Student Immigration
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Non-EEA students can study in Ireland on Stamp 2 immigration permission, which allows enrollment at an approved institution and part-time work of up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holiday periods (June to September and 15 December to 15 January). Ireland is a popular destination for international students, particularly for English language courses and higher education.
After completing a degree at an Irish higher education institution, graduates can apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G), which provides 12 months of open work authorization (24 months for master's and doctoral graduates). This graduate permission allows unrestricted employment and is a key pathway to obtaining an employment permit and eventually long-term residence.
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You want to study in Ireland at an approved educational institution
- You are a non-EEA student and want to understand your work rights
- You are graduating from an Irish institution and want to stay to work
- You want to transition from student status to a long-term work permit
Key requirements and programs:
- Stamp 2 (Student): For non-EEA students enrolled in a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Must be enrolled at a programme of at least 25 hours per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per year. Visa fee (visa-required nationals): EUR 60 single entry or EUR 100 multi-entry. IRP registration: EUR 300. Must show evidence of EUR 10,000 in accessible funds (or EUR 7,000 for each subsequent year). Maximum 8 years on student permission (7 years for language/non-degree, 8 years for degree programmes).
- Work rights on Stamp 2: Up to 20 hours per week during term time, 40 hours per week during holiday periods. No separate work permit required. Holidays: June 1 to September 30 and December 15 to January 15. You must have a valid IRP card and PPS number to work.
- Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G): For graduates of Irish higher education institutions at Level 8 (honours bachelor's degree) or above on the National Framework of Qualifications. Level 8 graduates: 12 months of Stamp 1G. Level 9 (master's) and Level 10 (doctoral) graduates: 24 months. Open work permission — can work for any employer in any role. Must apply before current student permission expires. No fee beyond IRP registration (EUR 300).
- Transition to employment permit: During or after the graduate scheme, you can apply for an employment permit if a qualifying job is offered. The minimum salary for a GEP transitioning from a student/graduate route is reduced to EUR 27,000 (rather than the standard EUR 34,000). CSEP has no reduced threshold — the same Critical Skills list criteria apply.
What to Do If You Want to Study in Ireland as an International Student
Step 1: Enroll at an institution offering a programme on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Check the list at irishimmigration.ie. The institution must be approved to host international students.
Step 2: If you are a visa-required national, apply for a study visa through the online system at visas.inis.gov.ie. Submit: acceptance letter from the institution, proof of fees paid (or evidence of scholarship), evidence of EUR 10,000 in accessible funds, proof of private medical insurance, academic transcripts and qualifications, and evidence of English language ability (if not studying an English language course).
Step 3: Register with the immigration authorities within 90 days of arrival. In Dublin, book an appointment at the Burgh Quay Registration Office through the online appointment system. Outside Dublin, register at your local Garda Immigration Office. Bring: passport, acceptance letter, proof of fees paid, proof of funds, and private medical insurance. Pay EUR 300 for the IRP card.
Step 4: Obtain a PPS (Personal Public Service) number from your local Intreo Centre. This is required for working legally in Ireland. Bring your passport, IRP card, and proof of address.
Step 5: When working, ensure you do not exceed 20 hours per week during term time. Keep records of your hours. Your employer must verify your immigration permission and IRP before hiring you.
Step 6: Before your student permission expires after graduation, apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G). Contact the Burgh Quay Registration Office (Dublin) or your local registration office. Bring your degree certificate or a letter from your institution confirming completion, passport, and current IRP card. Use the 12 to 24 months on Stamp 1G to find employment and transition to an employment permit.
What should you NOT do?
Don't exceed the 20-hour work limit during term time. Breaching the work hour limit is a violation of your immigration conditions and can result in non-renewal of your student permission, refusal of future immigration applications, and potential deportation. Immigration authorities and Revenue (the Irish tax authority) can cross-reference employment records.
Don't exceed the 8-year maximum on student permission. Non-EEA nationals are limited to a maximum of 8 years on student immigration permission (7 years for non-degree programmes). After reaching this limit, further student stamps will not be granted. Plan your studies to complete within this timeframe.
Don't attend a non-ILEP institution. Only institutions on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes are approved for international students. Attending a non-approved institution does not provide valid student immigration permission and can result in deportation.
Don't wait until your student permission expires to apply for the Graduate Scheme. The Third Level Graduate Scheme must be applied for while your current student permission (Stamp 2) is still valid. If your Stamp 2 expires before you apply, you may lose eligibility and fall out of status.
Don't ignore the financial evidence requirement. You must show EUR 10,000 in accessible funds at initial registration and for each renewal. The money must be in a bank account accessible to you (not a fixed deposit or someone else's account). The immigration office verifies this at each registration.
Common Questions
When does it apply — student immigration?
This applies when:You want to study in Ireland at an approved educational institutionYou are a non-EEA student and want to understand your work rightsYou are graduating from an Irish institution and want to stay to workYou want to transition from student status to a long-term work permitKey requirements and programs:Stamp 2 (Student): For non-EEA students enrolled in a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Must be enrolled at a programme of at least 25 hours per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per year. Visa fee (visa-required nationals): EUR 60 single entry or EUR 100 multi...
What should I do if I want to get a student visa to study in Ireland?
Step 1: Enroll at an institution offering a programme on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Check the list at irishimmigration.ie. The institution must be approved to host international students.Step 2: If you are a visa-required national, apply for a study visa through the online system at visas.inis.gov.ie. Submit: acceptance letter from the institution, proof of fees paid (or evidence of scholarship), evidence of EUR 10,000 in accessible funds, proof of private medical insurance, academic transcripts and qualifications, and evidence of English language ability (if not studying...
What should you NOT do — student immigration?
Don't exceed the 20-hour work limit during term time. Breaching the work hour limit is a violation of your immigration conditions and can result in non-renewal of your student permission, refusal of future immigration applications, and potential deportation. Immigration authorities and Revenue (the Irish tax authority) can cross-reference employment records.Don't exceed the 8-year maximum on student permission. Non-EEA nationals are limited to a maximum of 8 years on student immigration permission (7 years for non-degree programmes). After reaching this limit, further student stamps will not b...
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