Transition Year Programme

The redeveloped TY Programme will take place over five separate placements across the 2025/26 academic year. This will run as a hybrid TY Programme, with students attending in person onsite at  St Patrick’s University Hospital  on James’ Street, Dublin 8, for the first day, and then joining online for the remainder of the programme. Details of the programme will be confirmed closer to the time. 

Applications for the 2025/26 programme are now open. We’re inviting applications from TY students and teachers or school staff. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from parents. 

• What does the programme cover?

  The TY Programme includes lots of different, interactive sessions which are designed to give students a full and engaging experience.

  Each placement aims to give students first-hand insight into mental healthcare. The placement begins with students being brought on a tour of St Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin 8.

  Throughout their dedicated week, students also:

  • learn about the history of mental healthcare in Ireland
  • meet mental health experts and clinicians
  • hear from people who have gone through mental health difficulties on their experiences of mental health recovery
  • prepare and deliver presentations on mental health topics
  • discuss mental health stigma and ways to tackle it.

  We work closely with students throughout the week to help build their mental health awareness and see them return to their schools as mental health champions.

• When does the programme run?

  The 2025/26 TY Programme will take place over five weeks between October 2025 and February 2026.  

• Who can apply?

  Our TY Programme accepts applications directly from students and applications from teachers or school staff on behalf of students. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from parents. The deadline for applications is Friday, 25 July 2025. Teachers and TY Coordinators can apply for a general place on the programme, which can then be assigned to a student in their school at a later point. A deadline for confirming the name of the student will be set ahead of the programme starting. 

  Places are selected through a lottery draw basis after the deadline closes. Successful applicants will be notified by email by mid-August 2025.  

  Due to the number of applications we receive, only successful applicants will be contacted. 

  Please note that the TY programme deals with topics relating to mental health difficulties and may not be suitable for individuals who are engaging with mental health treatment and/ or experiencing ongoing mental health difficulties.

• How do I submit an application?

  We are accepting applications from students and teachers and school staff. To apply, please complete the application form here. 

  The deadline for applications is Friday, 25 July 2025. 
   
  Teachers or TY Coordinator are permitted to apply for a place on the programme which can then be assigned to a student at a later time.