Third level colleges will re-open from next Monday as planned.
It follows a meeting between Higher Education Minister Simon Harris and student, staff and management representatives on Friday.
The re-opening will be staggered: with five colleges returning on Monday, and a further five re-opening the following week.
Others will follow throughout the course of the month of January.
While apprentices are already on-site in the technological sector continuing their training.
There are also plans to bring back pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campuses.
The Department of Further and Higher Education is working with the HSE to roll out 'Vaccination Week' this semester, to ensure students can get their boosters.
Minister Harris says: "Education is an essential service and I am pleased to confirm the re-opening of third level on site will proceed consistent with public health advice from Monday.
"Our priority will be teaching and learning.
"Since third level re-opened in September, public health teams have been working with third level providers to ensure staff and students can safely access education.
"Last month we provided a fund of €9m to purchase antigen tests for staff and students to provide an extra layer of protection.
"This will continue to be rolled out over the coming weeks and months", he adds.
