Ireland Expanded Tertiary and Apprenticeship Pathways with Robotics and Agricultural Science Routes (Ireland, June 2026)
Ireland launched a new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship and a new Tertiary Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science through Louth and Meath Education and Training Board partnerships. The announcement also confirmed expansion of the wider Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree route for 2026.
Ireland launched a new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship and a new Tertiary Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science through Louth and Meath Education and Training Board partnerships. The announcement also confirmed expansion of the wider Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree route for 2026.
What Changed?
The system added a two-year NFQ level 6 Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship coordinated by LMETB with Irish Manufacturing Research as industry lead, and a BAgrSc (Hons) tertiary route allowing students to begin at Dunboyne College of Further Education before progressing to UCD. The Department stated that 1,200 tertiary places would be available in 2026 outside the traditional points system, with 78 route options across 24 counties.
Old System vs New System
Access to these fields was more dependent on existing direct-entry higher education routes, CAO points requirements or established apprenticeship offerings.
Learners gain additional earn-while-you-learn and tertiary degree pathways, including a points-free Agricultural Science route with no tuition fees during the ETB phase and an apprenticeship route aligned to industrial robotics and automation skills demand.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students have more alternatives to traditional CAO points-based entry, including local first-year tertiary study and an apprenticeship route leading to a recognised NFQ level 6 qualification.
Parent / Family Impact
Families may see more accessible local and work-based pathways that can reduce first-year tuition and points-pressure barriers.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and guidance counsellors need to update advice on tertiary degrees, apprenticeships and non-traditional routes into higher education and skilled employment.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers and guidance staff should be aware of the new routes when advising students interested in automation, manufacturing, agriculture and agri-food careers.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-12: routes launched
- 2026/2027 academic year: Agricultural Science tertiary degree added
- 2026: 1
- 200 tertiary places available nationally outside the traditional points system.
What To Do
- Students should check entry routes through the National Tertiary Office and the robotics apprenticeship recruitment site
- while schools should update guidance materials for 2026 applicants.
What To Watch Next
Watch application demand, employer recruitment for the apprenticeship and progression outcomes for students moving from ETB settings to university degree completion.
Global Context
The change reflects a wider international move toward tertiary pathways that connect further education, higher education and employer-led apprenticeships.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - Press release