Students participating in a psychiatric programme receive an annual maintenance grant of £3,325 (which is not subject to a means test) and other financial supports. Psychiatric nurses receive from £16,137 to £22,454 in 10 annual increments.

There are 12 schools of nursing currently offering the registration/diploma programme.

Applicants for admission to registration/diploma programmes next year must be at least 17 years of age on June 1st, 2001; have obtained at least a minimum grade of C3 in two higher level papers and a minimum grade of D3 in four ordinary or higher level papers in English or Irish (not including foundation Irish); maths (not foundation); a laboratory science subject (biology, physics, chemistry, physics and chemistry or agricultural science); three other subjects (may include Irish or English and a laboratory science subject not included already, or other subjects) or have second level educational qualifications equivalent to the above. And applicants must meet any additional educational requirements specified by the higher education institution concerned for entry to the programme.