MyCareerVerse
MyCareerVerse
I am

Every route to grow, change or restart your career

Move up in your job, change direction, upskill, get a qualification or get back into learning or work. See every route open to adults in Ireland, from Level 1 to a master’s, what it costs, the grants and allowances you could get, and where to apply.

Check what you qualify forFind your transferable skills
Moving upChanging careerUpskillingGetting qualifiedReturning to learningBack to work Graduates

Every adult pathway in Ireland with who is eligible, what it costs, the grants that apply and where to apply, plus a dashboard built for adult guidance caseloads. Built by a practising guidance counsellor for counsellors working with adults.

See the dashboardSee every pathway
Career changersUpskillersReturnersMature studentsJobseekersCarers and homemakers Graduates

Aoife, 38

Retail manager, thinking about healthcare

Example
1
Career DNAStrongest interests: Social and Enterprising
2
Skills AuditPeople and care skills strong; builds a CV for Healthcare Assistant
3
Routes and fundingPart-time Level 5 now, mature CAO entry with a SUSI grant later
4
Talk it throughA guidance counsellor helps her decide and plan
Your sessionYou start from what she has already explored
17
adult pathways
1 to 10
NFQ levels covered
14
grants and supports
2026/27
rules, with Budget 2027
Where do you want to go?

Start with your goal

Pick the one that fits best to jump to the routes, grants and tools for it. Most people mix more than one.

Just graduated

Graduate programmes, conversion courses and professional routes, with a Career Launch Plan to map them.

See the Career Launch Plan
Not sure what you can get? Check what you qualify for in two minutesAre you a guidance counsellor?
For you as a counsellor

Run your adult guidance caseload in one place

The MyCareerVerse adult guidance dashboard is built by a practising guidance counsellor for adult guidance, not adapted from a school tool. Your clients do the groundwork in the free MyCareerVerse tools, their results land on your dashboard, and you spend less time on admin and more on the conversation.

Launching soon, shaped by adult guidance counsellors. Register now to be first in line, with a demo and pricing for you or your whole service.
Get early accessBook a demo

Sessions and write-ups

See the week at a glance and book sessions. Anything not written up is flagged.

Caseload by stage

Intake, exploring, planning, applying, follow-up and closed, with who needs you first.

Every client in one record

Skills Audit, likely grants, saved careers, CV, consent and your private notes.

Action plans clients see

Steps with due dates on their own dashboard. Send them a tool in one click.

Referrals tracked

Intreo, SUSI, the ETB, college access and more, from sent to outcome.

Updates that name names

Budget and grant changes, with the clients each one affects.

Outcomes for your reports

Where clients went, as an anonymised report for funders and annual returns.

Groups and printable forms

Record a workshop once. Intake, action plan, referral and sign-in forms ready to print.

Adult routes on the NFQ

Where each route starts and where it can lead

Every main adult pathway mapped against the National Framework of Qualifications. Select a route to see who is eligible, the grants that apply and where to apply.

Adult literacyFrom Level 1
YouthreachAges 15 to 20
BTEIPart-time
VTOSFull-time, with allowance
TraineeshipsClassroom and workplace
PLC coursesFull-time, 1 to 2 years
ApprenticeshipsEarn while you learn
Springboard+Free or 90% funded
Mature entry (CAO)Aged 23 or over
Part-time degreesEvening, online, blended
PostgraduateConversion and master’s
Getting startedSkills for workEarn while you learnInto higher educationPostgraduate

Levels shown are the typical range for each route. Work experience schemes, upskilling while in work and starting a business are in the directory below.

Pathway directory

Every adult pathway, with grants and where to apply

Rules and rates are for 2026/27, including changes announced in Budget 2027 in October 2026. Rates change each Budget, so always confirm the current figure with the provider, Intreo or SUSI.

