Lori Meadows
International students in Ireland can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks. However, there are several factors that determine whether an international student can work and the number of hours they can work in Ireland. These factors include the student's country of origin, the type of visa or permit they hold, and the conditions of their immigration stamp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours during term time | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours during scheduled breaks | 40 hours per week |
| Work hours during scheduled breaks dates | December 15 to January 15 and June 1 to September 30 |
| Work permit | Stamp 2G or Stamp 2A |
| Visa requirement for non-EEA students | Yes |
| Visa application requirement | Evidence of access to €10,000 |
| Visa application requirement for students planning to study for up to 6 months | Evidence of access to €700 per month or €4,200 |
| Visa duration for a full-time English language course | Up to 8 months |
| Maximum duration of immigration permission for new students attending English language programmes | 2 years |
| Maximum time for English language courses | 2 years |
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What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements for international students in Ireland
International students in Ireland must adhere to specific work permit requirements, which vary depending on their nationality and visa status. Here is an overview of the work permit requirements for international students in Ireland:
European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals
Citizens of countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need special work permits to study and work in Ireland. EEA nationals are entitled to take up full-time or part-time employment while studying in Ireland without requiring additional permits.
Non-EEA Students with Stamp 2 Permission
Non-EEA students who possess Stamp 2 permission are allowed to engage in casual employment during their studies. This permission enables them to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods, specifically from mid-June to mid-September and mid-December to mid-January.
Non-EEA Students on English Language Courses
Non-EEA students enrolled in English language courses listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) may be granted immigration permission of up to eight months. To renew this permission, students must meet attendance requirements and provide end-of-programme exam results. The total duration of immigration permission for new students on English language programmes is limited to two years.
Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)
The Third Level Graduate Programme offers an extension of residence permission for graduates with Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications obtained in Ireland. This programme provides a pathway to graduate-level employment and facilitates applications for general employment permits. Graduates can avail of a 12-month or 24-month extension, depending on their qualification level and the total time spent on the student pathway.
Post-Study Work Visa
Ireland offers a post-study work visa, also known as Stamp 1G, for international students who wish to remain in the country after completing their higher education. This visa allows students to gain work experience in their field of study and strengthen their professional profiles. However, specific conditions must be met to qualify for this visa, such as being enrolled as a full-time student and holding an accredited Irish degree.
In summary, the work permit requirements for international students in Ireland depend on their specific circumstances, including their nationality, visa status, and the type of programme they are enrolled in. It is important for students to refer to the most up-to-date information provided by official Irish government sources to ensure they comply with the relevant regulations.
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Work hour restrictions for international students
International students in Ireland are allowed to work, but there are restrictions in place on the number of hours they can work per week. These restrictions vary depending on the student's visa status and the time of year.
International students with a Stamp 2 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks. The scheduled breaks when international students can work up to 40 hours per week include the summer, Christmas, and Easter holidays. The specific dates for working up to 40 hours per week are from June 1 to September 30 and from December 15 to January 15. These dates are fixed for all non-EEA students, regardless of their actual college teaching calendar.
International students with a Stamp 2A visa are not permitted to work during their studies in Ireland.
Work Permits for International Students in Ireland
In addition to visa requirements, international students in Ireland generally need to obtain a work permit, also known as a Stamp 2G or Stamp 2A, to work legally in the country. The type of work permit required may vary depending on the student's specific circumstances.
Other Requirements for International Students Working in Ireland
International students seeking part-time work in Ireland must also meet other eligibility criteria. They must be registered as full-time students at a recognised Irish educational institution and have a valid student visa or work permit. Additionally, they need to meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years old, although certain types of work may allow for a minimum age of 16 years. International students must also ensure they are not receiving any other form of state-funded support or social welfare payments.
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Work hour restrictions during breaks
International students in Ireland are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. This limit applies to students enrolled in a full-time course at level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The course must be recognised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
During breaks, international students can work up to 40 hours per week. This applies to the months of June, July, August, and September, as well as between 15 December and 15 January. These dates are fixed for all non-EEA students, regardless of their actual college teaching calendar.
It is important to note that the working hours allowed for international students in Ireland depend on their nationality and visa status. Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) have different work rights compared to non-EEA students. For example, all nationals from the EEA are entitled to take up full-time or part-time employment in Ireland while studying, without any hourly restrictions.
Additionally, international students in Ireland, regardless of their nationality, are protected by labour laws that ensure fair treatment. These laws include the right to a minimum wage (EUR 10.50 per hour as of 2025), a written employment contract, and rest breaks (a 15-minute break for every 4.5 hours worked). To get paid legally, students must obtain a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to comply with tax rules.
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Work hour restrictions during term time
International students in Ireland are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, provided they have a work permit. This is also known as a "Stamp 2G" or "Stamp 2A" permit. Students with a Stamp 2A permit are not allowed to work at all. Non-EEA students with Stamp 2 permission can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) are entitled to take up full-time or part-time employment while studying in Ireland without a work permit. However, students from non-EEA countries must obtain a work permit and abide by the maximum working hours.
To obtain a work permit, international students must be registered as full-time students at a recognised Irish educational institution and have a valid student visa. They must also meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements, with a valid IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent. Additionally, students must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old for specific types of work, such as part-time employment in a family business.
It is important to note that international students in Ireland are generally not entitled to social welfare payments. One of the conditions of their residence permission is that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay.
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Work permit types for international students
International students in Ireland are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week in the holidays. This applies to non-EEA students with Stamp 2 permission to remain and students on a full-time course with an Irish Residence Permit card, provided their course is included on the government's list of visa-eligible courses (ILEP).
Now, here is an overview of the work permit types for international students in Ireland:
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Full-time students outside of the EEA can apply for an Internship Employment Permit to gain work experience in Ireland. This permit is valid for a maximum of 12 months, after which the student must leave Ireland.
Reactivation Employment Permit
If you were working in Ireland with an employment permit and became undocumented through no fault of your own, or if you were mistreated by your employer, you can apply for a Reactivation Employment Permit.
General Employment Permit
With a General Employment Permit, you can apply for a visa to enter Ireland if required. After 57 months, you can apply for a Stamp 4 Irish Residence Permit, which allows you to work without needing an employment permit.
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
After 21 months of working on a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland, you can apply for a Stamp 4 Irish Residence Permit, enabling you to work without an employment permit. From 2 September 2024, CSEP permit holders can change employers after 9 months, provided they move within the same profession.
Third Level Graduate Scheme
Non-EEA graduates and postgraduates can apply for a green card or work permit under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. The Third Level Graduate Programme allows graduates with a level 8 qualification to get a 12-month extension on their residence permission (Stamp 1G). Graduates with level 9 or higher qualifications can obtain a 24-month extension (two 12-month blocks). This time is intended for graduates to work 40 hours per week without an employment permit and seek employment permit-based jobs.
Hosting Agreement
Qualified researchers from outside the EEA can be recruited by approved research organisations to carry out research in Ireland without requiring a Green Card or Work Permit. This is facilitated through a "hosting agreement." Once this agreement is in place, researchers can gain admission to the state to conduct their research.
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Frequently asked questions
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 the holidays.
Stamp 2 is a work permit or an immigration permission that allows international students to work part-time during their studies in Ireland.
To get Stamp 2 permission, you must first be enrolled as a full-time student at a recognised Irish educational institution and have a valid student visa.
The minimum wage in Ireland is €10.50 per hour, but rates of pay can vary depending on the job and industry.
