At National College of Ireland, we are delighted to announce that in 2025/2026, TY and International students can enjoy the opportunity to participate in our award-winning Young Future Leaders Programme.
What is the Young Future Leaders Programme?
The Young Future Leaders Programme is a unique opportunity for TY students across Ireland and high school students globally to experience college-level learning, develop essential skills for their future, and connect with peers from around the world, all from the comfort of their home or their school.
International students interested in taking part in 2025/2026 can learn more by visiting NCI’s Young Future Leaders Programme International landing page.
Why is this programme so significant?
At National College of Ireland, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between second and third-level education. We are always striving to create an environment where second-level students feel welcomed and inspired.
Transition Year is a significant year; it gives students the opportunity to learn about themselves and what they may wish to study, and they have the chance to see what options are available to them. One of the most exciting aspects of the Young Future Leaders Programme is the opportunity to be part of a global classroom. Over the course of this programme, students will connect and collaborate, not only with other students from Ireland, but also with peers from around the world. Students will have the chance to share ideas, gain diverse perspectives, and create connections spanning cultures and borders.
Graduates of the Young Future Leaders Programme have shared some lovely feedback about why they felt that the programme really benefited them.
“The lessons have been highly informative, and I have learned a lot from them. This programme has been a great help in teaching me practical skills that I can use in my future workplace."
~ Young Future Leaders Programme Graduate, 2024.
"I enjoyed the programme immensely, especially the method of teaching as I learned new skills that can help me during my academic journey."
~ Young Future Leaders Programme Graduate, 2024.
About this year’s programme:
In 2024, the programme was run during the month of November. It was a remarkably busy month, comprised of engaging and informative sessions that allowed participants to cover a range of key topics in a short period of time while interacting with other students from various parts of the globe. Last year, Transition Year students were able to take part for the first time. Not only did these students enthusiastically get involved, but the feedback we have received, and the interest in this year’s programme, has been extremely rewarding.
In 2025/2026, the Young Future Leaders Programme is expanding once again. This time, the programme is going to run from October 2025 to May 2026, allowing students to have an even richer experience that will see them through their Transition Year, giving them more time to connect with their peers, and cover a broader range of topics. Before Christmas, students will take part in sessions covering career advice, work experience preparation, project management, and public speaking sessions. There will be more sessions added on learning techniques, mental health, safe interest use, and more as we move into 2026.
How students can take part:
All sessions will be delivered online using Microsoft Teams and students will gain a certificate upon successful completion of the programme. All information about how you can register is available on our Young Future Leaders Programme landing page.
Here at NCI, we believe in being encouraging and proactive. Just like how we believe that it is never too late for a mature student to return to education, we also feel that it is never too early for a second-level student to have their dreams, goals, and ambitions taken seriously and encouraged. Sometimes it just takes one small bit of encouragement for a seed to be planted, and it is exciting to think that TY students may be inspired and discover what study/career path will suit them during their time with us as they take part in NCI’s Young Future Leaders Programme.
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