All international students from non-EU/EEA region, including India, need a valid Student Visa to enter Ireland in order to study at any Irish university. Students enrolled on a short-term course of less than 90 days apply for a C-Study Visa while those on a long-term course of more than 90 days apply for a D-Study Visa.
To apply for an Irish Study Visa, non-EEA students must be enrolled to a full-time course on the ILEP list (Interim List of Eligible Programmes). All Ireland Student Visa holders have limited Work Permit and are eligible to work for a stipulated time period in Ireland. The Irish government also provides a Stay Back Option to students from non-EEA countries studying undergraduate or postgraduate course at the universities in Ireland.
Learn all about Irish Study Visa requirements with SI-Ireland who can help you apply for an Ireland student visa to study in Ireland. Arrange a free consultation today.
Work Permit on Ireland Student Visa
Casual Employment or Work in Ireland
Students at Irish universities enrolled on a full time programme for at least one year do not require a separate work permit. Such students are allowed to work in Ireland subject to the following:
- The study course is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Skills
- Students must be enrolled to a full time educational programme of NFQ level 7 or above
- They must hold a valid Immigration Stamp 2 on their passport
- Students can take up casual employment for upto 20 hours per week during term time
- From June to September and in between 15th December to 15th January, students are allowed to work for upto 40 hours per week
- Students are not permitted to work as Taxi Drivers neither as employees nor on their own holding a taxi driving license
- Students are not permitted to engage in any form of Self-Employment
Internships in Ireland
Non-EEA students can take up internships in Ireland provided:
- The internship is part of their degree
- The duration of the internship does not exceed 50% of the total course duration
- The internship must not be in a self-employment capacity
- Work placements should be an integral part of the degree programme required for the final award
- The placements offered must be in accord to the course being pursued
Two Year Stay Back Option on Ireland Student Visa
Ireland provides Stay Back Options to international students after course completion under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. As per the Revised Third Level Graduate Scheme:
- Non-EU/EEA students at NFQ level 9 and above can stay back upto 24 months (against the earlier 12 months option)
- Students must have studied at masters or doctoral level from a Recognised Irish Higher Education Institute
- A Recognised Irish Awarding Body should certify in writing the successful completion of course within six months of which students can apply for the extension
- Only those with Visa Stamp 2 qualify for extension under the Third Level Graduate Scheme
- This extension is non-renewable
- Students will be allowed to work full-time upto 40 hours per week
- Those pursuing a degree at NFQ level 8 are entitled for an extension of only 12 months under the Graduate Employment Scheme
Apply for Ireland Student Visa
If you want to study in Ireland and apply for Ireland Student Visa, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland and let our university and visa application experts help you achieve your dream.
