Douglas Olsen
International students in Ireland have several options for working during their studies and after graduation. The type of work permit or visa that an international student may need depends on their nationality, the length of their programme, and whether they are enrolled in a full-time course. Non-EEA students with Stamp 2 permission can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays, while those with Stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work. Graduates can apply for a work permit under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows them to work full-time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours during term time | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours outside of term time | 40 hours per week |
| Full-time work periods | 15 Dec–15 Jan, 1 Jun–30 Sep |
| Work placement duration | Up to 50% of course duration |
| Work type restrictions | None |
| Work location | On or off campus |
| Visa requirements | Depends on the country of origin |
| Tax implications | Subject to income tax (PAYE) and social insurance (PRSI) |
| Minimum wage | €13.50 per hour |
| Employment permits | General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit |
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What You'll Learn
Work placement and internship rules
International students in Ireland are allowed to work, but there are rules and regulations that must be followed. These rules vary depending on the student's visa status and the type of work placement or internship they are seeking. Here are the work placement and internship rules for international students in Ireland:
Work Placement Rules:
- Work placements are typically offered as unpaid training positions, but companies often provide an allowance to cover expenses such as travel costs.
- Work Placement Officers based in the Student Development and Employability Department or School and Careers will assist students in securing placements.
- The work placement component of a course cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the course. For example, a four-year programme would permit up to two years of work placement.
- Work placements must be an integral part of the programme and contribute to the final award.
- Students must have a certain standard of English and prove their progress in the course, such as by passing exams.
Internship Rules:
- Paid internships are allowed when they are part of an accredited academic programme and contribute to the final award.
- The internship component of the programme cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the programme.
- Internships must not be in a self-employed capacity.
- Non-EU/EEA students with Stamp 2 permission are allowed to take up casual employment, including internships. They can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods (June to September and December 15 to January 15).
- EU citizens are entitled to the same employment rights as Irish citizens, including receiving the national minimum wage, paid annual leave, and the freedom to join a trade union.
- Employers must ensure that paid internships comply with the updated minimum wage unless specific exemptions apply.
- Both employers and interns should maintain accurate records of all payments and benefits for tax purposes.
- Students on a Stamp 2 visa must follow the rules and regulations of their visa. They may need to obtain a different visa if their internship is not in Ireland.
- Non-EU/EEA students enrolled in third-level institutions outside of Ireland may require an Internship Employment Permit to undertake an internship in an Irish company. This permit is issued for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be renewed.
- To apply for an Internship Employment Permit, the employer must be trading in Ireland, registered with Revenue, and with the Companies Registration Office. The intern must be enrolled in a third-level institution, and the internship must be a mandatory part of their academic program.
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$8.99
Work hours and restrictions
International students in Ireland are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. This increases to 40 hours per week during the summer months of June, July, August, and September, as well as between 15 December and 15 January. These periods correspond with the majority of students' summer breaks and the Christmas holidays.
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) can work full-time or part-time while studying in Ireland without restriction. However, non-EEA students must abide by the work hour restrictions mentioned above. Additionally, non-EEA students are not permitted to engage in self-employment.
It is important to note that students on a Stamp 2A visa are not allowed to work at all. This restriction also applies to students enrolled in foundation or preparatory courses prior to commencing their full-time programme.
To work in Ireland, international students must obtain a Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number). This is a unique identifier that facilitates access to employment, benefits, and public services. The application process for a PPS Number involves visiting an allocation centre of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection with the required documentation.
International students in Ireland are subject to income tax, which is deducted directly from their work income through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, and the income tax rate for most single individuals is 20% for taxable income up to €44,000. Additionally, resident international students may be liable to pay social insurance (PRSI) and the Universal Social Charge (USC) if their income exceeds certain thresholds.
When seeking employment, international students should be mindful of their visa requirements and ensure that their work arrangements comply with the conditions of their immigration status.
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Student visa requirements
International students from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland are required to apply for a visa. If you are planning to stay for less than three months, you should apply for a 'C study visa'. If your course is longer than three months, you will need a 'D study visa' and an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). You must apply for a long-term study visa up to three months before your travel date to Ireland, and you must apply from your home country or where you are a legal resident. If you are visiting another state prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that state before applying for an Irish visa.
Students from outside the EEA must be enrolled in a full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). If you are attending a foundation or preparatory course before enrolling on a full-time course, you are not entitled to work until you have commenced your full-time course. You will also need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover the entire period of your course without relying on income from a part-time job.
EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a visa or residence permit to enter Ireland, but they must register with their local immigration officer within 90 days of arrival. They are also free to take up full-time or part-time employment while studying. Non-EEA students on an eligible course can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during college vacation periods (June to September and December to January). To take up employment, you will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which is a unique reference number for accessing employment, benefits, and public services in Ireland.
If you have been refused a visa in the past, you must provide the details and the original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country. Other required documents include the child student's birth certificate, notarised consent from both parents or legal guardians, and—if applicable—details of one parent's visa application or a statement that they will be staying with the student for the duration of their stay in Ireland. If neither parent is joining the student, clearance from the Garda Síochána (the Irish police force) is required.
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Income tax and other deductions
International students in Ireland are subject to income tax, which is deducted directly from their work income through a system called Pay As You Earn (PAYE). The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, and for most single people, the income tax is set at 20% for taxable income up to EUR 44,000. Income above this threshold is taxed at 40%, but most students are unlikely to reach this level. However, it is possible to earn up to EUR 20,000 per year without paying any income tax, depending on tax residency status and tax treaties between Ireland and the student's home country.
To be considered a resident taxpayer in Ireland, an individual must have lived in the country for more than 183 days in a single tax year or 280 days across two consecutive tax years. Residence status is crucial in determining tax liability, as non-residents pay Irish tax only on their Irish income, while residents pay tax on both their Irish income and any foreign income remitted to Ireland. Additionally, residents may be eligible for tax credits and relief, which can significantly reduce their tax burden.
Apart from income tax, there are other deductions to be aware of when working in Ireland. One such deduction is PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance), which is used to fund welfare benefits and pensions. PRSI is deducted from pay at a rate of 4.1% for earnings above EUR 352 per week, with a small credit applied if earnings are below EUR 424 per week. USC (Universal Social Charge) is another deduction used to fund government services. The USC rate varies depending on income levels, with a rate of 0.5% for income up to EUR 12,012 and 2% for income between EUR 12,012 and EUR 25,670.
Before starting work in Ireland, international students must apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPS) to officially register their employment and tax records. This number is essential for accessing employment, benefits, and public services in the country. It is worth noting that employers are responsible for deducting and remitting the relevant taxes, including PAYE and USC, on behalf of their employees.
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Immigration permission
International students in Ireland must abide by the conditions of their immigration stamp. For instance, holders of Stamp 2A are not allowed to work, while those with Stamp 2 can work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours outside of the term. Non-EEA nationals intending to study in Ireland must be enrolled in a full-time course at Level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). They are not allowed to enrol in part-time or distance learning courses.
All non-EEA students, including those who do not require a visa, must register with the immigration office to get permission to remain in Ireland for more than 90 days. Students who plan to study for up to 6 months must have access to €700 per month or €4,200 (whichever is lesser) when they first register with the immigration office. Students who require a visa to enter Ireland must apply for a student visa and provide evidence of access to €10,000 when they arrive in the country.
Students on a degree programme must have a letter of acceptance from their college, proof of payment of fees, access to €3,000 at the first registration, and private medical insurance. The maximum time a student may stay in Ireland on a student type permission is seven years. Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, students may get an extension of their permission to remain in Ireland after graduation. The scheme allows them to find employment and apply for a General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit. Graduates with a Level 8 qualification may get a 12-month extension, while those with qualifications at Level 9 or above may get a 24-month extension.
International students in Ireland are also allowed to take internships or work placements as part of their academic programme. However, the work placement component of the course cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the course. For example, a four-year course would permit two years of work placement. Additionally, the employment cannot be in a self-employed capacity, and it must form an integral part of the course.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work while studying in Ireland, provided they have permission to remain in the country. Students with Stamp 2 permission can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week outside of term time. Students with Stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work.
Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, international students who have graduated from a recognised Irish institution can apply for a work permit to remain in Ireland. To qualify, students must apply within six months of completing their studies.
International students enrolled on eligible full-time courses are allowed to undertake internships or work placements as part of their course. The duration of the work placement cannot exceed 50% of the total course duration, and students cannot be self-employed.
If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Ireland, you will need to apply for a student visa. You must enrol in a full-time course and provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
International students must demonstrate that they have enough money to pay their programme fees and living expenses while in Ireland. The visa application process may require proof of access to a minimum of €10,000.
