalised support: Your tutor knows you by name, understands your busy schedule, and is here to help every step of the way.
- Portobello Institute is proudly listed among the eligible institutions and courses for the NSLF, with your degree awarded by University of Essex, QAB-approved and DCEDIY recognised for Graduate Premium.
Applications for NSLF for Academic Year 2026/2027 Now Open
Application Process and Timelines
From 10th March, 2026, new applicants should 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 and complete the new application process.
Applicants who previously applied for NSLF and were unsuccessful, should make a new application for the academic year 2026/2027 through the NSLF Student Portal. Applicants should login to their NSLF account, upload employment details and complete the new application process.
Applicants should ensure that all elements of the application are filled out and required documents provided prior to completing the application process.
The Pobal/NSLF application process will close on 1st May 2026.
Please note, your application to study with Portobello Institute and your NSLF funding application are two different processes - you must complete both at the same time.
Support with Pobal's process can be found here.
Rules and conditions for Academic Year 2026/2027
Please read carefully prior to completing the application process:
Eligibility for NSLF 2026
Applicants for the NSLF must meet the following eligibility criteria for the NSLF:
- 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).
Note: Only applicants who fulfil all the above Eligibility Criteria will be considered for NSLF funding in 2026.
Selection Criteria for NSLF 2026/2027
The NSLF for the academic year 2026/2027 will be limited by the available funding. Where demand for funding is greater than the available budget, the selection of successful applicants is based on the following criteria in the following prioritisation order:
- The number of graduates in the applicant’s service, with priority for applicants from services with no graduates,
- Priority index (Equal Start Index, formerly EPM index), with priority for applicants from services supporting the most disadvantaged children
- The role of the applicant in a service, with priority for those in lead educator or manager roles.
- If, after the above prioritisation has been applied and not been decisive, random selection is applied.
How Much Does the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Cover?
The fund was set up to assist in the financial costs for early year’s educators who wish to pursue early learning and care (ELC) qualifications at level 7 and level 8 while continuing to work in a core funded service.
The NSLF is designed to complement and add to other Government financial supports, such as the Free Fees Initiative and SUSI grants and the scheme will make a contribution of up to 90% of course fees over the course of the degree.
Funding is paid each academic year to an amount of 80% of the total cost of course fees (after discounting other governmental assistance such as Free Fees, SUSI etc..) to a maximum cap of €3,200 per academic year.
This funding is paid directly to the educational intuition on behalf of the successful applicants.
The remaining 10% (of the overall 90% contribution) will be refunded to the applicants after completion of the course and contingent on the successful applicants remaining working in the sector, in a Core Funded Service, for 6 months after completing. It is the responsibility of successful applicants to pay the remainder of their course fees plus student levies when requested by the course provider.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund fees at Portobello Institute are calculated as follows:
- Cost of course fees per academic year: €3,600
- NSLF Grant at 80% of fee: €2,880
- Cost to student per academic year: €720
- Further 10% you can claim back 6 months after graduating and remaining working in the sector: €360 per academic year
Students Who Received NSLF Funding in 2024/2025/2026
Continuing Students (existing students who successfully received NSLF funding in previous academic years and wish to continue to receive funding for NSLF)
Pobal will contact continuing students directly in early Summer asking individuals to verify their continuing eligibility for NSLF. Once eligibility is confirmed a new Letter of Conditional Funding will issue to the student for the new academic year.
Read More
Why Choose Portobello Institute?
Choosing Portobello Institute means that you will study 100% of your classes online around full-time work hours, you can complete the required work placement hours in your current role in an early years setting, and you can relax knowing our courses are assessment based with no exam pressure. We are the early years sector's leading education provider and our Institute was founded in early years education in 1981.
"The process through Portobello was super easy, the communication with staff made the process so much easier. I was a bit worried going back to education after taking some time off but the staff at Portobello are so reassuring." - Una Broderick, Early Childhood Care and Education Student