Ireland Stamp 2 work rights for international students 2026?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
Ireland Stamp 2 (student visa) allows 20 hrs/week part-time during term and 40 hrs/week during summer + Christmas/Easter holidays. Must be enrolled in degree-level (NFQ Level 6+) course at recognised institution. Stamp 2 is automatically converted to Third Level Graduate Scheme on qualifying course completion — 2 years work right for Master's/PhD, 1 year for Bachelor's.
Ireland Stamp 2 work rights + Third Level Graduate Scheme 2026
Work rights during study (Stamp 2)
- 20 hrs/week during term
- 40 hrs/week during designated holidays (3 weeks Christmas + 4 weeks Easter + 12 weeks summer)
- Open work — any employer
- Stamp 2A (English language students under 12 months): no work rights
Third Level Graduate Scheme (post-study)
| Qualification | Duration |
|---|---|
| Honours Bachelor's (NFQ 8) | 1 year |
| Master's (NFQ 9) | 2 years |
| PhD (NFQ 10) | 2 years |
During this 1-2 year stay-back, full-time work + visa-renewal options.
PR pathway
After 2 years Third Level Graduate + securing employment under Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) — Stamp 1 → Stamp 4 → Citizenship after 5 years total residence.
Top universities
Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), NUI Galway, Dublin City University (DCU).
Related
Sources