For programmes described as Online / Blended, the programme will be delivered online with opportunities for classroom-based learning and interactions at certain pre-scheduled times.

For programmes that have self-paced learning hours attributed. These are online directed learning course; meaning that time will be split between live online classroom sessions and tutorials/ videos on the College’s e-learning system. This split allows for class time to be interactive, practical, and focused, with theory-based content being covered outside of class time with self-paced tutorials/videos, and practical content being covered in live online classes with support from lecturers and lab assistants. 

Micro-credential Courses

A student contribution fee of 80% of total course fee is applicable to all students.  More information can be found in Step 1 below about how to pay your fees.

Please note that funding is guaranteed for the original duration of the course only.

Refund Policy: If a student withdraws before the commencement of the course the full amount that they have paid is refundable. No refund will be processed once the student commences the course.

Unemployed applicants should consult their DSP Employment Personal Advisor / relevant DSP section before applying for an approved course, as only the DSP can confirm that taking a course will not affect a social welfare payment. 

Restrictions Regarding Previous Applicants: 

The Springboard+ programme does not permit a learner to enrol on more than one publicly funded course at the same time. Therefore, if an applicant has accepted a place / is enrolled on a Springboard+ 2026/27 funded course, they are not eligible to apply for Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 until they have fully completed the Springboard+ funded course

A suitable minimum specification is 16GB RAM (32GB recommended), a modern Intel i7 /AMD Ryzen 7/ Apple Silicon equivalent processor, at least 256GB SSD storage (512GB recommended), reliable Wi-Fi, and a recent 
version of Ubuntu, macOS, or Windows. Students must have full administrator rights on their device to install and configure required software and development tools. Access to a webcam, microphone, and power supply for 
extended lab sessions is also expected. 

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

Student Laptop Loan Scheme
A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has allocated funding for a grant to support disadvantaged students in the higher education sector in accessing ICT devices.

This, cash limited, grant will allow NCI to provide eligible students with a laptop to assist them in completing their chosen course. Visit our Laptop Loan Scheme page for further details. 

Any queries around this should be directed to laptopfund@ncirl.ie.
 

A student contribution fee of 80% of total course fee is applicable to all students. 
 

Payable by the Student

An online payment link will open in October for students who are commencing Micro-Credential courses in 2026. Students will be notified of this link once it is live and payment can then be made online. Please note as a Micro-Credential student you are permitted to start class before these fees are paid. Once the link opens the Springboard team will be in contact.   

Employer-Sponsored

If your fees are being paid by your company you will need to complete a sponsorship form and return it to fees@ncirl.ie within 2 weeks of the course start date. When the form has been received, the company will be issued an invoice within 5 working days. Please note that as a Springboard+ student it is permitted to start classes before these fees are paid. 

Refund Policy

If a student withdraws before the commencement of the course the full amount that they have paid is refundable. No refund will be processed once the student commences the course.

Before commencing you first need to login to your NCI account and set your password.

Set your password for access to MyApps

You can set your login details using the Password Management section of the website.

Please select RESET PASSWORD (Springboard students do not need to select the 'REGISTER BUTTON'

The Setting your Password guide will give you a step-by-step guide of how to reset your password.

To reset your login details you will need your Student Number. This number will be on the 'Notification of Offer' email and 'Confirmation of Acceptance' email that you would have received from the Springboard team in NCI.

Once you have completed this you will be able to access your NCI email by logging into MyApps and clicking on Outlook. The link to MyApps can be found in the Quicklinks drop down at the top of every page on the website.  

Please note that you cannot proceed to Step 3 'Getting your student card' until you reset your login details first.

NCI offers a service which allows students to download a photo app to their smart phone or desktop/laptop and take their own Student Identification Photo. This photo will then be used to print your student card.

New students must submit their ID photo via the app in order to receive their student card. Please follow our step by step guide to downloading the app and taking your student card photo. 

Please note that if you upload a photo to this app after the course has commenced, you will need to notify the team by email at springboard@ncirl.ie.

Student cards will be issued to all students via post shortly after the course begins.

(Note: photos uploaded during the application process will not be used for your student card).

Please note that Springboard students are not required to attend the college in person before their first class. Registration and Orientation is conducted online.

Orientation

Your Orientation Session:

• Please watch the short overview video: How to Get Started with Microsoft Teams
• Download & install the Microsoft Teams App to your PC prior to your orientation session - Download Microsoft Teams * please note the use of mobile devices is not recommended
• Login to the Microsoft Teams App using your NCI username & Password. Please note your username format should be x12345678@student.ncirl.ie
• During your orientation session you will be required to use a webcam and microphone
• It is recommended to use headphones during the session as it reduces audio feedback.

For any questions on your orientation or if you are unable to make the session, please email orientation@ncirl.ie.

