Kickstart your college career with a Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree – No points needed

As students start planning for the 2026 academic year, the conversation around courses and pathways is well underway. Deciding what to do after school or heading back to learning later in life can be tough. We’ve all been there. Between exams, points pressure, and figuring out how to afford rent, it’s easy to feel stuck.

But what if there was another way to access a degree — one that doesn’t depend on points, sky-high fees, or moving halfway across the country? That’s exactly what the Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree from the National Tertiary Office offers. If you’re worried about not reaching a certain points requirement, you should check out the National Tertiary Office’s range of Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree programmes. The great thing is there are no points needed and no college fees for the first 1–2 years while studying in your local Education and Training Board (ETB). Launched in 2023 with 13 courses, the pathway has grown rapidly and now includes over 40 courses for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Entry is based on your potential, interests, and ability, with programmes available in high-demand areas including Applied Sports Science, Business, Digital Arts, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Politics and Media, and IT.

This pathway offers a more flexible and accessible route into higher education. You’ll start your degree at an ETB before progressing seamlessly to a Higher Education Institution (HEI). This means you will graduate with the exact same qualification as those who enter through the traditional points route — just by taking a different path. (Honestly, I feel like more people should be talking about this!)

ETBs also give you the chance to start your studies close to home, meaning you can stay local and skip forking out a fortune on rent. When courses begin in ETBs around Ireland, students will be able to begin studying close to home, reducing the cost and pressure of relocating. ETBs also offer smaller class sizes, perfect for those starting out or returning to learning. From day one, students will be registered with both the ETB and the Higher Education Institution (HEI), giving them full access to libraries, sports facilities, academic supports, and health and wellbeing services across campuses.

If you’re looking for a meaningful career in a growing sector, the National Tertiary Office’s wide range of Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree programmes might be the perfect fit.
Find out more and apply now at www.nto.ie.