Working in Ireland as an International Student
Non-EEA students with a valid Stamp 2 permission to remain as a full time student are allowed to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week in the holidays. Holiday periods have been standardised – June to September inclusive and from 15 December to 15 January. Students with stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work.
As a non-EEA student, you are allowed to work in Ireland only when you hold a valid IRP card indicating your immigration permission and a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number.
EEA students are entitled to move to Ireland freely and enjoy all activities including employment, self-employment, study and residency. Those students do not need to apply for immigration permission but still need to apply for a PPS Number.
Working rights on valid Stamp 2 permission
- Part time (up to 20 hours) during term time
- Full time (up to 40 hours) during the following times:
a) From 1st June to 30 September
b) From 15th December to 15th January
Working rights on valid Stamp 1G permission (Third Level Graduate Programme)
Students availing of the Third Level Graduate Programme receive a Stamp 1G permission. This entitles them to work up to 40 hours per week for a period of 12 months following successful completion of their course, with the option of extending for a further 12 months subject to certain conditions.
The application process can be fully completed online for those who reside in the Dublin area and processing times may vary but typically ranges from 3 to 5 weeks. Please check the Stamp 1G section of our website for further details about this permission.
Students are also welcome to share this letter for employers to explain their working rights and the process of transition from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G graduate permission.
Summary of non-EEA students’ working rights
|
Term time on valid Stamp 2 permission |
Part time working rights (up to 20 hours per week) |
|
15th December to 15th January on valid |
Full time working rights (up to 40 hours per week). |
|
1st June – 30th September on valid |
Full time working rights (up to 40 hours per week). |
|
Release of Academic Transcript |
Once the document is available for download, students can apply for Stamp 1G permission. |
|
1st October until Stamp 1G permission |
Part time working rights (up to 20 hours per week) |
|
Valid Stamp 1G permission |
Full time working rights (up to 40 hours per week) |
Please note that Stamp 2, 2A and 1G permission holders must not engage in any other business or trade therefore cannot be self employed.
How to Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number
You can apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare, if you are living in Ireland and you are at least 18 years of age. You also need a basic MyGovID account.
When you apply online, you need to upload:
- A copy of your passport ID page
- Your UCD Certificate of Attendance as evidence of why you need a PPS number and proof of address
Q: Who can sign the Reg 1 form as a witness on the PPS application form?
A: Anyone who is known to you
Q: Question 15 asks: Please state the reason why you require a PPS number?
A: Students can insert "Education" in the box provided.
Q: What evidence can I provide with my application to show that I require a PPS number?
A: UCD Certificate of Attendance
Please note that applications for PPS number are done online and processing times may vary greatly depending on volumes.
Find out further information about PPS numbers.
Job Opportunities
For information about part-time/casual job opportunities, check out the following websites: