2026 Programme of Funded Higher Education Institution (HEI) courses for Health and Social Care Professionals

Dear Colleagues,

The National Health and Social Care Professions Office is delighted to announce the 2026 Programme of Funded Higher Education Institution (HEI) courses for Health and Social Care Professionals. This programme has been developed through joint National HSCP Office and Regional HSCP hub collaboration, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting professional development across the HSCP workforce.

Please find the 2026 Programme attached. The programme document outlines the available funded courses and includes direct course weblinks for further information, including course content, eligibility criteria and delivery format.

The Smart Survey application link to apply for specific course funding is included within the programme. Applicants are asked to review the programme document carefully prior to submitting an application for course funding.

Application Requirements

Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are fully completed, with particular attention given to the personal statement, which should clearly outline the relevance of the selected course to their current role and scope of practice.

Please note the following important requirements:

• Applicants must correctly input their work email address, as this will be the primary means of communicating the outcome of their application.
• Applicants must be directly employed as one of the 26 HSCP professions by the HSE or by a Section 38 or Section 39 organisation.
• Applicants must have line management approval to undertake their chosen course prior to applying for funding.

The application deadline is Friday 29^th of May 2026 @ 5pm. Due to the high volumes of submissions, late applications cannot be accepted.

Progression from Previously Funded Awards

Applicants who have previously received funding for a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma and are seeking funding to progress to the next academic level may do so as follows:

• Applicants should select the equivalent course at PG Certificate level within the application process.
• Within the personal statement, applicants must clearly state that they are seeking progression funding.

For example, an applicant who has previously completed the PG Certificate in Dementia at Trinity College Dublin and wishes to apply for funding toward a Diploma may do so by applying under the PG Certificate listing and clearly indicate this intention in their personal statement. The same approach applies where an applicant has completed a Diploma and is seeking funding toward an MSc.

We encourage all eligible HSCPs with an interest in professional development to review the programme and consider applying.

Kind regards,

The National Health and Social Care Professions Office