In 2025, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) will open the Learner Fund Graduate Bursary to Early Learning and Care (ELC) educators who graduated in 2024 or 2025 from a Qualification Advisory Board approved course in Early Childhood Education and Care at level 7 or level 8 only and for Childminders who are registered with Tusla and have recently graduated with either a Level 5, or 6 also in 2024 or 2025
This year, changes to eligibility and selection criteria of the Learner Fund Bursary will be introduced to align the scheme rules with those of the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF).
The Learner Fund Bursary amount for 2025 will remain set at €1000.
However, where the demand for Learner Fund exceeds funding allocations successful applicants will be selected based on the new eligibility and selections criteria.
The rules have been amended to reflect an alignment with the NSLF scheme in relation to the eligibility criteria (and the selection criteria in case of excess demand).
Application form and Rules can be downloaded below
If you have any queries on or for more information on the Learner Fund Bursary please contact Sinéad via email
s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie or phone 057 86 61029
Please send completed application forms to
Sinead Brophy
Laois County Childcare Committee
6 Lismard Court
Portlaoise
Co. Laois
Applications will open on 15th September and close at 5pm on 17th October 2025. Applications received after 17th October will not be accepted.
