Learner Fund Graduate Bursary 2023

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) have re-opened the Learner Fund Bursary to Early Learning and Care practitioners who are new graduates of a recognised Early Childhood Education and Care degree programme.

South Dublin CCC will process and appraise Learner Fund Graduate Bursary applications for our area.

SDCCC will be accepting applications from today Aug 14^th 2023. You can download the Learner Fund Bursary Rules and the Application form at the end of this article.

The closing date for receipt of Applications by South Dublin CCC is 5pm on Friday 29th September 2023. Please email completed applications to info@southdublinchildcare.ie.

The qualification for which the bursary is paid must be either:

• (a) On the DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications list and indicated as meeting the qualification requirements for lead educator graduate premium.

Or

(b) The applicant must hold a letter of eligibility to practice from DCEDIY which states that the qualification meets the standard for lead educator graduate premium.

• The award must be placed at level 7/8/9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and was achieved in the academic years 2015-2023.
• The bursary amount will be €750.
• The qualification must be a full, major award; the bursary will not be paid in respect of partially completed awards.
• The qualification for which the bursary is paid must be that which qualifies the person to work in the Early Learning and Care sector (and is at least level 7 on the NFQ).
• Applicants may only apply once and cannot be granted the Learner Fund Graduate bursary for a second time if they have already received it before.
• The applicant cannot have received any public funding in support of their completing the award relating to this application.
• The bursary is only available to experienced practitioners who were working in a Tusla registered Early Learning & Care service or as a Tusla registered Childminder prior to beginning their course.
• Applicants must be currently working in a Tusla registered Early Learning & Care Service. Childminders registered with Tusla can apply for the Graduate Bursary.
• Staff working in standalone School Age Childcare services are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants can apply with a full transcript of the completed degree in lieu of a graduating certificate. A full transcript; can be obtained from the educational institution and must show clearly that the learner has been awarded the full degree. Screenshots or downloads from student accounts / portals will cannot be accepted.
• Photographic identification must be provided along with any supporting documents.
• Late or incomplete applications; will not be accepted.
• Decision of the CCC is final and cannot be appealed.

Timeframe for applications:

Download Learner Fund Graduate Bursary 2023 Rules

Download Learner Fund Graduate Bursary 2023 Application Form