What do I need to apply?

You will need the following information in order to complete an application on behalf of your setting:

• Step 1: An account should be created in the name of the Applicant who will be participating in the LINC Programme.  This can be done by entering the Applicant’s Forename, Surname, Date of Birth, Setting/Pobal Number (in the format YYCC0000, for example 26MO1234, where 26 is the year and MO represents Mayo), Email Address and Password. Then click continue.
• Step 2: The applicant will need to select the programme they are applying for which is “Certificate in Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (27LINCEYUPA). Then click continue.
• Step 3: The applicant will then be brought to the application tasks section where they will be asked to enter their personal details (name, mobile number, home address, personal email address, PPS number, date of birth, previous UL/MIC Student ID Number if applicable, and to select their top 3 preferred locations for the in person classes).
• Step 4: The applicant will be asked to submit their highest relevant early childhood education and care qualification and the name of the last educational institute attended. This needs to be uploaded in either a PDF, jpeg or jpg file format. For those with a Level 5 Qualification, Final statements of results or Transcripts must be uploaded.
• Step 5: The applicant will be asked if their setting employs a staff member who is a graduate of the LINC Programme. 
• Step 6: Once the applicant has completed all of the application tasks they will be asked to submit their application. Once their application is submitted, both the applicant and the setting manager will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. (Please check your spam/junk folders)

You should be aware of our Data Protection and Data Collection Notice.

Who can apply

• Any ECCE contracted setting* can nominate an employee or a manager to apply for the LINC Programme. The setting manager can nominate themselves or any member of the setting’s staff.
• To be eligible to apply for the LINC Programme, Applicants must have the minimum qualifications to work in an Early Learning & Care Setting, in accordance with the DCDE’s Early Years Recognised Qualification Listing which can be viewed here. For those with a Level 5 Early Childhood Education and Care Qualification, Final statements of results or Transcripts must be uploaded. Applicants who hold an International early years qualification must supply a Letter of Qualification Recognition from the DCDE in order to be considered for the LINC Programme.
• Settings that already have a LINC graduate can nominate another employee from their settings to complete LINC this year, based on the criteria outlined below. Only one application allowed per eligible setting.
• Random selection of eligible applicants will apply. Priority will be given to eligible applications in the following order:

1. Settings that do not currently employ a LINC Graduate / registered INCO.
2. Settings that have a LINC Graduate / registered INCO and are an Equal Start setting.
3. Settings that have a LINC Graduate / registered INCO and have more than 22 ECCE eligible children.
4. All other settings

*As registered with Pobal in March 2026.