Learners' Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. How will a FETAC award benefit me? 2. Where can I get a FETAC award? 3. Where is my closest programme leading to a FETAC award located? 6. Does FETAC offer grants to learners? 7. How can I use my FETAC award to progress to 3rd level? 8. Are FETAC awards open to non-EU citizens? 9. Can I get a replacement certificate if I have lost the original? 10. How do I get my Irish qualification recognised for work or further study when travelling abroad? How will a FETAC award benefit me? FETAC awards:
All FETAC awards are part of the new inclusive National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), developed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI). This Framework brings greater clarity to the Irish education and training system, making it possible for learners, employers and providers to understand and compare different types of qualifications. All FETAC awards already have a specific placing on the national framework between levels 1 and 6, allowing FETAC award holders to progress more easily within the system. Employers will also recognise your abilities and skills because FETAC awards are quality assured. Where can I get a FETAC award? For details of where you can do a programme leading to a FETAC award, please refer to Qualifax:The National Learners' Database and also FETAC Registered Providers. Where is my closest programme leading to a FETAC award located? With over 1,500 centres offering programmes leading to FETAC awards, you are bound to find a course provider near you. Please refer to Qualifax:The National Learners' Database for course search facility and also FETAC Registered Providers. FETAC is an awarding body and therefore does not determine the cost of any of their providers courses. See Course Provider Contact Details and request an admissions booklet which will give you full details of tuition fees and other expected costs. Course entry is by direct application to the centre of your choice. To find out more about fees and eligibility requirements for free fees see www.studentfinance.ie or the Department of Education Grants Section - see below for contact details. The first step is to see which course is for you! There are hundreds of programmes to choose from in the further education and training sector which lead to FETAC awards. So, whether you are interested in childcare or catering, aquaculture or horticulture, e-business or electronics, there is a FETAC award to suit you. All current courses leading to FETAC awards can be found at Qualifax:The National Learners' Database. The next step is to contact the provider where this course is on offer. Contact details for FETAC Registered Providers can be found at Registered Providers. Does FETAC offer grants to learners? FETAC does not provide funding for individual learners or courses. We would suggest you contact the Department of Education directly and also your local County/ City Council and ask to speak to someone in the Education Grants section. In addition, information on financial support for further and higher education is available at www.studentfinance.ie. The contact details for the Department of Education and Skills are as follows: General Services Communications Unit/Press & Information Office, Also: Student Support Unit Portlaoise Road, How can I use my FETAC award to progress to 3rd level? Many learners complete Post Leaving Certificate or Further Education and Training courses leading to FETAC awards with the specific intention of using their award to progress to 3rd level through a system known as the Higher Education Links Scheme. This scheme has been in existence for almost a decade and this year forty higher education institutions including universities, institutes of technology and private colleges, are offering places on a variety of courses. Applicants must submit their third level applications to the CAO by 1 February in the year in which they are applying. Detailed information is available on www.cao.ie. In July, FETAC results are issued to the CAO and the participating institutions. Details of how applicants are assessed vary somewhat between 3rd level institutions but all information can be found on www.cao.ie. Places put aside for FETAC applicants are offered in ranked order until the reserved places quota is complete for each course. See the Higher Education Links Scheme for further details. Are FETAC Awards open to non-EU citizens? FETAC is an awarding body and will provide certification for all successful learners put forward by further education and training providers. The entry requirements for a course are determined by the course provider. Students whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate that they have the minimum required standard of English prior to joining the course. Can I get a replacement if I have lost my original FETAC award? FETAC does not issue replacement certificates but it is possible to receive a Record of Awards. In the event of your misplacing or losing your FETAC certificate, you may apply to FETAC for a Record of Awards. Application form for Record of Awards How do I get my Irish qualification recognised for work or further study when travelling abroad? For information and advice on travelling abroad with your Irish qualification, whether for work or for further study, please consult the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland's information leaflet |
