Study in Ireland
English-taught study, an EU base, and a clearly defined right to stay after graduation.
Ireland makes the shortlist for anyone who wants English-taught study while staying inside the EU. What sets it apart comes after graduation: the right to stay by the level of the qualification is defined as 12 or 24 months, and that shapes the choice of programme directly.
Last verified: 19 September 2026Official source links are listed at the end of the page.
- Application
- Bachelor's via CAO, master's direct
- Language of instruction
- English
- Proof of funds
- EUR 10,000 for a one-year course
- Information status
- Verified against official sources
Who Ireland suits
- Anyone who wants English-taught study while staying inside the EU
- Anyone treating post-study work permission as part of the plan
- Candidates who can work to the central CAO calendar for a bachelor's
- Anyone who wants term-time work to count in the budget
Short summary
| Undergraduate application channel | CAO (central) |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate | Direct to the university |
| Proof of funds, one year | 10.000 € |
| Proof of funds, short course | EUR 833 per month; EUR 4,998 for 6 months, EUR 6,665 for 8 months |
| Effective date | Since 30 June 2025; the same for visa-required and visa-exempt nationalities |
| Right to work | With Stamp 2; Stamp 2A carries no right to work |
The proof of funds figure is separate from tuition and is calculated from the course length. A six-month language course and a one-year master's do not carry the same requirement.
The right to stay after graduation
This is the clearest thing that sets Ireland apart from comparable countries. Under the Third Level Graduate Programme, the post-study stay is set by the level of the qualification differs:
| Level 8 graduates (bachelor's) | A 12-month extension; up to 7 years of student permission in total |
|---|---|
| Level 9 and above (master's, doctorate) | 24 months (two blocks of 12); up to 8 years in total |
At the end of that period a General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit comes into play. So in Ireland the level of the programme is not only an academic decision but a length of stay decision as well.
Whether to take a bachelor's or a master's here depends on budget and goal. Moving to a master's purely for the two-year stay is not the right call for every profile.
Working while studying
| In term time | Up to 20 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Holiday periods | Up to 40 hours a week |
| Which periods count as holidays | June to September inclusive, and 15 December to 15 January |
| Stamp 2A | No right to work |
The holiday periods are defined by date; outside them the 20-hour weekly limit applies. Confirm at registration whether your permission is Stamp 2 or Stamp 2A, because they are not the same thing.
Application structure
Undergraduate applications run through the central CAO system; deadlines are published nationally by CAO and the application window is announced for each year. Master's applications are made directly to the university.
Current CAO dates are not repeated here; the only reliable source is CAO's own publication, and it changes from cycle to cycle. Fix that date first, then plan everything else around it.
Frequently asked questions
How much money is required for an Irish student visa?
For one-year courses you must show access to EUR 10,000. For courses of six to eight months the basis is EUR 833 per month: EUR 4,998 for six months, EUR 6,665 for eight. These requirements have applied since 30 June 2025.
How many hours can I work as a student in Ireland?
With Stamp 2, up to 20 hours a week in term time and up to 40 hours a week during holidays. The holiday periods are June to September and 15 December to 15 January. Stamp 2A carries no right to work.
Can I stay in Ireland after graduating?
Under the Third Level Graduate Programme, Level 8 graduates may receive a 12-month extension and Level 9 and above 24 months (two blocks of 12). At the end of that period an employment permit application comes into play.
How do I apply for an undergraduate course in Ireland?
Undergraduate applications go through the central CAO system. Deadlines are published nationally by CAO. Master's applications are made directly to the university.
Related programmes
Sources
- Immigration Service Delivery (Irish Department of Justice) — Student proof of funds amounts and the date they took effect
- Citizens Information (Citizens Information Board) — Stamp 2 working hours and the post-study programme
- Immigration Service Delivery — Student permission and registration requirements
- Central Applications Office (CAO) — The undergraduate application channel and the national calendar