Funding and scholarships
Below are the programmes that have been approved for funding.
- IFS Skillnet
- Skillnet Climate Ready Academy Funding
- Springboard+ and HEA
- 30% Club Executive Education Scholarships
Funding available through IFS Skillnet
Companies operating within the international financial services sector, or providing services to the sector, can join IFS Skillnet in order for their employees to participate in training which is jointly funded by the companies and the network’s Finuas funding. Grant funding of up to 25% is available to eligible companies.
View the IFS Skillnet Checklist
About IFS Skillnet
IFS Skillnet is co-founded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. The IFS Skillnet programme is dedicated to providing training and networking opportunities for the international financial services sector.
The Network aims to support the sector in maintaining Ireland's position as a top international financial services centre through investment in the specialist skills and expertise of its workforce. The Network is led by a steering group which includes member companies and the leading financial services industry associations.
Network activity
The IFS Skillnet was established in mid-2009. Since then we have delivered over 2,000 courses to 15,000 plus participants from 430 companies operating in the international financial services sector in Ireland. Courses available include, Digital Financial Services, Regulatory Reporting, International Funds, Business Analysis, Project Management and a wide range of management and leadership skills.
Programme availability
Professional programmes:
Professional Certificate in International Investment Fund Services
Professional Certificate in Digital Financial Services and Data Analytics
Professional Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals in Financial Services
Postgraduate programmes:
Professional Diploma in Sustainable Finance for Governance, Risk and Compliance Professionals
Professional Diploma in Digital Transformation in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Advanced Operational Risk Management in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Leading Cultural Change and Ethical Behaviours in Financial Services
Professional Certificate in Capital Markets, Investments and Funds
Professional Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Models and Programming in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Management in Financial Services
Funding available through Skillnet Climate Ready Academy
25% funding available for the following programmes. Please click on a programme below for further information.
UCD accredited programmes
Short course
Funding available through Springboard+
Up to 100% funding may be available for eligible applicants. Please click on a programme below for further information.
NFQ Level 9 UCD accredited programmes
Professional Diploma in Strategic Management in Financial Services - To apply click here
Professional Diploma in Digital Transformation in Financial Services - To apply click here
Professional Diploma in ESG and Sustainable Finance Leadership - To apply click here
Funding available through HEA
Up to 80% funding may be available for eligible applicants. Please click on the programme below for further information.
NFQ Level 7 UCD accredited programme
30% Club Executive Education Scholarships
The 30% Club Ireland has launched its 2026 Executive Education scholarship programme. IOB is proud to be involved with the 30% Club, working to enable women leaders. This year, two scholarships are available to women working in financial services for the following IOB programmes:
CIFD Programme
The CIFD Programme is designed for all investment fund directors, or those with extensive asset management or funds experience who aspire to become investment fund directors. It would also be a valuable programme for those operating in director/senior management positions within both fund promoter and service provider organisations, those responsible for the regulation of investment funds and institutional investor personnel responsible for the oversight of investment fund governance frameworks within their portfolio of investment funds.
Level 9 Programmes
IOB is offering the successful applicant the option to choose one of their level 9 programmes:
Professional Certificate in Asset Management
Professional Certificate in Retirement Planning
Professional Certificate for Designated Persons in a Fund Management Company
Professional Diploma in Applied Alternative Investments
Professional Certificate in Financial Crime Prevention
MSc in Compliance
Professional Diploma in Advanced Operational Risk Management in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Leading Cultural Change and Ethical Behaviour in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Data and Analytics in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Digital Transformation in Financial Services
Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Professional Diploma in Strategic Management in Financial Services
Professional Diploma in Banking
“Diversity on Fund Boards is important and to achieve this there needs to be a pipeline of female professionals, with the appropriate skill set, ready for consideration when positions become available. Having obtained the CIFD designation has put me in a position to be considered, and I would not have achieved this without the support of the 30% Club Scholarship.”
- Past scholarship recipient
How to apply and further information
For more information on applying for a scholarship with IOB through this initiative, please contact Kate Walsh, Relationship Manager, Executive Education at [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 29 May, 2026.
For further information on the scholarship programme and to view the full range of scholarships available, download the 30% Club Ireland Scholarship brochure