Non-EEA students studying full-time in Ireland are given Stamp 2 permission, recorded on the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) you collect after you arrive. It sets out when you can work and how long you can stay.
Work rights on Stamp 2
Stamp 2 lets you work 20 hours per week during term and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. The holiday periods are fixed: June to September inclusive, and 15 December to 15 January. (A related Stamp 2A is for students on non-eligible courses and carries no work rights.)
Money and other requirements
To be granted permission you need an offer from an eligible programme, private medical insurance, and evidence of funds — Irish immigration has long expected students to show in the region of €10,000 to cover living costs for the year, on top of tuition. Confirm the current figure before you apply.
Staying on: the Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G)
Ireland's official post-study route is the Third Level Graduate Programme, which moves you to Stamp 1G — permission to work full-time with no salary threshold or job-category limits:
- Level 8 (honours bachelor's): a 12-month extension.
- Level 9 or above (master's/PhD): up to 24 months, in two 12-month blocks.
Total time as a student is capped at 7 years (level 8 route) or 8 years overall. Stamp 1G is the window in which most graduates find a role and move onto an employment permit or Critical Skills permit.
Rules are set by Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and change — confirm current requirements on the official website before applying.