Not sure which of these apply? The Pathway and Funding Finder asks a few short questions and shows the routes, grants and allowances that fit. Open the Funding Finder
Getting startedSkills for workEarn while you learnInto higher educationPostgraduateGraduatesGrants at a glanceWho to contact
Getting started

NFQ Levels 1 to 4, and full-time second-chance education up to Level 6

Adult literacy, numeracy and digital skills

Levels 1 to 3

Reading, writing, spelling, maths and computer skills, one-to-one or in small groups with trained tutors. More than 100 local services run by ETBs and community education centres.

Who
Any adult who wants to build these skills, at their own pace and in confidence.
Cost
Free.
Grants and allowancesNone needed. Jobseekers can keep their payment by applying for the Part-Time Education Option (form PTEO1 at Intreo).
How to applyCall NALA free on 1800 20 20 65 to find the nearest service, or learn online with a phone tutor.
nala.ie

Youthreach

Levels 3 to 4

A second chance at education for early school leavers, leading to QQI Foundation awards, the Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied. Usually one to two years.

Who
Early school leavers aged 15 to 20 (16 to 21 in Community Training Centres).
Cost
Free.
Grants and allowances
  • Weekly allowance of up to €45 (ages 16 to 17) or €254 (18 and over). A higher social welfare rate can be kept.
  • Travel allowance if living 5km or more away; meal allowance in some centres.
  • Childcare through the National Childcare Scheme.
How to applyAny time of year, through the local ETB, Youthreach centre or Community Training Centre.
Youthreach details

Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)

Levels 3 to 6

Part-time courses run by ETBs that fit around work and family, from basic education up to Level 6 awards.

Who
Adults who left school early, whether working or not, or anyone on a jobseeker’s or other means-tested payment, Working Family Payment or a medical card, or eligible for VTOS or Youthreach.
Cost
Free for the groups above. Others pay a course fee.
Grants and allowancesMost people keep their social welfare payment. Jobseekers must apply for the Part-Time Education Option at Intreo.
How to applySearch and apply on fetchcourses.ie, or ask the local ETB or Adult Education Guidance Service.
fetchcourses.ie

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

Levels 3 to 6

Full-time second-chance education and training, around 30 hours a week for up to two years, including Leaving Certificate and QQI Level 3 to 6 awards.

Who
Aged 21 or over and at least 6 months (156 days) on Jobseeker’s Benefit or Allowance (or credits), One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension or certain other payments. Also dependent partners of eligible people and people who received statutory redundancy.
Cost
No fees. Books and materials are free.
Grants and allowances
  • VTOS training allowance, generally at the maximum jobseeker’s rate, not taxable and kept over the summer between years.
  • Travel, meal and childcare support depending on circumstances.
  • Not eligible for a SUSI maintenance grant while on VTOS.
How to applyThrough the local ETB.
VTOS details
Skills for work

NFQ Levels 4 to 6, plus upskilling while in employment

Traineeships and Specific Skills Training

Levels 4 to 6

Traineeships combine classroom learning with time in a real workplace. Specific Skills Training (SST) courses build job-ready skills in a particular area.

Who
Any age or background, employed or seeking work, living in Ireland with a PPS number.
Cost
Traineeships are free. Day SST courses are free for unemployed people; evening SST courses are free if on a social welfare payment.
Grants and allowances
  • FET training allowance if moving from Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit, Disability Allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance: same rate as the payment (under 25s on Jobseeker’s Allowance get at least €254).
  • People on One-Parent Family Payment, Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension keep their own payment.
  • Travel allowance if living 3 miles or more away; accommodation allowance if living away from home.
How to applyOn fetchcourses.ie or with the ETB training centre. Jobseekers can also be referred by Intreo or the Local Employment Service.
fetchcourses.ie Training allowances

Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses

Levels 5 to 6

Full-time, one to two years, in local colleges. Many lead straight to work, and many link into higher education through the Higher Education Links Scheme, which lets a QQI Level 5 or 6 major award be used to apply through the CAO.

