Where to Look?
If you’re thinking about going back to learning, you’re not alone — and there’s plenty of free support to help you get started.
Need to improve your reading, writing or maths?
The National Adult Literary Agency (NALA)
Play Video
Freephone 1800 20 20 65
Text ‘LEARN’ to 50050
There are lots of free courses to suit you and your needs.
There are options to learn from home so you can learn at your own pace and in your own time.
Learn online at
Citizens Information
Citizens Information is a good source of information and advice. It provides information on public service and what you are entitled to as a citizen of Ireland.
Check Educational Resources at
To talk to someone in person, you can select your local county and find the Citizens Information Centre in your area.
Or you can call 0761 07 4000
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Visit Citizen Information Site
Other great places to start
your adult learning journey include:
Check out fetchcourses.ie
Find your local Education and Training Board (ETB)
For those seeking international protection visit The Irish Refugee Council
The AONTAS Community Education Map
Check out Spring Board Courses
Check out Qualifax.ie
The below information on this page can help you to make the first step back into education in specific areas
You can get free help with reading, writing, spelling or maths
You can do this at an Adult Learning Centre in one-to-one classes or with other people. You can also get help online, or work with a tutor on the phone.
NALA is the National Adult Literacy Agency. They offer free classes for adults. Call NALA for free at 1800 20 20 65, or you can text ‘LEARN’ to 50050.
You can also
You don’t always need the Leaving Certificate to go to college!
More than 250,000 adults do Further Education and Training courses every year
You can search for courses on
You can find courses, projects and fun activities in your local area
Over 30,000 people in Ireland access education in their own communities every year
Call into your local library and see what is available
Check out our Community Education Map
You can earn a wage while you learn new skills and gain qualifications
More people than ever are doing apprenticeships in Ireland. You can work with an employer and your work will lead to a qualification.
You can search for apprenticeships on