Last Updated on September 3, 2025
Imagine this: You’ve just finished your Master’s in Ireland. The graduation ceremony is over, your friends are celebrating, but one thought keeps bothering you- “Do I really have to fly back home now?”
This is the worry most Indian students face. After investing lakhs in education, nobody wants to leave without work experience or a shot at settling abroad.
The good news, however, is that Ireland gives you a practical solution through its post study work visa. Stay tuned till the end of this blog for all the key information related to the Ireland work permit after study!
What is the Post Study Work Visa in Ireland?
The post study work visa in Ireland is called the Third Level Graduate Programme and is granted under Stamp 1G status by Irish immigration. Some key details include-
- Allows international graduates to remain in Ireland for 12–24 months, depending on their qualification level.
- During this time, students can work full-time, apply for jobs, or transition to a work permit that helps them attain PR in Ireland.
Note: This visa is essentially a major advantage for Indian students because it provides work rights without employer sponsorship, something not offered in every country.
Duration of Post Study Work Visa in Ireland
Your qualification level determines your stay-back period in Ireland-
| Qualification Level | Stay Back Period | Visa Type |
| Bachelor’s (Level 8) | 12 months | Stamp 1G |
| Master’s (Level 9) | 24 months | Stamp 1G |
| PhD (Level 10) | 24 months | Stamp 1G |
Note: Most Indian students pursue a master’s in Ireland, making them eligible for a 2-year stay-back option.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the post study work visa in Ireland, students must:
- Hold a valid Stamp 2 student visa at the time of graduation.
- Have graduated from a recognised Irish higher education institution.
- Completed a programme at NFQ Level 8 or higher.
- Apply for the post study work visa in Ireland before their student visa expires.
- Maintain valid health insurance during the stay.
Note: If you’re in Ireland pursuing a diploma, language course, or any programme below Level 8, you won’t be eligible for an Irish work permit after study.
Application Process for Post Study Work Visa in Ireland
Following is the step-by-step application process for Ireland work permit after study-
- You need to first graduate from a recognised institution in Ireland.
- Then collect the below-mentioned documents:
- Valid passport
- IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card
- Graduation letter or degree certificate
- Bank statement showing proof of funds
- Proof of health insurance
- Book an appointment with your local Irish immigration office (GNIB/IRP office).
- Pay the €300 renewal fee.
- Receive your Stamp 1G residence permit, which confirms your post study work visa in Ireland.
Cost of Post Study Work Visa in Ireland
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Visa renewal fee | €300 |
| Health insurance | €500–€800 per year |
| Living expenses | €8,000–€12,000 per year |
Note: While tuition in Ireland is relatively high, the post study work visa itself is affordable compared to countries like the US or UK.
Work Rights on Stamp 1G Visa
The following are some work rights you, as a graduate in Ireland, gain access to on a Stamp IG Visa:
- Full-time work rights (up to 40 hours per week).
- No employer sponsorship required.
- Flexibility to switch jobs or industries freely.
- Eligibility to join graduate training programmes offered by Irish and multinational companies.
How the Post Study Work Visa in Ireland Leads to PR?
The Ireland work permit after study does not directly give permanent residency, but rather creates a bridge to long-term residence:
- You get to stay in Ireland on Stamp 1G for about 1-2 years.
- Essentially, secure a Critical Skills Employment Permit (2 years) or General Employment Permit.
- After 5 years of legal residence, apply for Permanent Residency (Stamp 4).
- Later, you may apply for Irish citizenship if you meet the criteria.
Job Opportunities for Graduates in Ireland
Ireland’s economy is growing rapidly, and job opportunities for graduates in Ireland are especially budding in fields like:
- Information Technology – Google, Microsoft, Apple
- Finance & Accounting – PwC, KPMG, Deloitte
- Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare – Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson
- Engineering & Data Science – Intel, Ericsson, Accenture
Why Choose Ireland for Post-Study Work?
Choose Ireland for Post Study Work because-
- It is one of the most affordable English-speaking countries in the EU.
- Postgraduates get a 2-year stay back option.
- Gain access to the EU job market with multinational companies.
- Affordable visa cost compared to the US/UK
- Clear PR pathway through work permits
If you’re studying in Ireland and dream of working at a top multinational, exploring career paths, or even settling there, the post study work visa gives you the time and freedom to shape your future. Connect with Admissify experts today to make those dreams a reality!
FAQs
Yes, Ireland offers a post study work visa under the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G).
It lasts up to 2 years for master’s graduates and 1 year for bachelor’s graduates.
Yes, master’s graduates can stay and work in Ireland for up to 2 years on a PSW visa.
No, you usually need 5 years of legal residence in Ireland to apply for PR.
Yes, IELTS (or equivalent) is required for admission, but not for the PSW visa.
Stamp 4 is given to those with long-term residency, employment permits, or family reunification rights.
The University of Limerick and Dublin Business School are among the most affordable for international students.
You need proof of at least €10,000 per year for living expenses, apart from tuition fees.
Yes, if you studied in an English-speaking country or your employer accepts other proof of English proficiency.
IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and construction are key shortage sectors.
Stamp 3 is a temporary immigration status for dependents of work permit holders, but it does not allow employment.
Manasvi’s writing abilities stem from her previous experience working with bootstrap start-ups, advertising and PR agencies, as well as freelancing. She is currently employed as a Content Writer and Editor at Admissify, contributing to its thriving ecosystem.
