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🇮🇪Ireland

Study & Work in Ireland

Europe's tech hub with Google, Meta, Apple. English-speaking EU country with 2-year post-study visa and fast track to work permits.

1000+

Tech Companies

35K+

International Students

2 Years

Graduate Scheme

English

Speaking EU Country

Why Choose Ireland?

Tech Giants HQ

European HQ of Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, LinkedIn

English Speaking

Only English-speaking country in Eurozone

2-Year Work Visa

Third Level Graduate Scheme for Master's graduates

EU Access

Work and travel across EU after graduation

Friendly Culture

Welcoming to international students and workers

Fast PR Path

Critical Skills Permit leads to residency in 2 years

Visa Types & Work Authorization

Stamp 2 (Student Visa)

For students enrolled in full-time courses

Duration: Duration of course
Work Rights: 20 hrs/week during term, 40 hrs during breaks
Pathway: Third Level Graduate Scheme → Work Permit → IBC

Third Level Graduate Scheme

Post-study work permission for graduates

Duration: 1 year (Level 8), 2 years (Level 9/10)
Work Rights: 40 hrs/week
Pathway: Find job → Critical Skills Permit

Critical Skills Employment Permit

For in-demand occupations (IT, Engineering)

Duration: 2 years, then Stamp 4
Work Rights: Full work rights
Pathway: Stamp 4 (residency) after 2 years

Irish Born Child (Stamp 4)

Long-term residence permit

Duration: Renewable
Work Rights: Unrestricted
Pathway: Citizenship after 5 years

Cost of Studying in Ireland (EUR)

Tuition Fees

EU/EEA€3,000/year (contribution)
Non-EU€10,000 - €25,000/year
Medicine€45,000 - €55,000/year

Living Expenses

Dublin€12,000 - €18,000/year
Cork€10,000 - €14,000/year
Galway€9,000 - €13,000/year

Other Costs

Health Insurance€500 - €1,000/year
Visa Fee€60 (single entry)
IRP Registration€300 (GNIB/IRP card)

Top Universities in Ireland

Trinity College Dublin

#81 World

Dublin

Programs: CS, Business, Law, Medicine

University College Dublin

#126 World

Dublin

Programs: Engineering, Business, Sciences

National University of Ireland Galway

#259 World

Galway

Programs: Medicine, Engineering, Arts

University College Cork

#273 World

Cork

Programs: Food Science, Law, Medicine

Dublin City University

Top Young Uni

Dublin

Programs: Communications, Business, IT

University of Limerick

Top for Employment

Limerick

Programs: Engineering, Business, Health

Scholarships for International Students

Government of Ireland Scholarships

Amount: €10,000/year + tuition fees
Eligibility: Non-EU students for all levels
Deadline: March

Trinity College Scholarships

Amount: Up to €5,000/year
Eligibility: Based on academic merit
Deadline: Varies by program

Science Foundation Ireland

Amount: Full funding for STEM research
Eligibility: PhD/Research students
Deadline: Varies

University-Specific Awards

Amount: €1,000 - €10,000
Eligibility: Based on merit or need
Deadline: With application

Salary Expectations (EUR)

RoleEntry LevelMid Level (5+ years)
Software Engineer€45,000 - €65,000€75,000 - €120,000
Data Scientist€45,000 - €60,000€70,000 - €110,000
Financial Analyst€40,000 - €55,000€65,000 - €95,000
Pharmacist€45,000 - €55,000€60,000 - €80,000
Marketing Manager€35,000 - €50,000€55,000 - €85,000
Accountant€35,000 - €45,000€55,000 - €80,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ireland called the "Tech Hub of Europe"?

Ireland hosts European headquarters of Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Twitter, and most major tech companies. Low corporate tax (12.5%), English-speaking, EU member, and strong talent pool make it ideal for tech.

What is the Third Level Graduate Scheme?

It allows non-EU graduates to stay and work in Ireland after studies. Level 8 (Bachelor's): 1 year, Level 9/10 (Master's/PhD): 2 years. You can work 40 hrs/week without sponsorship during this time.

Can I work while studying in Ireland?

Yes! Non-EU students on Stamp 2 can work 20 hrs/week during term and 40 hrs/week during June-September and December 15-January 15. Minimum wage is €12.70/hour (2024).

Is Ireland expensive for students?

Dublin is expensive (similar to London), but Cork, Galway, and Limerick are more affordable. Student accommodation is the biggest challenge. Budget €12,000-18,000/year for living costs.

How can I get permanent residence in Ireland?

Work with a Critical Skills Permit for 2 years → Stamp 4 (residency). After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for citizenship. Ireland allows dual citizenship.

Useful Tools for Your Ireland Journey