Who
School leavers and adults. A Leaving Cert is not always needed: relevant work or life experience can count.
Cost
The €200 participant contribution was abolished in September 2022. Colleges may still charge for books, registration and exam fees.
Grants and allowances
  • SUSI PLC maintenance grant, means-tested. In 2026/27 full maintenance applies under €47,010 household income (fewer than 4 dependent children), paid in nine monthly instalments.
  • Or the Back to Education Allowance, after 3 months (78 days) on a qualifying payment. You cannot hold both maintenance and BTEA or VTOS.
  • No FET training allowance on PLC courses.
How to applyDirectly to the college, or find courses on fetchcourses.ie. SUSI applications are made at susi.ie.
PLC courses on MyCareerVerse susi.ie

Upskilling while working

Short courses and awards

Three routes for adults who want to train without leaving their job, or jobseekers who want short, industry-led courses.

Who
  • Skills to Advance (SOLAS, through ETBs): employees aged 50 and over, in lower-skilled jobs, or in roles that are changing.
  • Skillnet Ireland: employees of member companies, plus jobseekers on qualifying payments and some recent graduates and redundancy recipients.
  • eCollege: SOLAS online courses that can be taken from home.
Cost
Skills to Advance is subsidised. Skillnet courses are free for eligible jobseekers.
Grants and allowancesJobseekers keep their payment on approved part-time courses through the Part-Time Education Option.
How to applySkills to Advance through the local ETB (employee or employer). Skillnet and eCollege online.
Skills to Advance Skillnet Ireland eCollege
Earn while you learn

Apprenticeships, paid work experience and starting a business

Apprenticeships

Levels 5 to 10

Paid jobs with structured training, 2 to 4 years. Craft apprenticeships lead to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate; newer apprenticeships run from Level 5 up to Level 10.

Who
Aged 16 or over with no upper age limit. Usually five Junior Cycle grade D passes or equivalent, or aged over 18 with three years of relevant work experience plus an assessment interview.
Cost
No fees, except a pro-rata student contribution when off-the-job training is in a college. It was reduced by 17% for craft and consortia-led apprentices in 2025/26.
Grants and allowances
  • The employer pays a wage. On older craft apprenticeships the ETB pays an allowance during off-the-job phases.
  • Bursaries of up to €3,000 for under-represented groups, Travellers and care leavers (apprenticeship@nao.ie).
  • Working Family Payment may apply. Apprentices cannot get a SUSI grant.
How to applyFind a vacancy on apprenticeship.ie and apply to the employer. For craft trades, contact the ETB Apprenticeship Section. The 12-week Access to Apprenticeship programme helps 16 to 24 year olds get ready.
apprenticeship.ie How apprenticeships work

Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)

Work experience

A six-month paid placement, 30 hours a week, with at least 60 hours of training (20 hours accredited), a learning plan and a weekly mentor.

Who
Aged 18 to 65 and on a qualifying payment for 6 months in the last 12 (4 months if under 30). No waiting period on One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension.
Cost
Free and voluntary.
Grants and allowancesAt least €369 a week, including a training uplift that Budget 2027 increases to €140. Medical card and secondary benefits are kept. A Training Support Grant of up to €1,000 is available through an Employment Personal Adviser.
How to applyFind placements on JobsIreland.ie and apply to the host organisation.
JobsIreland.ie

Community Employment and Tús

Work experience

Part-time work (19.5 hours a week) in community and voluntary organisations. CE participants work towards a QQI award with an individual learning plan.

Who
  • CE: aged 21 or over and 12 months on a qualifying payment. Some groups, including people on disability payments, can join from 18.
  • Tús: 12 months continuously on a jobseeker’s payment. A 12-month placement.
Cost
Free.
Grants and allowancesCE pays at least €286.50 a week in 2026, your previous payment plus a top-up. Budget 2027 raises the CE and Tús top-up to €35 a week.
How to applyRegister at the local Intreo Centre. CE vacancies are also listed on JobsIreland.ie.
CE details

Starting a business

Self-employment

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance lets people keep part of their social welfare payment while a new business gets going.

