​Working on a Study Visa in Ireland | IDP Vietnam

Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for international students, and the opportunity to work while you study is one of the many reasons why. Earning an income alongside your studies can help you manage living expenses, gain valuable professional experience, and build connections that could benefit your career long after graduation. The good news is that

Yes, international students can work in Ireland while pursuing their studies. If you hold an Irish student visa with a Stamp 2 immigration permission, you’re entitled to take on part-time employment during your time in the country. Stamp 2 is the standard immigration stamp granted to non-EEA students enrolled in a full-time course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) at a recognised Irish institution, and it’s this stamp that provides the legal basis for your work rights.

Am I eligible to work on my student visa?

To work while studying in Ireland, you need to meet a number of conditions. Here’s what is required:

• You hold a valid student visa with a Stamp 2 immigration permission

• You’re enrolled in a full-time course listed on the ILEP

• Your course is at least one academic year in duration

• You haven’t exceeded the maximum period of residence allowed for your level of study (seven years for degree-level programs, three years for language or non-degree courses)

• You comply with the weekly hour limits set for term time and holiday periods

The Irish government sets clear limits on how many hours you can work depending on whether your college is in session or on break. Staying within these limits is essential; exceeding them could put your visa status at risk and affect your ability to remain in the country.

During the semester

When your course is in session, you’re permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. This limit is designed to ensure that your studies remain your primary focus while still giving you enough time to earn an income and gain experience. It’s worth planning your work schedule carefully around your lectures, assignments, and exams so that neither your academic performance nor your wellbeing is compromised.

During semester breaks

During official holiday periods, typically from 1 June to 30 September and from 15 December to 15 January, you’re allowed to work up to 40 hours per week. This means you can take on full-time employment during your breaks, which is a great opportunity to boost your savings, take on more substantial roles, or gain deeper experience in a particular field.

International students in Ireland work across a wide range of sectors, and there are no restrictions on the type of industry you can work in, as long as you stay within your permitted hours. Common roles include:

• Retail: Shop assistant, cashier and sales associate

• Hospitality and food service: Barista, waiter or waitress, hotel receptionist, kitchen porter

• On-campus roles: Library assistant, administration support and student ambassador

• Tutoring and education: Private tutor, language assistant and academic mentor

• Internships and placements: Roles related to your field of study, such as marketing intern, lab assistant, or IT support trainee

• Customer service: Call centre agent, help desk support and front-of-house coordinator

• Caregiving: Childminder and home support worker

However, it’s important to note that freelance or self-employed work is generally not permitted on a Stamp 2 visa. Your employment must be with a registered employer, and you should receive a formal contract and be paid through standard payroll channels.

Work related to your degree

If your program includes a compulsory work placement or internship as part of the curriculum, this can be an excellent way to gain industry experience that directly complements your studies. In many cases, hours spent on mandatory placements that are assessed as part of your course may be treated separately from the standard weekly work hour limits, though this depends on the structure of your program and the agreement between your institution and the employer. It’s always worth checking with your college's careers or placement office to clarify how your placement hours are categorised and whether any specific conditions apply.

While the Stamp 2 visa provides meaningful work rights, there are clear boundaries you need to be aware of. Staying within these limits is essential to maintaining your immigration status and avoiding complications with your studies or visa. The following are not permitted:

• You cannot work more than 20 hours per week during term time or more than 40 hours per week during holiday periods

• You cannot engage in freelance, self-employed, or contract work outside of a standard employer relationship

• You cannot operate or register your own business

• You cannot take up a full-time permanent position while your course is in session

• You cannot work without a valid Stamp 2 immigration permission or Irish Residence Permit

As an international student working in Ireland, you’re entitled to the same employment protections as any other worker in the country. Irish employment law doesn’t distinguish between Irish and non-Irish workers, which means your rights are fully protected from day one.

• Minimum wage: You’re entitled to the national minimum wage of €14.15 per hour

• Written contract: Your employer must provide you with a written statement of your terms of employment within five days of starting work

• Paid breaks: You’re entitled to rest breaks during your working day, including a 15-minute break after four and a half hours and a 30-minute break after six hours

• Annual leave: You’re entitled to paid annual leave, calculated based on the number of hours you work

• Anti-discrimination: You’re protected under Ireland’s Employment Equality Acts, which prohibit discrimination on grounds such as race, nationality, gender, age, and religion

If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, you can contact the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which are Ireland’s independent body for resolving employment disputes and enforcing employment law. They offer information, advice, and a formal complaints process to help you seek resolution.

Ireland offers international students a unique combination of world-class education, meaningful work opportunities, and a vibrant cultural experience—and it all begins with choosing the right course and institution. At IDP, our education counsellors are here to help you navigate every step of the process, from selecting a program that aligns with your career goals to understanding your visa requirements and work rights as a student.

If you need to demonstrate your English proficiency as part of your application, we can also help you prepare for and book your IELTS test. With our experience and resources, we know how to set you up for success. Book a free counselling session with an IDP counsellor today to start planning your study abroad journey in Ireland, or drop us a quick message by tapping the chat button.