Ireland’s Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree Routes Expanded for 2026/27 

We are pleased to welcome the recent announcement of the latest expansion of Ireland’s Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree routes. For the 2026/27 academic year, 78 tertiary pathways to a Bachelor’s Degree will be available across 24 counties nationwide, offering 1,200 places outside the traditional CAO points system. 

Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree routes are co-designed by higher education institutions and Education and Training Boards (ETBs), creating clear and supported progression pathways from further education into higher education. These programmes provide learners with an alternative route to achieving a full Bachelor’s Degree through flexible, locally delivered provision. 

Now entering its third year, the Tertiary Programme has experienced student enrolment growth of more than 218% since 2023. This sustained increase reflects strong demand for accessible and inclusive routes into higher education, meeting the needs of school leavers as well as adults returning to education. 

City of Dublin FET College offers a wide range of Tertiary Degree programmes and is now open for applications for the 2026–27 academic year. To find out more and apply, visit Courses | National Tertiary Office.

To learn more about Tertiary programmes at City of Dublin FET College, watch our video below.