What is NSLF?

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has extended the pilot of the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF).

NSLF aims to assist early years educators to pursue higher education level early learning and care (ELC) qualifications that have been approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB), while they continue to work in the sector.

Chevron College is an NSLF eligible institution for both our L7 and L8 Early Years programmes and last year, 65% of NSLF applicants chose to complete their ELC degree with us.

In 2025, the pilot Nurturing Skills Learner Fund scheme will fund 350 ELC educators to undertake QAB-approved Early Learning and Care degree programmes (at levels 7 or 8), with funding provided directly to the educational institutions, lowering the overall cost to those studying while working in the sector. Please note there over 600 applicants applied for NSLF funding in 2024 and the application process through Pobal closes on 1st May 2025.

To minimise the barrier to participation, the pilot fund will meet 80% of the tuition fees and student contribution due by successful applicants, up to a maximum amount of €3,200. The remaining costs can be paid by the student or their employer, though a further 10% (€360) contribution will be refunded to the student six months after completion of each academic year, once they remain working in a ELC/SAC service and subject to the continuation of the NSLF pilot scheme.