Understanding the HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidy and your Eligibility

In today’s fast-paced world, staying competitive in the job market requires continuous learning and upskilling. Micro-credentials aim to address many of the barriers to life-long learning and their flexible design enables learners to successfully balance further study with other commitments.  For a limited time only, these short courses are funded through the HCI Micro-credentials Learner Fee Subsidy Scheme.  This scheme reduces the learner fee by 50 or 80% on most micro-credentials.

What is the HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidy?

The HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidy is a program designed to make short, flexible courses known as micro-credentials more accessible to learners. These micro-credentials are aimed at addressing critical skills gaps and promoting lifelong learning. HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only and are limited. Course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis unless otherwise stated. View funded micro-credentials here: https://www.ucd.ie/microcredentials/news/learner-fee-subsidy/

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidy, you need to meet certain criteria set out by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Here's a breakdown:
Residency: You must be living full-time in the Republic of Ireland.
PPS Number: You need to have your own valid PPS (Personal Public Service) Number.
Nationality/Visa Requirement: You must be an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss national or hold specific residency statuses on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
Residency Period: You must have lived in the EU, EEA, UK, or Switzerland for at least 3 out of the last 5 years.
Employment Status: You need to indicate your current employment status when applying, whether employed or unemployed and receiving qualifying welfare payments.
Education and Other Entry Criteria: Entry requirements vary by course provider and may include recognition of prior experience and learning.

Note: Applicants who are in receipt of an eligible DSP payment are not expected to demonstrate that they meet the Nationality/Visa requirement or 3 of the previous 5 years EU/EEA/UK/Swiss residency requirement. 

Ukrainian Applicants: Specific guidelines apply to Ukrainian applicants, particularly those under Temporary Protection.
Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants, except for “Unemployed” status and in receipt of a qualifying DSP payment, must provide evidence limited to the following visas for three out of previous 5 years residency in the Republic of Ireland:

• Stamp 1
• Stamp 3
• Stamp 4 / Stamp 4 EU FAM / Stamp 4D
• Stamp 5
• Stamp 6

Employment Status: When applying for the HCI Fee Subsidy through a participating University you must indicate whether you are employed or unemployed.
DSP Payments: Applicants who are in receipt of an eligible DSP payment are not expected to demonstrate that they meet the Nationality/Visa requirement or 3 of the previous 5 years EU/EEA/UK/Swiss residency requirement.

More detailed information regarding eligibility can be found here: https://www.ucd.ie/microcredentials/t4media/HCI-Micro-credentials-Fee-Subsidy-Eligibility-Criteria.pdf 

How to Apply?

The HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidy is administered by the course provider you're applying to. The process is usually carried out during the admissions or registration process. If you have any questions about eligibility or the application process, reach out to the course provider for assistance.

• Visit www.ucd.ie/microcredentials and check if funding is available on your chosen course.
• Click APPLY on the Micro-credential web page.
• Answer the questions in relation to the subsidy scheme and SUBMIT your application.

The HCI Micro-Credential Fee Subsidy opens doors to learning opportunities for individuals looking to enhance their skills and stay competitive in today's job market. This program encourages lifelong learning and skill development. If you're considering enrolling in a micro-credential course, explore your eligibility as you may receive funding of 50-80%. 

However, micro-credentials are also standalone courses, which demonstrate to an employer expert knowledge in key areas that have been identified as skills gaps within industry.