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Do you prefer that we work part-time while studying abroad in Ireland?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Saru Sharma · 2 min read
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Yes, working part time in Ireland is worth considering if your workload allows it. Your Stamp 2 visa permits 20 hours of work weekly during term time and up to 40 hours during June to September and the mid-December to mid-January holidays, provided you first secure a PPS number.

Saru Sharma
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You can legally work part time while studying in Ireland, and for most non-EU students on a full degree program it is a genuinely worthwhile way to fund extra expenses and build local experience, as long as you protect your study time.

Ireland's Part-Time Work Rules For Students

RuleDetail
Term-Time HoursUp to 20 hours per week under a Stamp 2 visa
Holiday HoursUp to 40 hours per week from June to September and December 15 to January 15
Required DocumentA Personal Public Service (PPS) number to work legally and pay tax
EligibilityNon-EU students enrolled in a full degree program

Weighing The Benefits Against The Challenges

  • Extra income helps cover the higher cost of living in cities like Dublin.
  • Working locally builds your CV and gives you genuine cultural immersion outside your university bubble.
  • If you are only in Ireland for a single semester, a job may eat into limited time better spent on academics and travel.

My Advice

Apply for your PPS number in your first week so there is no delay once you find a role, and stick to roughly 10 to 15 hours weekly during term time even though 20 is allowed, so your coursework does not suffer. Save the 40-hour holiday window for when you actually need the extra income.

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