What are the post-study work visa options and duration after completing the course in Ireland?
Ireland's post-study work visa is the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G). It gives 12 months for Bachelor's graduates and 24 months for Master's and PhD graduates. You can work up to 40 hours per week without employer sponsorship during this period.
Ireland's post-study work pathway is the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G). It lets you stay and work full-time - up to 40 hours per week - without needing an employer to sponsor you. Duration depends on your qualification level: 12 months for a Bachelor's and 24 months for a Master's or PhD.
Stay-Back Duration by Qualification Level
Qualification (NFQ Level) | Example Degrees | Post-Study Duration |
|---|---|---|
NFQ Level 8 | Honours Bachelor's, Higher Diploma | 12 months - non-renewable |
NFQ Level 9 | Master's Degree, Postgraduate Diploma | 24 months (granted as 12+12) |
NFQ Level 10 | PhD / Doctoral Degree | 24 months (granted as 12+12) |
The second 12-month extension for Level 9/10 is not automatic - you must show evidence of active job searching.
Key Eligibility Rules
Must hold a valid Stamp 2 at the time of application.
Apply within 6 months of receiving your official results - no need to wait for your graduation ceremony.
Total combined stay (Stamp 2 + Stamp 1G) cannot exceed 7 years for Level 8 or 8 years for Level 9/10.
My Advice
The 6-month application window is something students consistently miss. Your results letter from the college is what triggers the clock - not your graduation ceremony, which can come months later. Apply as soon as you receive official written confirmation of your results. Also, the second-year extension for Master's graduates isn't guaranteed - if you haven't been actively documenting your job search, ISD can and does decline renewals. Keep records of every application, email, and recruiter contact from day one.
How long can you stay and work after an Irish master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
More Post-study work questions
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More Ireland questions
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- Can you tell me which colleges provide good scholarships, especially need-based rather than merit-based scholarships in Ireland/France for a Master's?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
- Can you explain the difference between Germany and Ireland regarding dependent visas and family stay for a PhD?
- Is it possible to pursue a master's in artificial intelligence and machine learning abroad in Ireland/Singapore?
- Which courses have good hiring prospects for the next ten years, especially compared to AI in Ireland/Germany?
- What other steps do I need to follow to get admission to those universities in UK/Ireland for a Master's?