Are you considering becoming an international student in Ireland? Below, we’ll look at how to work in Ireland while studying. Read on to see what your study abroad timeline might look like, and how your work opportunities can change over time.
Considering other countries? We’ve also got work-while-studying guides for Canada and the United States.
Which Students May Work in Ireland?
International students usually enter Ireland with Immigration Stamp 2 permission. As an international student, you may only work while your Stamp 2 visa is valid.
If you’re enrolled in a full-time course that leads to a qualification recognized by the Irish Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science that’s at least one year long, you don’t need a work permit.
To work in Ireland as an international student, you must:
- Register and obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within 90 days of arriving.
- Be in a full-time programme that’s at least one year long, and at or above NFQ Level 7.
- Work toward a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education and Skills.
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours per week of daytime study.
- Attend classes between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM for a minimum of 25 weeks per year.
Note: When registering for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, you’ll need to pay a fee of €300. Budget for this cost with your arrival expenses.
TrustEd Ireland and Programme Eligibility
Your educational institution must be authorized to enrol international students. As of 2025, only institutions with TrustEd Ireland authorization can recruit non-EEA students. This authorization helps to ensure you receive a quality education.
NFQ, Explained
If you’re wondering “what does NFQ Level 7 mean?”, it refers to a specific level of study. Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) has ten levels which outline the skills and knowledge you’ll need to earn a qualification. On the NFQ scale, third-level qualifications, or post-secondary studies, range from levels 6 to 10.
Here’s how post-secondary courses and NFQ levels match up:
- Level 6: Advanced Certificates and Higher Certificates
- Level 7: Ordinary Bachelor’s Degrees
- Level 8: Honours Bachelor’s Degrees and Higher Diplomas
- Level 9: Master’s Degrees and Post-Graduate Diplomas
- Level 10: Doctoral Degrees (PhD) and Higher Doctorates
Students in courses ranked Level 7 to 10 on the NFQ scale may work while studying in Ireland.
Bonus Resource: If you want to know how your current credentials match up to Irish ones, check out NARIC Ireland’s searchable Foreign Qualifications Database.
How Do I Prepare for and Find Work in Ireland?
Before you start working, you’ll need to get a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number), and an Irish bank account. The PPS Number is used by your employer to pay you.
If your course is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), you may already have received a PPS number, so check your acceptance package.
Understanding Irish Taxes
As a student working in Ireland, you’ll be subject to the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) income tax system. Your employer will deduct taxes from your paycheck automatically using your PPS Number. However, you may be eligible for some tax credits as a student worker, which reduces the amount of tax you’ll pay.
On-Campus Jobs
Many international students like the convenience of working on campus. You might find work in the library, as a research or teaching assistant, in administration, or with a private on-campus business. To find on-campus jobs, check your campus’ student services office or website.
Off-Campus Jobs
There are several platforms designed for students and part-time workers to find jobs:
- parttime.ie – Specializes in flexible, part-time positions ideal for students
- StudentJob.ie – A dedicated platform for student employment opportunities
- GradIreland – Excellent for internships and graduate-level opportunities
You can also use general job-hunting platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.
It’s also wise to check in with your campus career centre when job hunting off-campus. They’ll know good local businesses to apply for, and can help you polish up your resume, or practice interview skills.
Ireland’s minimum wage has increased to €14.15 per hour as of January 2026 for workers aged 20 and up. Don’t accept a lower wage. Also, Ireland does not have a lower “tipping wage,” which is where some employees earn a lower base salary which is supplemented by tips. Also, as of December 2022, it is “illegal for employers to use tips or gratuities to make up basic wages” in Ireland.
Ace your job interviews with these interview tips for international students.
What if I Have an Internship?
If you plan to pursue an internship or work placement:
- Your academic institution must ensure the work placements complement your programme.
- Work placements must be a central part of the programme, but cannot be longer than 50% of its length. (So, a three-year programme may have a single placement or multiple placements that are collectively up to one and a half years long.)
- Self-employment doesn’t count as a work placement or internship.
What’s the difference between co-ops, internships, and field placements?
How Much Can I Work?
For most of the year, if you’re a student with Stamp 2, you may work up to 20 hours per week. However, during the summer months (June 1 to September 30) and from December 15 to January 15, you can work up to 40 hours per week.
Can I Work in Ireland After Graduating?
You may be eligible to stay in Ireland after you graduate under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme if you graduate from a course ranked Level 8, 9, or 10 on the NFQ scale.
The Third Level Graduate Scheme allows non-EU post-secondary graduates to look for work or apply for a work permit. The length of time you’re approved for may depend on the course you’ve completed.
Important: You must apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme within six months of receiving your final exam results.
Level 8 Graduates
Generally, non-EEA students who graduate from a Level 8 course may stay in Ireland for up to 12 months.
Level 9 or 10 Graduates
Graduates with a Level 9 or 10 course may stay for up to a total of 24 months. Your visa will be granted as an initial 12-month period, which can be renewed for an additional 12 months. If you’re accepted to the Third Level Graduate Scheme, you may work full-time (up to 40 hours/week).
In 2026, Ireland is focusing on retaining talent in “critical skills” areas like AI, Sustainable Energy, and Healthcare. If you find a job in these sectors, you may be able to transition from a Stamp 1G to a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Remember: You’ll have limited time to find a job after finishing your course, so we recommend applying for jobs well before graduating.
With Ireland’s status as a tech hub on the rise, there are lots of great job opportunities for international student graduates, especially those in STEM fields.
We hope this information on how to work while studying in Ireland is helpful as you plan your journey as an international student.
Please note that this post is not meant as official immigration or residency advice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official Irish Immigration Service page. If you want to learn about staying in Ireland after graduation, please contact an Irish immigration attorney.
Ready to study abroad? Check out the ApplyBoard platform. With over 150,000 courses offered, there’s bound to be one that fits your goals.