All dates could be subject to change. Timetables will be made available from the Timetable section of the website in September, so please ensure you check your timetable to confirm the date, time and location of your first class.

You have already been provided with an indicative timetable for your course. However, please note that timetables are never confirmed until they are published on the NCI website. You will be able to view your timetable 2 -3 days before classes commence: You can access your timetable online by using the dedicated timetable section of the website. Simply search for your course then choose your week & day range.

Please check your timetables regularly as they can be subject to room changes.

In order to access your online classroom please follow the steps below. This guide is for Windows 10 users. A mac guide will be available shortly

Download Teams

Please follow the steps below or watch the informational video which will go through some handy hints and tips.

• Follow the steps below;
  • You do this opening your browser and searching for "Microsoft teams download"
  • Click into the Microsoft link
  • Click the "Download for desktop" option
  • Click "Download Teams"
  • Once the application is downloaded and installed you will need to login using your NCI username (e.g. x12345678@student.ncirl.ie) and password. To set your logins please refer to Step 2 above.
• Next you need to check your timetable to see what lecture is scheduled. 
• Then go to Teams and click on the Calendar icon
• You should see your class has been scheduled and you will be able to join by clicking into the event and pressing "Join".

• Watch the below video for more information on how to join your online class via Microsoft Teams: 

  How to Join Your Online Class

ALL STUDENTS need to activate their government funding at a certain interval during your course by re-registering on the Micro Credential website. The National College of Ireland’s State Funded Team will send advisement when this is to be actioned to the email addresses, we hold on file. 

Please refer to the Springboard website for funding eligibility rules https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility and for a list of FAQs please visit https://springboardcourses.ie/faq

For upcoming open evening please register on https://www.ncirl.ie/Events

Programme Co-ordinators administer the daily management of all courses in the college.  The school administration offices are located in Room 3.03 on the 3^rd floor.   Please follow signs provided.

The programme co-ordinators can help you with course information, queries around timetables and any issues or concerns you may have while completing your studies with NCI.  You will be assigned a specific programme co-ordinator depending on your course of study.

All students should enrol on the School of Business or School of Computing information page on Moodle. Here you will find all required details for your programme such as your Programme Director, Programme Co-ordinator, Continual Assessment schedule and Programme Handbook.

Programme Co-ordinators can be contacted by submitting a request to Academic Operations on the NCI Support Hub.

The Library – we have a range of services and all the information is just a click away from the front page of the college website.

The Library Essentials – starting out as a new student, the best place to find the information you need to know is our Library Essentials guide.

Opening Hours & Access – take a look at when we’re open and how best to access the library.

Finding Books – once you start looking at your reading lists, you’ll need to know how to find a book in the library.

Borrowing & Renewing Books – how you can borrow books, how they are renewed and how you can keep an eye on your library account.

Computers, Printing & Photocopying – all you need to know about using the PCs or your own devices in the library and how to use the printers and photocopiers.

Library Online Resources – instead of just searching the internet, we highly recommend you use the library's online resources to help you discover the best information for your assignments.

Discovery – another way of accessing the library’s online resources is by using the library search engine Discovery.

Referencing & Avoiding Plagiarism – when writing your assignments, you will be asked to reference the information you use and avoid plagiarism; this guide helps you better understand what’s required.

Academic Integrity – check out our guide on academic integrity to get a better understanding of your lecturers’ expectations for your assignments.

Library Academic Support Centre – you can get advice and assistance from the Library Academic Support Centre to help you with your assignments and research.

International Students – if you are an international student, you may find adjusting to college life a little more challenging; this guide is designed to help you make that adjustment.

Contact Us - As you begin your course, please don’t hesitate to ask us for help; drop into the library, call us on 01-4498590 or email us at library@ncirl.ie

In the Learning and Teaching Office you will find the Student Support team who are available to help you in a variety of areas. For more information please visit https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services

If you are having a tough time and need someone to talk to, please contact the following services / helplines: 

• Hanover Medical 01 675 0040 
• Out of hours Doctor 1850 224 477 (DDoc) / 01 454 5607 (Dub Doc) 
• Aware 1800 804 848 
• Samaritans 116 123 or Text 087 260 9090 
• Pieta House 1800 247 247 
• Samaritans 116 123 or Text 087 260 9090 
• Pieta House 1800 247 247 

The Students’ Union is your voice in the college. Whether it’s issues concerning your course or the college entertainments, student welfare, clubs & societies or entertainments, the Executive team represent all NCI students and provide support for any problems you face throughout your time here.

The SU space is one of the social hubs of college. A great place to relax, here you’ll find pool tables, games consoles, casual seating space and the Executive offices. Events are held throughout the year and all students are encouraged to get involved.

You can find out more by visiting Students' Union.

Have a look at the published Academic Calendar to assist you with your planning over the coming year