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Working in Ireland

Important Employment Information

Dublin docklands at sunset

Working in Ireland as an International Student

Students from Outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland & UK

Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK students holding a valid (opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Stamp 2 permission are permitted to take up casual employment in Ireland.

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.

EU, EEA, Swiss and UK Students

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 Hours on Stamp 2

  • Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week during term time

  • Full-time: Up to 40 hours per week during designated holiday periods:

    • 1st June – 30th September

    • 15th December – 15th January

Working Rights with Stamp 1G Graduate Permission

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.

You can complete the application fully online, and check current processing times on the official application website. For full details, please visit the Stamp 1G Graduate section of our website.

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

Term time on valid Stamp 2 permission

Part time working rights (up to 20 hours per week)

15th December to 15th January on valid
Stamp 2 permission

Full time working rights (up to 40 hours per week).  

1st June – 30th September on valid
Stamp 2 permission

Full time working rights (up to 40 hours per week).  

Release of Academic Transcript
25th September 2025*

Once the document is available for download, students can apply for Stamp 1G Graduate permission.

1st  October until Stamp 1G Graduate permission
is approved and issued

Part time working rights (up to 20 hours per week)

Valid Stamp 1G Graduate permission  

Full time working rights (up to 40 hours per week)

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.

Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number

When you apply online, you need to upload:

  • A copy of your passport ID page

  • Your UCD Certificate of Attendance (used as both your reason for needing a PPS number and proof of address)

Anyone who is known to you.

Students can insert "Education" in the box provided. 

Your UCD Certificate of Attendance is sufficient.

Processing times can vary depending on volume, so apply early.