It suits people fitting study around work or family. On a jobseeker's payment, apply for the Part-Time Education Option first so your payment is protected.
Quick facts
- Cost
- Free if you qualify
- Levels
- NFQ 3 to 6
- Free for
- Early school leavers, WFP, medical card, means-tested payments
- Keep welfare
- Usually
- Jobseekers
- Apply for Part-Time Education Option
- Allowance
- Generally none
What it is
"The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) offers part-time courses for adults and young people who left school early and face barriers to education." "If eligible, you can do courses from Levels 3 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) ."
When it's free
"You can do a BTEI course for free if you left school early." Whether or not you left early, it's free if you "Get a jobseeker's payment or another means-tested payment Get a Working Family Payment Have a medical card Are eligible for VTOS or Youthreach". Otherwise there's a course fee.
Your payment
"Yes, you can usually keep getting your social welfare payment while taking a BTEI course." "If you get a Jobseeker's payment, you must apply for the Part-Time Education Option ."
"In general, you don't get a training allowance for a BTEI course." Find courses on the Further Education and Training Course Hub, or ask your ETB's Adult Education Guidance Service.
Common questions
Is the Back to Education Initiative free?
Yes, if you left school early, get a means-tested payment or Working Family Payment, have a medical card, or are eligible for VTOS or Youthreach.
Can I keep my jobseeker's payment on a BTEI course?
Usually, but you must apply for the Part-Time Education Option.
Do you get paid to do a BTEI course?
Generally no training allowance is paid.
What levels are BTEI courses?
Levels 3 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.