Working in Ireland
Students on Stamp 2 permission can work part-time alongside their studies, and graduates can stay on to look for skilled work through the Third Level Graduate Programme. Work limits and dates can change, so confirm the current rules on official sites before you rely on them.
Working during your studies
Stamp 2 students may work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Up to 40 hours per week during the official holiday periods.
The holiday periods are fixed: 1 June to 30 September and 15 December to 15 January. Outside these dates the 20-hour term-time limit applies, regardless of your personal timetable.
After you graduate: the Third Level Graduate Programme
The Third Level Graduate Programme grants Stamp 1G permission so you can stay in Ireland to seek graduate employment:
- Level 8 (honours bachelor's) graduates get 12 months.
- Level 9 or 10 (master's or doctoral) graduates get up to 24 months.
Once you secure skilled employment you can move on to an employment permit and the corresponding immigration permission. See our courses guide for how the NFQ levels work, and our visas guide for Stamp 2 details.
Official sources: Irish Immigration Service, Citizens Information.