Who
Under 66 and at least 9 months (234 days) on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or certain other payments. The business plan must be approved before trading starts.
Cost
Free. Local Enterprise Offices and Local Development Companies offer free or low-cost business training.
Grants and allowances100% of the payment in year one and 75% in year two, not taxed. An Enterprise Support Grant of up to €2,500 for equipment, training and marketing (10% own contribution).
How to applyMeet an Employment Personal Adviser at Intreo and complete form BTW 2. Do not start trading until written approval arrives.
BTWEA details
Into higher education

NFQ Levels 6 to 8, full-time, part-time and funded upskilling

Mature entry through the CAO

Levels 6 to 8

Colleges keep places for mature applicants, assessed on experience and motivation as well as qualifications. Many use interviews, essays or assessments.

Who
Aged 23 or over on 1 January of the year of entry (on or before 1 January 2027 for 2027 entry). Some colleges set their own rules.
Cost
The Free Fees Initiative covers tuition for eligible students. The student contribution is €2,350 a year after Budget 2027 (anyone who paid €2,500 for 2026/27 gets €150 back). A second undergraduate degree at the same level is generally not covered.
Grants and allowances
  • SUSI grant for fees and maintenance. Mature students living independently are assessed on their own (and partner’s) income.
  • Or the Back to Education Allowance after 9 months (234 days) on a qualifying payment, plus €500 a year Cost of Education Allowance with a dependent child. Still apply to SUSI for the fee grant.
  • Student Assistance Fund, Fund for Students with Disabilities and tax relief on fees.
How to applyOn the CAO by 5pm on 1 February 2027, completing the mature applicant sections. Talk to the college mature student officer early.
CAO mature applicants Course Explorer

Access and foundation courses

Preparation for degree study

One-year courses that prepare mature students for college, academically and personally. Examples include Trinity’s Foundation Studies for mature students, the TU Dublin Access Foundation Programme and the TUS Transition to Higher Education programme. Many ETBs also run Access to Higher Education PLC courses.

Who
Usually aged 23 or over, often from groups under-represented in higher education, with no Leaving Cert requirement.
Cost
Often free for students eligible for free fees. Check each course.
Grants and allowancesThe Back to Education Allowance covers full-time foundation and access courses after 3 months (78 days) on a qualifying payment.
How to applyDirectly to the college, usually in spring, with interviews in early summer. Places are limited.
Trinity Foundation TU Dublin Access

Part-time and flexible degrees

Levels 6 to 8

Evening, weekend, online and blended degrees for adults who need to keep working or caring.

Who
Anyone meeting the college’s entry requirements, which for adults often include work experience.
Cost
Part-time fees are set by each college and can be claimed for tax relief.
Grants and allowances
  • SUSI Part-Time Fee Scheme for specified courses: household income under €64,315 (fewer than 4 dependent children) in 2026/27, paying up to €750 per 5 credits, to a maximum of €7,500.
  • Jobseekers keep their payment through the Part-Time Education Option.
  • The Student Assistance Fund has a ring-fenced part-time element for lone parents and other priority groups.
How to applyDirectly to the college. Fee support through SUSI. 2026/27 applications close on 5 November 2026.
SUSI part-time scheme

Springboard+

Levels 6 to 9

Free or heavily subsidised higher education courses in skills-shortage areas such as ICT, cybersecurity, sustainable energy, medical technology and AI. In 2026 there were over 7,200 places on 244 courses, mostly part-time, online or blended, and a year or less.

Who
  • Unemployed people on a qualifying payment or credits, or on Community Employment or Tús.
  • Previously self-employed people who have stopped trading.
  • Carers and homemakers returning to work after 9 of the last 12 months on caring or home duties.
  • Employed and self-employed people.
  • Recent Level 8 graduates (within 12 months) for Level 8 ICT conversion courses only.
No age limit. Must live in Ireland, have a PPS number and meet residency rules.
Cost
Free for unemployed people and returners. Employed: Level 6 free, Levels 7 to 9 cost 10% of the fee (waived on Working Family Payment or Community Employment). Micro-credentials are 50% funded.
Grants and allowancesJobseekers keep their payment on part-time courses through the Part-Time Education Option, or may move to the Back to Education Allowance on full-time courses.
How to applyOn springboardcourses.ie: up to 10 applications, one course at a time. 2026 courses started between August and October; new courses are normally announced in spring. Anyone on a payment should also tell Intreo.
springboardcourses.ie
Postgraduate and abroad

