Working in Ireland

Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission are permitted to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods. The designated holiday periods are from June to September (inclusive) and from December 15 to January 15. Please note that students with Stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work.

As a full-time non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK student, you are only permitted to work in Ireland if you possess a valid IRP card that indicates you have Stamp 2 permission, along with a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number.

Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK can move to Ireland freely and participate in various activities, including employment, self-employment, study, and residency. Although these individuals do not need to apply for immigration permission, they are still required 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 Graduate permission (Third Level Graduate Programme) 

Students availing of the Third Level Graduate Programme receive a Stamp 1G Graduate 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 nationwide and processing times can be checked here.  Please check the Stamp 1G Graduate 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-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK students' working rights

Please note that Stamp 2, 2A and 1G Graduate permission holders must not engage in any other business or trade therefore cannot be self employed.

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. 

For information about part-time/casual job opportunities, check out the following websites:

• UCD Careers Network 
• UCDSU
• Irish Jobs
• Student Job