Study and Work in Ireland

In the EU.
English speaking.
Very open to International students.
Allowed to work during your studies and the opportunity to apply for a work visa after your studies (must meet specific requirements).

Education In Ireland

Begin Here!

Information you need if you are interested in studying and working in Ireland.

COST OF STUDYING AS
AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Courses (per year)

Medicine and related: €12,035 - €37,000

Engineering: €9150 - €18,000

Science & Technology: €9150 - €18,000

Arts & Humanities: €8900 - €20,000

Business: €9150 - €18,800

COST OF LIVING AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Precisely how much you will need will vary depending on where you are studying in Ireland, on the type of accommodation you choose and, of course, on your own personal lifestyle. But, on average, it is estimate that a student will spend between €7,000 and €12,000 per year.

VISA AND WORKING

Irish Council for International Students

"We promote the rights and welfare of international students who choose Ireland as a study destination, and support staff in colleges who work with them."

Excellent site. Information about: Visas Working

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION UPDATE for spouses and partners - what you need to know

WORKING WHILE STUDYING

International students engaged in full-time study of at least one year’s duration (on a course leading to a qualification which is recognized by the Irish Department of Education and Skills currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland.

Students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 permission will be permitted to work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15th December to 15th January inclusive. At all other times students holding Immigration permission Stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week. The permission to work ceases on the expiry of the student's Stamp 2 immigration permission.

Degree programme students can get casual work where they are:

Registered with GNIB

Enrolled on a recognised programme leading to a qualification recognised by the Minister for Education & Skills
Attending a full time programme of education at or above NFQ Level 7
Undertaking a minimum of 15 hours day time study
Getting tuition, between the hours of 8am and 6pm per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum

On a programme of at least one year’s duration

International students who meet the above conditions and wish to take up work in Ireland must obtain a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number). An employer can only pay employees with a PPS number, and funds will usually only be paid to an Irish bank account. Students will also be required to comply with the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws and taxation requirements.

It is not uncommon to have a trial period before you are permanently hired. Ireland’s minimum wage is €9.15 per hour.

WORKING AND STAYING

Revised Third Level Graduate Scheme Permission
This allows non-EU/EEA students who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland for 24 months to seek employment.

In order to qualify graduates:

Must have been notified in writing by the relevant awarding body or institution on or after 1 January 2017 that they have achieved the award for which they had enrolled as a student.

Must hold a current Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an up-to-date immigration registration card, and must apply within six months of being notified by the relevant awarding body or institution that they have achieved the award for which they had enrolled as a student.

Must not have already exceeded the seven-year limit on their permission as a non-EEA national student in the State.
May, if having previously benefitted from the Third Level Graduate Programme at a level 8 award or above, on achievement of a higher level award, e.g. level 9 or above, re-enter the Third Level Graduate Programme, subject to the overall limit of eight years.
A graduate will not be permitted to access the Programme on more than two separate occasions, subject to 4) above.
Must, in line with the obligation on any non-EEA national seeking to renew their permission to be in the State, comply with the laws of the State. Such persons are expected to be of good character and not to have come to the adverse attention of the authorities in any way.
Must present evidence of the final award being attained by way of a parchment or, in circumstances where the graduation ceremony is yet to take place, an official letter for the awarding body / institution confirming that the award has been achieved. We will revert with arrangements for checking with the institutions and further information, including contact details will circulate in due course.