All international students from non-EU/EEA regions, including India, need a valid Student Visa to enter Ireland and study at any Irish university. Students enrolled in a short-term course of less than 90 days apply for a C-Study Visa, while those enrolled in a long-term course of more than 90 days apply for a D-Study Visa.
To apply for an Irish Study Visa, non-EEA students must be enrolled in a full-time course on the ILEP list (Interim List of Eligible Programmes). All Ireland Student Visa holders have a limited Work Permit and are eligible to work for a stipulated period in Ireland. The Irish government also provides a Stay-Back Option to students from non-EEA countries studying undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Irish universities.
Learn all about Irish Study Visa requirements with SI-Ireland, which can help you apply for an Irish student visa to study in Ireland. Arrange a free consultation today.
Work Permit on Ireland Student Visa
Casual Employment or Work in Ireland
Casual employment or part-time work in Ireland can be an excellent way for international students to supplement their income, gain valuable work experience, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Students at Irish universities enrolled on a full-time programme for at least one year do not require a separate work permit. They can obtain work opportunities while studying to enhance their overall educational experience. Such students are allowed to work in Ireland subject to the following:
- The study course is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Skills
- Students must be enrolled on a full-time NFQ level 7 or above educational programme
- They must hold a valid Immigration Stamp 2 on their passport
- Students can take up casual employment for up to 20 hours per week during term time
- From June to September and between 15th December to 15th January, students are allowed to work for up to 40 hours per week
- Students are not permitted to work as Taxi Drivers, neither as employees nor on their own holding a taxi driving license
- Students are not permitted to engage in any form of Self-Employment
Internships in Ireland
International students can take up internships during their study years to gain practical work experience, expand their professional networks, and enhance their career prospects. By participating in internships, students can gain a competitive edge in their future careers, acquire industry-specific skills, and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. Non-EEA students can take up internships in Ireland provided:
- The internship is part of their degree
- The duration of the internship does not exceed 50% of the total course duration
- The internship must not be in a self-employment capacity
- Work placements should be an integral part of the degree programme required for the final award
- The placements offered must be in accordance with the course being pursued
Two-Year Stay Back Option on Ireland Student Visa
The two-year stay-back option on Ireland student visas offers international students an attractive pathway to explore career opportunities and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. This initiative enables students to extend their stay in Ireland post-graduation, providing them time to secure employment, develop their skills, and contribute to the Irish workforce while gaining an edge among competitors by having a strong CV that highlights their Irish work experience. Ireland provides stay-back options to international students after course completion under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. As per the Revised Third Level Graduate Scheme:
- Non-EU/EEA students at NFQ level 9 and above can stay back up to 24 months (against the earlier 12 months option)
- Students must have studied at the master's or doctoral level at a Recognised Irish Higher Education Institute
- A Recognised Irish Awarding Body should certify in writing the successful completion of the course within six months, of which students can apply for an extension
- Only those with Visa Stamp 2 qualify for an extension under the Third Level Graduate Scheme
- This extension is non-renewable
- Students will be allowed to work full-time up to 40 hours per week
- Those pursuing a degree at NFQ level 8 are entitled to an extension of only 12 months under the Graduate Employment Scheme
Apply for Ireland Student Visa
If you want to study in Ireland and apply for an Irish student Visa, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland. Our university and visa application experts will help you achieve your dream.
