Part-time work opportunity for International Students in Ireland:

The student-friendly visa laws in place are one of the major benefits of pursuing higher education in Ireland for international students. Foreign students who want to study at one of Ireland’s top universities should be aware of the Ireland Study Visa regulations regarding part-time job for students. Ireland visas are specified by stamp numbers.

Overseas students who are international students in Ireland on an Irish Student Visa and are enrolled in a full-time programme on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes will receive a Stamp 2 in their passport (ILEP). Foreign students on the Stam 2A would be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the holidays (summer and winter holidays). International students enrolled in a full-time program that is not on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) will receive the Stamp 2A on their passport and will be eligible for part-time work opportunities.

Work Part Time in Ireland for International Students

International students to be eligible for part-time work opportunities in Ireland, would require to adhere to the following. 

  • Registered with local police known as Garda National Immigration Bureau or GNIB
  • Accepted to a course recognized by the Minister for Education and Skills
  • Enrolled in a full-time course at or above NFQ Level 7
  • Attending classes between  8 AM and 6 PM per week
  • Enrolled in a course with at least one year’s duration

Candidates who wish to work part-time in Ireland should get a PPS Number (Personal Public Services Number). This is required for your employer to pay you if you do not have a PPS number. You will also need to open an account with any Irish bank because the payment may only be made to an Irish bank account. You must comply by Irish tax laws, employment laws, and taxation requirements.

Prior work experience will undoubtedly improve your chances of landing a part-time job in Ireland, but it is not required. When it comes to part-time work in Ireland, cities like Dublin and Cork have a minimum wage of €10-12 per hour. The minimum wage in Tier 2 cities such as Limerick and outside of Dublin is between €8 and €9 per hour. Candidates who intend to study in Ireland are advised not to use part-time work income to cover their everyday costs in Ireland. Because the money earned would not be enough to cover living expenses in Ireland.

FAQs

  • Q. Is it worth studying in Ireland?
    Studying in Ireland has its own advantages and disadvantages. Although job opportunities are plenty, salaries are decent, the tuition fee is affordable and the cost of living is not much high, international students find it difficult to obtain a job suiting their interests. Also, the visa requirements for Ireland are quite stringent and a large number of overseas students who bring their families along have a hard time looking out for a living space. 
  • Q. Why should I do a part-time job while studying in Ireland?
    Doing a part-time job not only polishes your skills in that particular field but also helps you gain experience which would be fruitful in the long run. While working you get to meet people from different walks of life and build connections. Holding a part-time job also comes in handy as an experience when you apply for a full-time job after graduation. Based on your performance you may also be offered a full-time position, with good salary.  
  • Q. Is there any formal requirement to take up a part-time job in Ireland?
    A PPS number will be required for all those who want to take up part-time employment in the country. This is so because without a PPS number, the company with which you’re working won’t be able to give you your payment. Students will also be required to get an account opened at a bank in Ireland as the salary can only be transferred to an Irish bank account.
  • Q. Do I need a special work permit to work part-time in Ireland?
    No special work permit is required to work part-time in Ireland provided the applicant is enrolled on a course lasting at least one year. Students in Ireland can work for a maximum of 40 hours per week in June, July, August, and September. They are also permitted to work during vacations from December 15th to January 15th.
  • Q. Can all overseas students work part-time in Ireland while studying?
    International students taking up a full-time course on a program that is not on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), would receive the Stamp 2A on their passport and they would not be eligible for part-time work opportunities.