College bars, sports facilities and clubs and societies will be permitted to reopen when on-site teaching resumes at university campuses in September, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris confirmed.
Around 240,000 students as well as university staff will return to campus for the next academic year.
Most third-level students have been taught through online lectures since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020.
The Government expects that the vast majority of adults will be vaccinated against coronavirus by September and that in-person teaching can safely resume then.
Classroom based teaching, tutorials, workshops, small lectures and research will be permitted to take place on campus from September as well as laboratory teaching.
Most workspaces, libraries, canteens, bars on campuses as well as sports facilities and clubs and societies will also be permitted to reopen in line with public health guidelines.
Some large scale lectures will also be allowed.
Research, English language courses and apprentice courses will resume at universities over the summer to prepare institutions for the return of staff and students in September.
Universities will also facilitate vaccination programme for students, learners and staff and promote of COVID-19 symptom awareness and tracking.
Staff and students will be taught about self-management of their own health and given access to PCR testing in line with local and national public health advice.
Minister Harris said students should feel safe returning to campus in September.
He said: "Students, staff and our third level institutions have shown incredible resilience over the past year but we all agree we cannot have another year like this.
"College was mainly online last year. From September, it will be mainly onsite.
“This is a return to on-campus teaching in a safe, structured way. Each college will now prepare their own plans on this basis and report to students and staff.
“To students, I want to say education and training is not just about what you learn. It’s about how you learn, the people you learn with, and the experience of being with others.
"You are going to be back on-site this autumn. It will not be exactly the same as it was before, but you will be there. Your safety and your wellbeing is our priority.”
Leaving Cert students hoping to attend university in September will receive offers from the CAO on September 8.
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