Educads

Ireland Student Work Rights 2026

International students in Ireland can work while studying if they meet the course conditions. After graduation, some can apply to stay and look for work.

Students on full-time courses of at least one year can work during term time and full-time during holidays. They must not do self-employment or work with a work permit.

This means work is available alongside study, with more flexibility during scheduled breaks. The published rights apply to students in full-time study rather than short courses.

After completing an approved course, graduates may apply for the Third Level Graduates Scheme. This post-study work route can let them stay in Ireland for up to 24 months to seek employment and gain relevant experience.

For students planning to move from study into work, Ireland offers a clear path from in-study work rights to a graduate stay option. The country also has 28 universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Galway, University College Cork, and Dublin City University.

Universities in Ireland

TC Trinity College Dublin logo

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Leinster, Ireland · Public University

★ 70 QS World #87 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 21,000 – EUR 28,500/yr
Founded
1592
UC University College Dublin logo

University College Dublin

Dublin, Leinster, Ireland · Public University

★ 67 QS World #126 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 20,500 – EUR 27,500/yr
Founded
1854
GA University of Galway logo

University of Galway

Galway, Connacht, Ireland · Public University

★ 62 QS World #273 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 17,000 – EUR 23,500/yr
Founded
1845
UC University College Cork logo

University College Cork

Cork, Munster, Ireland · Public University

★ 61 QS World #273 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 18,000 – EUR 24,500/yr
Founded
1845
DC Dublin City University logo

Dublin City University

Dublin, Leinster, Ireland · Public University

★ 47 QS World #436 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
EUR 15,500 – EUR 21,000/yr
Founded
1975

All universities in Ireland →

Questions about working & jobs in Ireland

Can international students work while studying in Ireland?

Yes. International students in Ireland are allowed to work while studying if they are enrolled in full-time courses of at least one year.

What work is allowed during study in Ireland?

Students can work during term time and full-time during holidays. They must not engage in self-employment or work with a work permit.

What can happen after graduation in Ireland?

After completing an approved course of study, graduates may apply for the Third Level Graduates Scheme, which can allow them to stay in Ireland for up to 24 months to seek employment.

Student cities in Ireland

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

More on Ireland: destination overview · universities · scholarships · student visa

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