NFQ Levels 9 and 10, conversion courses, teaching and study in Europe

Postgraduate study

Levels 9 to 10

Higher Diplomas, conversion master’s and professional programmes such as the Professional Master of Education, for graduates changing direction.

Who
Usually a Level 8 degree. Some master’s admit applicants on relevant life experience.
Cost
Fees are set by each college. Springboard+ Level 9 courses cost employed learners 10%.
Grants and allowances
  • SUSI postgraduate fee contribution of up to €4,500 (2026/27), with maintenance for eligible students.
  • Special rate (income €28,600 or less plus a long-term social welfare payment): fees up to €6,270 and maintenance up to €7,936.
  • Back to Education Allowance from age 24 for a Level 8 Higher Diploma, the PME (after 12 months on a payment) or a master’s admitted on life experience.
How to applyDirectly to the college. SUSI covers approved courses in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Postgraduate grants

Study in Europe

Degrees and master’s

English-taught degrees across Europe, often with lower fees and no CAO points race. Some suit adults looking for a fresh start.

Who
Entry rules are set by each university and country.
Cost
Varies widely by country.
Grants and allowancesSUSI maintenance can apply to approved undergraduate courses outside the State, at separate rates. SUSI postgraduate grants do not cover courses elsewhere in the EU.
How to applyDirectly to the university, or through the country’s own application system.
Study in Europe on MyCareerVerse
Finished a degree and not sure what comes next? A Career Launch Plan maps the graduate programmes, roles and qualifications open to you. See the Career Launch Plan
Grants at a glance

The main grants and allowances for adult learners

Most people can only hold one main payment at a time. The usual choice is between keeping a social welfare payment (BTEA, VTOS or a training allowance) and a SUSI maintenance grant.

SupportWhat it doesMain conditionsApply through
SUSI student grantFees, student contribution and maintenance for PLC, undergraduate, part-time and postgraduate studyMeans-tested on the previous calendar year’s income. Independent mature students assessed on their own incomesusi.ie
Free Fees InitiativePays undergraduate tuitionResidency, nationality and course rules. Generally a first undergraduate course at that levelAutomatic, through the college
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)Keeps a weekly payment during full-time studyAge 21 or over (24 for postgraduate). 3 months on a qualifying payment for further education, 9 months for higher education. No wait after statutory redundancyIntreo, form BTE1, before the course or within 30 days of it starting
Cost of Education Allowance€500 a yearOn BTEA with a dependent childIntreo, with BTEA
Part-Time Education OptionKeeps a jobseeker’s payment during part-time studyMust stay available for and seeking full-time workIntreo, form PTEO1
VTOS allowanceWeekly training allowance plus travel, meals and childcare supportAged 21 or over, 6 months on a qualifying paymentLocal ETB
FET training allowanceWeekly allowance on traineeships, Specific Skills Training and some ETB coursesMoving from a jobseeker’s, disability or supplementary welfare paymentCourse provider or Intreo
Springboard+ fundingFree or 90% funded Level 6 to 9 coursesUnemployed, returners, employed or self-employedspringboardcourses.ie
Student Assistance FundHelp with rent, food, travel, books and childcareHigher education students at Levels 6 to 10, full-time or part-time, including Springboard+The college
Fund for Students with DisabilitiesAssistive technology, learning support, note-takers, transportA verified disability and need. PLC students through SOLAS and the ETBCollege disability or access office
Childcare supportsNational Childcare Scheme subsidies. Budget 2027 raises the income limit for the maximum subsidy to €38,500 from September 2027Parents in education, training or workncs.gov.ie, or the course provider
Apprenticeship bursariesUp to €3,000Under-represented groups, Travellers, care leaversapprenticeship@nao.ie
Back to Work Enterprise AllowanceKeeps 100% then 75% of a payment for two years, plus a grant of up to €2,5009 months on a qualifying payment and an approved business planIntreo, form BTW 2
Tax relief on feesRelief at the standard rate on college feesThe first €2,350 (full-time) or €1,175 (part-time) is not covered, from the 2026 tax yearRevenue, myAccount
Eligibility quick check

