The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) is an initiative aimed at supporting individuals pursuing careers in early learning and care. If you're considering applying, you likely have questions about how it works, eligibility, and the rules governing the fund.
This NSLF FAQ guide will help clarify everything you need to know and will be updated as new information is released.
If you are interested in studying at Portobello Institute through the NSLF, you can register your interest here now. You can also call us at 01 892 0028 from 9 am - 5 pm or book a call at a time that suits you here.
What is the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund?
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) is a government fund to help cover the costs of early years practitioners taking on level 7 and level 8 early childhood care and education qualifications.
The NSLF is organised through Pobal and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). The first round of funded course intakes started in 2024 and it was announced on March 12th 2025 that it will continue for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The courses covered by the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme at Portobello Institute include:
- BA (Ord) Early Childhood Education & Care - 2 Years (Level 7) - starts October 4th 2025
- BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education & Care - 3 years (Level 8) - starts October 4th 2025
What are the Benefits of Choosing Portobello Institute for NSLF?
- Gain hands-on experience by completing 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 seamlessly 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.
The goal of the NSLF is to enhance the quality of early childhood care and education by equipping learners with the necessary qualifications and expertise.
It is part of Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028 set out by the DCEDIY.
When do Applications for NSLF for Academic Year 2025/2026 Open?
The new application process for NSLF for the academic year 2025/2026, opened for applications on 12th March 2025.
What is the NSLF Application Process and Timeline?
From Wednesday, 12th March, 2025, applicants wishing to avail of the fund can 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 applied for NSLF for the academic year 2024/2025 and were unsuccessful, should make a new application for the academic year 2025/2026 through the NSLF Student Portal. These applicants should login to their NSLF account, upload employment details and complete the new application process.
Applicants will be required to complete a number of pre-requisite tasks prior to completing the application process.
The application process will close on 1st May, 2025.
What are the Rules and conditions for Academic Year 2025/2026?
Eligibility for NSLF 2025
Those wishing to make an application 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 DCEDIY.
- 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 2025/26 entry to a Level 7/8 Degree course approved by the Qualification Advisory Board (QAB) that is eligible for NSLF. (Fill in the form above to start this process with Portobello Institute)
- Be a new entrant to an Approved Course for the academic year commencing 2025/2026
(Autumn 2025) - Not be an ELC educator or SAC practitioner currently undertaking the completion of an Approved Course or an equivalent degree.
- Not be an ELC educator or SAC practitioner who has already completed an Approved Course or equivalent degree.
For clarity purposes, at time of application an applicant must not hold (or be undertaking) an Approved Course at level 7 or level 8 in Early Learning and Care.
What is the Selection Criteria for NSLF 2025/2026?
Where the demand for funding is greater than the available budget, the selection of successful applicants is based on the following criteria as set out in the NSLF rules:
1. The number of graduates in the applicant’s service, with priority for applicants from services with no graduates,
2. Priority index (Equal Start Index, formerly EPM index), with priority for applicants from services supporting the most disadvantaged children
3. The role of the applicant in a service, with priority for those in lead educator or manager roles.
4. If, after the above prioritisation has been applied and not been decisive, random selection
was applied.
What do Students Who Received NSLF Funding in 2024/2025 do?
Continuing Students (existing students who successfully received NSLF funding for Academic Year 2024/2025 and wish to continue to receive funding for NSLF for Academic Year 2025/2026)
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 academic year 2025/2026.
How do you Register Your Interest to Study with Portobello Institute?
Portobello Institute is now accepting expressions of interest to study with us in October 2025 upon successfully receiving your funding.
Please remember that your application to Portobello Institute and your NSLF application are two different things. We will support you through this process.
Complete and submit the form below to register your interest to study with Portobello Institute and stay up to date with NSLF. Our course advisors will be in touch to support you with your application.
How Do You Apply for NSLF?
Step 1: Register your interest to study at Portobello Institute. You can do this by filling in and submitting the form below.
Step 2: Apply online on the relevant course page with Portobello Institute. Either BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education or BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education by using the 'Apply' button. This starts your application process with us.
Step 3: You'll hear from our team with more information and support. Pay a deposit to hold your place with us while your NSLF application processes.
Step 4: From Wednesday, 12th March, 2025, applicants wishing to avail of the fund can 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.
Step 5: Submit relevant transcripts of your level 6 qualification to Portobello Institute as part of your application.
Step 6: Our team will assess your eligibility for the course - your application will be accepted or declined. If accepted you will receive an 'offer' which you will need to submit to NSLF ahead of your funding being approved/declined.
Step 7: Upon approval for entry onto Portobello Institute's course you will be registered on the degree programme pending NSLF funding approval. If you are unsuccessful with your application to Portobello Institute or NSLF we can arrange a deposit refund or discuss payment options with you.
Start the process by filling in this form:
How Much Does the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Cover?
The NSLF can make up to a 90% contribution to course fees for participating students.
Funding will be paid each 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 will be paid directly to the educational intuition on behalf of 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 for 6 months after completing.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund fees at Portobello Institute are calculated as follows:
- Cost of course fees per academic year: €3,600
- Nurture Fund 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
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How Many Places Are Available Through NSLF?
For the academic year 2024/2025, over 600 applicants were completed and verified as meeting the criteria for the pilot NSLF. Out of the 600, some 350 applicants were successful and received NSLF funding for the academic year 2024/2025.
Why Apply for the NSLF?
The fund provides a fantastic opportunity to advance in early childhood education without the financial burden of tuition costs. Whether you’re starting in the sector or looking to deepen your expertise, the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund can be a stepping stone to career progression and making a lasting impact on young learners.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund is a valuable initiative supporting professional growth in early childhood education. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and rules governing the fund, you can take full advantage of this opportunity.
What Do I Do If I Have A Question About NSLF?
If you have further questions, be sure to contact sarah.coyne@portobelloinstitute.com. You can also call us 01 892 0028 from 9 am - 5 pm or book a call at a time that suits you here.
If you are working in the early years sector in Ireland, this fund is an opportunity to take the leap and gain your degree to keep up with the sector which is quickly becoming graduate-led.
Portobello Institute is here to support you with this leap, no matter how daunting higher education may seem, your computer skills, work or family commitments or how long it has been since you last studied, we are here to support you on this journey.
Read More: What is the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund?
