Working in Ireland as an International Student?

In Ireland, international students get an Immigration Stamp 2. This allows them to work while their permission remains valid in Ireland. 

As an international student, you do not require a work permit if you are enrolled in a full-time course (minimum one year) that leads to a qualification recognized by the Irish Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, and which is NFQ Level 7 or above.

Ireland student work visa rules

Students can work in Ireland if they meet the following criteria:

• After arriving within 90 days, the student must register and get the Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
• The student is enrolled in a full-time program that is a minimum of one year.
• The student completes at least 15 daytime hours per week.
• Participate in classes scheduled between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM for at least 25 weeks each year.

TrustEd Ireland

The institution where you study must hold TrustEd Ireland authorization, which permits the institution to recruit non-EEA students. The approval is to ensure that the students receive a high-quality learning experience.

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

The NFQ is Ireland’s 10-level system of study that defines the standard of each qualification. The post-secondary (third-level) studies fall between Levels 6 and 10. Students enrolled in programs in NFQ Levels 7–10 are permitted to work while studying in Ireland.

• Level 6: Advanced/Higher Certificates
• Level 7: Ordinary Bachelor’s Degrees
• Level 8: Honours Bachelor’s Degrees, Higher Diplomas
• Level 9: Master’s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas
• Level 10: Doctoral Degrees (PhD), Higher Doctorates

International students working in Ireland 

International students working in Ireland are required to have a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number and an Irish bank account before starting work in Ireland. Your PPS number allows your employer to pay you and deduct tax correctly. Also, go through your acceptance documents, since if your course is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), you may already have received a PPS number.

Know the Taxes

In Ireland, a working student has to pay tax through the PAYE (Pay as You Earn) system, meaning income tax is automatically deducted from their wages by the employer using the student’s PPS number. The student may qualify for some tax credits, which can lower the amount of tax the student pays.

Know Your Rights

Minimum Wage: For those who are aged 20 and above, the minimum wage for workers is €14.15 per hour. 

Stamp 2 visa work hours Ireland: Students holding Stamp 2 permission can work up to 20 hours per week during studies, and during the holiday (June 1–September 30 and December 15–January 15), you are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week.

How to Secure a Job in Ireland - Work while studying in Ireland

On-Campus

By going through the campus website and checking at the student services office, international students can find work in libraries, administration, as research or teaching assistants, or with on-campus businesses.

Off-Campus

Students can use platforms such as Parttime.ie, StudentJob.ie, GradIreland, LinkedIn, Indeed, and so on, for finding work off-campus.

Internships and Work Placements

Internships or work placements must support your program, and placements must not exceed 50% of the total course duration. Further self-employment is not considered a work placement or an internship. 

Working in Ireland after Graduation - Post-study work opportunities in Ireland

If you complete your studies in a program ranked Level 8, 9, or 10 on the NFQ scale, then you can stay in Ireland under the Third Level Graduate Scheme to work or apply for a work permit. You must submit the application for the scheme within six months of receiving your final results.

Generally,

Level 8 Graduates: Can stay up to 12 months.

Level 9 and 10 Graduates: Can stay up to 24 months (initial 12 months plus a possible 12-month extension), and on acceptance, you can work full-time.

Critical skills sectors are prioritized in Ireland, such as AI, Sustainable Energy, and Healthcare, and working in these fields will allow you to transition from Stamp 1G to a Critical Skills Employment Permit.

If you require more clarification regarding work while studying in Ireland, ImmiLaw Global, study abroad lawyers and consultants, can help you with it. With years of experience and expertise, we will guide you promptly and properly.

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