The HSE has said there has been a "strong interest" in its controversial scheme to employ 1,000 graduate nurses on lower salaries.
That is despite the fact that nursing unions have called on graduates to boycott the recruitment scheme, which aims to pay newly qualified nurses 80% of the current starting salary.
The nurses will get a two-year contract at just over €21,700 a year, but they can top this up with another €4,000 in premium payments.
"Informal interest and enquiries regarding the scheme has been strong since it was announced in December," said an HSE spokeswoman.
The closing date for the first phase of applications is noon next Thursday with the deadlines for the second and third phase in February and March.