The new partnership between Queens University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology is not a "parent child relationship," and represents the first "all-Ireland university", the Minister for Further and Higher Education has said.
DkIT is set to become a University College following the agreement with QUB, which will see it change from an IT to a University College of Queen's University Belfast.
The move was formally approved by the governing bodies of both institutions today.
Minister James Lawless said said he thinks it is "more than a symbolic" move for QUB, and gives the university access to various subjects in Dundalk such as engineering.
"There's a number of research projects going on in Dundalk at the moment. There's advanced manufacturing capabilities. So the particular specialties and technicalities that Dundalk have that Queens will now have access to as well. It's very much an equal partnership. It's not a parent child relationship," he said.
He described today as "historic" for north and south collaboration.
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"It's the first all-Ireland university ever. I think that's very significant in its own right," he added.
The minister also acknowledged that it may take time to work out details such as governance and the synchronisation entrance requirements.
"There's an ambitious timetable set out. We need to consider how exactly this works in practice. The principle has been agreed by all concerned," he said.
"I will probably be bringing legislation through the Dáil in the coming months to give effect to this because … it is a novel, a new concept, one that is, I think, really exciting and positive, but the one that we will need to legislate for and pave the way for," he said.
"I expect about 12 months to work this through. There is an ambitious timetable, and if it takes slightly longer than so be it," he added said.
The plan secured Cabinet approval after the proposal was put before it by the minister this morning.
A formal agreement is expected to be signed next month, with the aim of the new University College being fully operational for the start of the 2026 academic year.
It means students enrolling from next September will graduate with a Queen's University Belfast degree or postgraduate qualification.
The Institute in Dundalk will retain its financial, staffing and governance autonomy, in the same way the model works with St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College.
It is hoped the collaboration will catalyse economic and social development within the Dublin to Belfast corridor and enhance higher education, research and innovation in the area.
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the partnership and said it was "major step in north-south collaboration".
"Strengthening academic links across the island will expand opportunities for student and researcher mobility, foster innovation, and further support delivery of regional balance. By investing in shared knowledge and talent, both institutions are shaping a future where excellence thrives through co-operation."
Watch: Students from DkIT react to news of it becoming a University College
The collaboration was described as "hugely significant and exciting" by QUB President and Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Greer.
"Dundalk University College will allow us to deliver high-quality education to more people and strengthen our shared ambition for the wider region. We look forward to signing the Heads of Agreement in December and to welcoming the first cohort of students in 2026."
DkIT President Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan said the move helps make DkIT's strategic plan to become a sustainable and accessible university campus a reality.
"Our students are at the centre of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering on our promise that they graduate with a university award.
"This partnership presents the real opportunity for our students to graduate with a Queen's University award. Our collaboration with Queen’s University has spanned decades and together we have the potential to have a profound impact in the region," he said.
