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How many hours per week can I work while pursuing a master's degree in Ireland during term time, given that I have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with Stamp 2 and a Personal Public Services (PPS) number?

24 Sept 2026 · Answered by Gangadhara N S · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

With a valid Stamp 2 IRP, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time for your Irish master's. This rises to 40 hours a week during holidays: June to September and 15 December to 15 January.

Gangadhara N S
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With a valid Irish Residence Permit carrying Stamp 2, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time while pursuing your master's degree. Your PPS number is used for tax and employment administration and does not itself change your permitted working hours, which come from your Stamp 2 conditions.

Work Hour Limits Under Stamp 2

PeriodHours Allowed
Term time (general)Up to 20 hours per week
June, July, August, SeptemberUp to 40 hours per week
15 December to 15 JanuaryUp to 40 hours per week
Stamp 2A holdersNot permitted to work

Conditions to Keep in Mind

  • Your master's must be a qualifying full-time program for Stamp 2 to apply.
  • If your course includes a credit-bearing internship meeting immigration requirements, you may be permitted to work beyond 20 hours for that placement.
  • Working beyond your permitted hours can breach your Stamp 2 conditions.

My Advice

Keep a simple weekly log of your hours across all employers, since the 20 hour limit applies to total work, not per job. In my experience, students who take on two part-time roles are the ones most likely to accidentally go over the limit during a busy week, so check your combined hours before accepting extra shifts.

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