Five facts that decide most of the funding

1
Current payment and how long it has been paid. 3, 6, 9 and 12 months are the common thresholds for BTEA, VTOS, BTWEA and CE.
2
Highest qualification already held. A previous degree usually rules out free fees for another at the same level, but not Springboard+ or postgraduate support.
3
Age. 21 for VTOS and BTEA, 23 on 1 January for mature entry and mature SUSI assessment, 24 for postgraduate BTEA.
4
Living independently or at home. This decides whose income SUSI counts.
5
Caring responsibilities and residency. These affect childcare supports, Springboard+ returner status and residency rules for grants.
Who to contact

Where to get advice and a decision

Adult Education Guidance Service

Free, impartial guidance in every ETB. One Step Up freephone 1800 303 669

Intreo and Local Employment Services

BTEA, Part-Time Education Option, CE, Tús, WPEP and BTWEA decisions through an Employment Personal Adviser

SUSI

Student grants. 0818 888 777

Citizens Information

Independent information on every scheme. 0818 07 4000

NALA

Adult literacy services. 1800 20 20 65

College mature student or access officer

Mature entry, access courses, Student Assistance Fund and disability supports

Free tools

Free tools to plan your next move

Every course is explained in the same format and the same plain language, year by year. No more digging through college websites.

For your clients

The tools your clients can use between sessions

Every course is explained in the same format and the same plain language, year by year. No more digging through college websites.

New for adults

Transferable Skills Audit

Rate 24 skills across work, caring, volunteering and everyday life. Get a skills profile, an upskilling plan for the career you want, and a CV built from your own skills.

Start the audit
About 10 minutes
Counts unpaid and caring work
Shows what to upskill in for 30 careers
Builds a skills-first CV
Free, with nothing to sign up for

Career DNA

A picture-based interest profile that shows where interests overlap, not just the top three letters.

Good for: not knowing where to startOpen Career DNA

Careers Explorer

Hundreds of careers, each with its interest code, industry and the NFQ level you can enter at.

Good for: testing a new direction against real entry pointsExplore careers

Course Explorer

Over 1,500 CAO courses with filters for year abroad, work placement and language, explained module by module.

Good for: comparing degrees as a mature applicantFind courses

PLC courses

How Post Leaving Cert courses work, what they cost and how they link into higher education.

Good for: getting back into learningRead about PLCs

Apprenticeships

Craft and newer-generation apprenticeships explained, including how they work for adults already in employment.

Good for: anyone who needs to keep earningSee apprenticeships

Study in Europe

English-taught degrees across Europe, often with lower fees and no points race.

Good for: a fresh start abroadStudy in Europe
Graduates and career changers

Your Career Launch Plan

For recent graduates, final-year students and anyone at a career crossroads, whenever they graduated. Guidance counsellor Angela Curran builds a step-by-step plan around your qualifications, goals and circumstances, mapping the graduate programmes, roles and pathways you are eligible for across Ireland, the UK and the EU.

1Book and brief2Consult and build3Launch and support
See the Career Launch PlanBook a session with Angela

Three packages, from €500.

Competitive Edge ProfileYour strengths and what sets you apart.
Targeted Application ListRoles across Ireland, the UK and the EU, with entry requirements checked.
LinkedIn Launch StrategyHeadline, About section, intro post, message templates and a weekly content plan.
14-Day Action ChecklistA daily checklist that keeps you moving.
Work Experience RoadmapHow to build the experience employers ask for.
Qualification PathwaysProfessional routes such as ACCA, CPA, ACA and CIMA, and apprenticeships.
AI in Adult Guidance

Take the session home: four prompts to try this week

From the AGM session on 11 November. Replace the parts in square brackets, and only ever use anonymised information.

