ATU welcomes €10.5m Targeted Enhancement Fund announcement 

The Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), which is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), will see funding of up to €30 million disbursed to the institutions this year for projects commencing in January 2026. Projects will operate over a 36-month period to 31 December 2028. 

Minister Lawless said: 

“Investment under the Targeted Enhancement Fund continues government support for reform of higher education and builds on the momentum of previous funding streams. The TEF is an additional investment in our national ambition to further strengthen our smart, skilled knowledge economy. This is about ensuring that students can learn, live and work in their region and that our higher education institutions are equipped to drive future growth, inclusion, and competitiveness.” 

I am particularly delighted that over the lifetime of this fund, and subject to the required approvals, the TEF will be the mechanism by which our five Technological Universities will take their final step in coming into alignment with previously established universities in having the capacity to appoint Professorial grades; this grade was not open to them in their former IoT status.

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