Choosing the right path to a career in nursing or technology just got a lot easier for students in Galway and Roscommon.
Through an innovative partnership, the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU ) have launched new Tertiary Degree pathways designed to make higher education more accessible than ever before.
A key feature of this initiative is its inclusivity. The program is not limited to recent school leavers; it is a viable route for career changers and mature learners alike, making it one of the most flexible ways to access higher education.
What is a tertiary pathway?
The Tertiary Route allows you to begin your university journey in a familiar, local setting. Instead of moving straight to a university campus, you start your initial studies at a local GRETB Further Education Training Centre.
These pathways are now fully active and open for applications.
Nursing Degrees: For the three Nursing pathways (General, Mental Health, and Intellectual Disability ), you start your journey with GRETB. Upon successful completion of this foundation, you transfer to ATU to begin Year 1 of your Honours Degree.
Software & Technology: This unique route allows you to complete your entire first year of university at GTI, GRETB. You then transition directly into Year 2 at ATU to finish your degree.
Why choose this route?
This program is built to remove the traditional hurdles that often stand in the way of a university degree:
No CAO points required: You apply directly through GRETB, bypassing the traditional points system.
Financial benefits: The first year is free of tuition fees. Additionally, students may still be eligible for SUSI maintenance grants or the Back to Education Allowance.
Seamless support: From day one, you have access to facilities and learner support services from both GRETB and ATU. You get the benefit of smaller class sizes and personalised attention before moving to the larger university environment.
Applications are now open for September 2026.
Tertiary access route into Nursing
· Access Nursing Route Bachelor of Science (Hons ) in General Nursing – Oughterard, Galway
· Access Nursing Route Bachelor of Science (Hons ) in Mental Health Nursing – Oughterard, Galway
· Access Nursing Route Bachelor of Science (Hons ) in General Nursing – Boyle, Roscommon
· Access Nursing Route Bachelor of Science (Hons ) in Intellectual Disability Nursing – Boyle, Roscommon
Software and Technology Degree
· Bachelor of Science (Hons ) Software and Technology – GTI, Galway
GRETB and ATU believe education should be driven by your ambitions, not just exam results. This partnership is a game-changer, making it easier than ever to get a degree close to home.
Join the online information sessions
They will be hosting a series of Online Information Sessions to answer all your questions about these new degree routes. Please keep an eye on the social media channels and the website for the dates, times, and joining links for these sessions.
Ready to take the next step? You can apply now via www.gretb.ie or email [email protected] for more information.