Find transferable skills

Before a first session
I am a guidance counsellor working with an adult client. Below is an anonymised summary of their work history. List the transferable skills it shows, grouped under people, practical, data and ideas. For each group, suggest two questions I could ask to test those skills in session.
[paste anonymised work history]

Compare routes back to learning

When options feel confusing
Compare a QQI Level 5 PLC course, an apprenticeship and a Springboard+ course for an adult in Ireland returning to education to work in [field]. Use a table showing time commitment, typical cost, entry requirements and where each leads. Flag anything I should confirm with the provider.

Reframe a CV for a career change

Job seeking support
Rewrite these CV bullet points for a career changer moving from [old sector] to [new sector]. Keep them factual, use plain Irish English and do not invent any achievements.
[paste bullet points]

Plan a first session

Returners after a long break
Plan a 45 minute first guidance session with an adult who has been out of paid work for [number] years. Include a warm opening, two short exploration activities and a way to agree next steps together.

Good practice

  • Never enter names, PPS numbers, addresses or anything that identifies a client.
  • Check every fact against the official source: Citizens Information, SUSI, cao.ie, the college or the provider.
  • AI is often wrong about grant rates and closing dates. The pathway directory on this page is a quicker place to check.
  • AI drafts. You and your client decide.
  • Tell clients when AI has helped prepare something for them.
Questions

Questions adults ask

No. Most adult routes have no upper age limit. From 23 you can apply to college as a mature student, and Springboard+ has no age limit.

Yes. Part-time, evening and online courses, Springboard+ and many apprenticeships fit around work. Springboard+ courses are free at Level 6 and 90% funded at Levels 7 to 9 for people in work.

Often not. The Back to Education Allowance, VTOS and the Part-Time Education Option let many people keep a payment while they study. The Funding Finder shows what may apply to you.

Yes. The pathway directory, the Funding Finder and the Transferable Skills Audit are free, with nothing to sign up for.

Yes. Every ETB runs a free, impartial Adult Education Guidance Service (One Step Up freephone 1800 303 669). You can also book a one-to-one session with guidance counsellor Angela Curran.
Questions

Questions from adult guidance counsellors

No. Courses, careers and routes into learning are the same whatever age your client is. The explorers, guides and reports work just as well for an adult deciding what comes next, and this page brings the adult-only routes and funding together.

Yes. Your clients get their own login, so the careers they save and the courses they compare are there when you meet.

The pathway directory reflects the 2026/27 rules and the Budget 2027 announcements. It is reviewed after each Budget and when SUSI and Springboard+ publish each new year’s details.

MyCareerVerse is run in Ireland and follows GDPR. You can read the full privacy statement.

The Guidance Counsellor Toolkit is an annual subscription of €195 a year, reviewed each year. For a whole adult guidance service, get in touch and we will put together a team subscription. Pricing for the new adult guidance dashboard, for individual counsellors and whole services, goes first to everyone who registers interest.

It is being built now, shaped by feedback from adult guidance counsellors. Register your interest below and you will be among the first to hear, with early access. You can also ask to join the feedback group.

Talk your options through

Get free, impartial guidance from your local Adult Education Guidance Service, or book a one-to-one session with guidance counsellor Angela Curran.

Book a session with AngelaFind free local guidance

Are you a guidance counsellor?

For adult guidance counsellors

Get the dashboard for your practice or service

Tell us a little about you and Angela will be in touch within two working days.

Early access to the adult guidance dashboard
A 20 minute demo on Zoom or in person
Pricing for you or your whole service
Join the feedback group shaping what gets built

Or email info@mycareerverse.ie










    Information checked October 2026 against Citizens Information, SUSI, gov.ie, SOLAS, the HEA, the CAO and NALA. Schemes, rates and closing dates change, so always confirm with the provider before applying.