Ireland is a popular study abroad destination among international students because of the flexibility to work part-time during their studies. This enables students to earn while they are studying and also allows them to build networks that may be helpful in the future when they look for full-time jobs. The minimum wage for part-time workers is on par with other developed European countries. Parameters  international students studying in Ireland should adhere to while applying for part-time jobs in the country include:

  • The Irish Student Visa allows international (non-EU/EEA) students to work part-time, given they adhere to certain regulations. Ireland follows Stamp numbers to differentiate study visas. For instance, international students who are granted Visa Stamp 2 are free to take up part-time occupation in Ireland. On the contrary, international students issued with the Visa Stamp 2A cannot work part-time in Ireland while they are studying. Let us understand this in detail:
  • An international student holding a valid Visa Stamp 2 can avail of part-time work in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session (lecture period). Also, such students can also seek full-time work for up to 40 hours per week from May to August and from 15th December to 15th January. These months constitute vacation periods in Ireland and hence, allow international students to even work full-time. This offers students studying at Irish universities the flexibility to balance their studies with work experience and earn money that could be used to pay for living expenses. Although, please note that students must not rely on part-time jobs alone to pay for their living expenses. 

    To seek a part-time work permit in Ireland, international students must adhere to the following      guidelines:

  • Must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau or GNIB
  • Must be accepted on a full-time course recognized by the Ministry for Education and Skills, Ireland Government
  • Must be enrolled on a full-time course at or above NFQ Level 7
  • Must be attending classes between 8 AM and 6 PM per week during the academic year
  • Must be enrolled in a course with at least one-year duration at UG or PG level

In addition to the above guidelines, eligible international students will need to apply for and receive the PPS (Personal Public Services Number) from the Irish Government. The PPS Number will enable the prospective employer to pay your remuneration. This goes with opening an account with any Irish bank so that the remuneration funds may be transferred to the account by the employer. Please note that you must have an Irish Bank account to receive payments for part-time work. You will be required to comply with the Irish tax laws, employment laws, and taxation requirements while working part-time and full-time jobs.

It is worth noting that for students seeking paid or unpaid internships during the course of their study in Ireland at any university, they must note that their internship period (start and end date) must not take up more than 50% of the overall duration of the program that they have enrolled for at a university. An Internship, if sourced by the students themselves, must be suited to the program that they are studying and should be counted towards the final award of the degree.

Please get in touch with our Relationships team for more information on part-time job opportunities.