Cybersecurity Training and Education in Ireland – Where do I start?
There is a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals and with data breaches and ransomware attacks on the rise, the industry is crying out for quality individuals to fill the roles. In Ireland, the recent Cyber Ireland Skills Survey reported that nearly half of all cybersecurity roles are currently unfilled. The colleges are churning out plenty of new graduates, but it will take years to fill the gaps. This presents the perfect opportunity for those returning to the workforce or who want a change in career direction. If you are someone who wants to move into the industry and bring your professional and life experience with you, how do you do it? What pathways are open to you? This blog has been updated in February 2025.
The good news is, there are a plethora of quality, affordable (or free) courses to get you started on your move in to an exciting, well-paid, sought-after role. Check out the details of each provider regarding start times, certification, cost and if it’s online or classroom based.
Fortify Institute - EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician Scholarship
https://www.fortifyinstitute.com/certified_cyber_technician
Fortify Institute is proud to present an exceptional opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals: the EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician Scholarship. Available exclusively for a limited time, this scholarship significantly reduces the cost of certification to just €199. This initiative aims to make cybersecurity education more accessible to those keen on forging a career in this critical and fast-evolving field. The certification course offers comprehensive training in cyber security, information security, cloud security, and ethical hacking, tailored to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the industry. Whether you're looking to kickstart your career in cybersecurity or enhance your existing skills, this scholarship provides an affordable pathway to becoming a certified professional, endorsed by EC-Council.
Springboard +
https://springboardcourses.ie/
A national and EU backed upskill initiative offers a range of undergrad and postgrad courses in sought-after areas. Courses available include many in cybersecurity and are level 7, 8 and 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. These courses are free to jobseekers, returners or previously self-employed and those in employment only pay 10% of the course fee. Courses are designed to be flexible and are of a variety of duration and have start dates throughout the year. Check out the Postgraduate Diploma from Chevron College which is delivered by Fortify Institute's Jan Carroll.
Further Education & Training Course Hub
The FETCH Hub is where you can find and apply for courses available on the national further education and training sector. Search the term ‘cyber’ and you will find a range of courses both online and class-based including CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CASP+. The Hub also provides access to the national network of Adult Education Guidance supports if you need help in finding the right course your needs.
Ecollege
Ecollege is often referred to as the ‘best kept secret’ in Irish education as it is such a fantastic resource to anyone wishing to upskill, especially now as all courses are free for training and exam certification. This online, on-demand college is backed by SOLAS and the courses are available to those over 18 years and living in Ireland. Don’t keep this one to yourself, register for a course and pass it on.
FIT - Associate Apprenticeship - Cyber Security
https://fit.ie/course/fit-ict-associate-apprenticeship-cyber-security/
Facilitated by FIT (Fast Track to Technology), this is an excellent option for school-leavers or adult learners who wish to ‘earn while they learn’. Suitable applicants receive 6 months training prior to being placed with an organisation to learn on-the-job while completing their studies.
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet
https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/masters-of-science-in-cybersecurity
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and NCI offer this Masters of Science in Cybersecurity. This is a grant aided course so outstanding value for eligible candidates working in private or commercial semi-state organisations in the Republic of Ireland.
https://ictskillnet.ie/course-category/cybersecurity/
Technology Ireland ICT SkillNet offer a range of subsidised cybersecurity and emerging technology courses for groups and individuals.
ICTTF – International Cyber Threat Task Force
https://community.icttf.org/courses
Paul C Dwyer and his team have put together excellent professional courses for those working and wanting to progress in the cyber security industry. Some course are available in conjunction with ICT Skillsnet and the Irish Computer Society. Check each course for details.
Skills For All
https://skillsforall.com/course/introduction-to-cybersecurity
CISCO is behind the Skills For All courses which offer a selection of entry-level cybersecurity courses which are free, online and student-paced. This is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about cybersecurity and securing themselves or their organisation.
Returners & Returnships
https://cyberireland.ie/bring-women-back-to-the-cyber-industry/
Returners are those who are returning to working outside the home after a break of two years or more. There are many reasons for breaks in our careers such as travel, sickness, caring responsibilities, family needs etc. For whatever reason, those returning should be provided with specific supports to up-skill, build confidence and ease them back to a rewarding role and workplace community. This blog post details the supports available to returners in Ireland.
Cyber Skills
Irish university collaborative initiative to address the skills shortages in the cybersecurity sector. Offering a range of paid courses for those who have some technical skills but wish to upskill or reskill in cybersecurity. Courses are delivered online and Cyber Skills are currently accepting applications. Up to 80% subsidy available.
ISC2 - Certified in Cybersecurity
https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc
Limited offer from certification giant ISC2. Launch your cybersecurity career with ISC2's Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) program, offering free online self-paced training and exams globally. You can seize this limited-time opportunity to join a field with limitless global prospects, no experience necessary.
Cyber Innovate - Entrepreneurship Training Programme
Cyber Innovate is a needs-led, full-time, entrepreneurship training programme built on MTU's acclaimed research, innovation, entrepreneurship and academic training ecosystem. The programme allows students to fully dedicate themselves to their entrepreneurial journeys as it provides them with a tax-free scholarship worth €38,000, plus fees of €5770, over the 10-month duration (equivalent to an annual salary of €64,650 inclusive of tax).
UCD Professional Academy
https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/
UCD Professional Academy offer a range of short professional courses covering a wide range of popular topics, including a Professional Diploma in Cybersecurity, created and delivered by Fortify Institute's Jan Carroll. There is also a Professional Diploma in Ethical Hacking available. Courses are delivered completely online with regular intake. UCD Professional Academy offer an attractive corporate discount, with 50% off eligible group bookings.
Cyber Ireland Course Finder
https://cyberireland.ie/course-finder/
This article has focused on courses offered outside of the traditional colleges, however, for a list of courses offered by Irish colleges and universities check out Cyber Ireland’s course finder.
So, what’s stopping you? Take the first step today to gaining an exciting, specialised, well-paid career which can take you anywhere.
