Ireland’s universities are scaling up their MicroCreds programme, providing short, targeted, accredited courses to address skills gaps in sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, finance, and ESG.

The initiative, led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, University of Galway, Maynooth University, and Technological University Dublin, has delivered over 650 courses to more than 1,000 students aged 21 to 67.

Micro-credentials are designed to be flexible, lasting six to 12 weeks, and mapped to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), ranging from one to 30 ECTS credits. They provide learners with practical, industry-relevant skills that support career progression, reskilling, and lifelong learning.

The initiative actively engages enterprise partners through an Enterprise Advisory Group, helping to ensure courses reflect real-world organisational needs. Companies report that MicroCreds have enhanced employee performance and supported digital transformation, ESG initiatives, and data-driven decision-making.

Government funding of €12.3 million underpinned the five-year project, while recent fee subsidies of 50–80% have broadened access to nearly 13,900 course places. Despite uncertainty over continued funding, universities are committed to embedding micro-credentials in lifelong learning strategies, providing flexible, high-quality upskilling pathways for employees across industries.

The MicroCreds project demonstrates how higher education can collaborate with enterprise to meet fast-changing skills demands, ensuring Ireland remains at the forefront of flexible professional education in Europe.

Discover how Irish universities are transforming professional learning with MicroCreds and expanding opportunities for upskilling across sectors in the full story.