Working in Ireland: How to Find Work During or After Your Studies

Working while studying

Working while you study can be a great way to bring in extra cash. Since living costs in Ireland are relatively high, this is a popular option amongst international students.

How much can you work?

How much you can work as an international student in Ireland depends on your nationality:

• If you’re an EU/ EEA student you have the same access to the job market as domestic students. This means you can work unrestricted hours during your degree.
• If you’re an international student from another country, you can work up to 20 hours during term time or 40 hours during the holidays.

International students from outside the EU or EEA must be enrolled in a full-time programme lasting at least one year to work in Ireland.

Whether you’re an EU/ EEA student or from another country, you’ll need a Personal Public Services (PPS) number in order to take up work in Ireland. However, you will not be able to apply for a PPS until you hold an offer of employment. You don’t need a PPS in order to look for a job in Ireland, and employers should not ask you for one when recruiting.

You can learn how to apply for a PPS number on the Irish government website. Your employer will only be able to pay your wages once you have a PPS number.

What kind of work can you do?

There are many part-time jobs available for students in Ireland. Options include customer service, retail, tutoring or babysitting. There may also be on-campus vacancies at your university, carrying our roles such as telephone fundraising, support at campus events or administrative duties.

How can you search for a job?

A good first port of call when searching for a part-time job in Ireland is your university. Many universities host their own student portals listing casual jobs in the area. Opportunities may also be advertised in shop windows, or you may learn about them by word of mouth.

You can also browse opportunities on many recruitment sites including:

• Indeed.ie
• Jobsireland.ie
• Irishjobs.ie

Keep in mind that there is intense competition for part-time jobs in Ireland. You will likely need to submit an up-to-date CV and attend an interview.

Can I finance my degree through part-time work?

While working part time can be a great way to bring in extra income while you study, it won’t realistically cover all your costs. You will also need to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs in order to apply for a student visa, currently equivalent to €10,000 per year. So, you’ll need access to enough money to cover your basic expenses without relying on additional income from part-time work.

The minimum wage in Ireland is current €13.50 per hour, though some causal jobs may pay up to €14.

Working after your studies

If you’re from the EU/EEA

EU and EEA students have the same access to the Irish job market is domestic students. This means you can work in Ireland without any restrictions after you graduate. UK students enjoy the same rights under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement.

If you’re from another country

Students from outside the EU, EEA or UK can stay in Ireland for up to two years post-graduation under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. You’ll be expected to spend this time seeking employment.

Your permission to stay in Ireland will be reviewed after one year, and your permit will only be extended for a second year if you can demonstrate that you’ve taken concrete steps towards finding graduate level employment (for example by attending job interviews or signing up with graduate employment agencies).

In order to apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme, you’ll need to contact your local immigration office. You’ll usually need to supply the following:

• A copy of your degree certificate awarded by a recognised Irish university
• Your passport
• Your medical insurance documentation
• A €300 registration fee

If you’re applying for a permit before your graduation ceremony and do not yet have a certificate, the immigration will usually accept a letter from your university confirming that the award has been achieved.

You can read more about the Third Level Graduate Scheme on the Irish Department of Justice Website.

How can you search for a job?

Your university’s careers service should be able to provide advice and information on finding a graduate level job in Ireland. Be sure to attend any recruitment fairs or careers events hosted by your university to network with potential employers!

You can also browse opportunities on websites such as jobsireland.ie and irishjobs.ie. Ireland’s official graduate careers website, gradireland.com, allows you to search for graduate level jobs and internships, and be notified about upcoming careers events.