Griffith College Cork Programme Secures Government Micro-Credential Funding for 2026

Griffith College Cork has announced that its Certificate in Quality and Regulatory Practice in the Pharmaceutical Industry micro-credential has been approved for funding under the Government’s Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy (LFS) scheme for 2026.

The funding approval forms part of a significant national rollout unveiled by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless. In total, 179 micro-credentials have been selected to receive an 80% fee subsidy, supporting 3,881 learners across 26 higher education institutions nationwide.

The programme at Griffith College Cork was recognised by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for its strong alignment with evolving industry requirements, particularly in sectors where regulatory compliance and quality assurance are becoming increasingly critical.

A key strength of the course is its industry-led delivery by Dr Waleed Faisal, lecturer at both Griffith College Cork and University College Cork, and CEO of biotech company ArrayPatch Ltd. Dr Faisal brings extensive real-world expertise to the programme, having led ArrayPatch to secure multiple patents, attract significant seed investment, and achieve notable commercial success. The company was also named Ireland’s Best Start-Up in 2025.

Griffith College Cork welcomed the announcement, highlighting the growing importance of flexible education pathways to support lifelong learning and workforce development.
Jim Daly, Head of Campus, said:

“At Griffith College Cork, we continue to see strong demand for flexible and accessible learning opportunities that enable individuals to upskill and reskill while managing existing work and personal commitments.
Programmes like this are essential to ensuring that education keeps pace with industry needs, while supporting both individual career progression and the development of a highly skilled, adaptable workforce across the region.”

The Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy scheme aims to remove financial barriers to professional development by covering 80% of course fees. Many of the approved programmes for 2026 will be delivered online or through blended learning formats, providing greater accessibility for learners.

The initiative also supports Ireland’s broader skills strategy, addressing priorities such as digital transformation, regional employment needs, and workforce upskilling.

Applications for this subsidised micro-credential can be made here.