Expressions of Interest Sought from Irish Language Societies 2026 Funding Call: Third Level Irish Language Initiative

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) invites Expressions of Interest from Irish Language Societies for the 2026 funding initiative to deliver a third-level Irish Language Project/Competition, as part of the DFHERIS North-South programme. This initiative aims to promote increased engagement and interaction among third-level students across the island of Ireland through the Irish language.

DFHERIS is committed to coordinating and promoting collaboration and joint activities in education between the two parts of the island of Ireland and will allocate €16,000 in funding to support this initiative.

Applications should demonstrate commitment to North/South collaboration in their project. Applicants are requested to provide detailed information about their proposed initiative, outlining the activities they plan to undertake. Please use the headings below to structure your submission, including one or more as relevant to your project.

• Clear and meaningful cross-border collaboration
• Cross-community and inter-denominational participation
• Characteristics related to social inclusion
• Adding value to the education systems in both jurisdictions
• The pedagogical value of the collaborative activity which is proposed

Completed applications should be submitted by e-mail to the International Cooperation Unit, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science International-dfheris@dfheris.gov.ie by 13 October.

In the subject line please include your “Organisations Name, EOI – 2026 Third Level Irish Language Funding Initiative”.

Please complete all sections of the form. The application will not be assessed until a fully completed form, a Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number and all reports and/or organisational accounts for previous grants received, if applicable.