What is the Ireland Graduate Programme Visa (Third Level Graduate Scheme)?
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Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme (also called the Graduate Stay-Back Scheme)
allows international graduates to remain in Ireland after finishing their degree to seek employment. A Level
8 degree graduate gets 12 months; a Level 9 (Master's) or Level 10 (PhD) graduate gets 24 months. No job
offer is needed to apply — you simply have to have graduated from a recognised Irish institution.
How Does an Irish Degree Give Access to the EU Job Market?
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Ireland is the EU's only native English-speaking country. EU employers across all 27
member states recognise Irish degrees under the Bologna Process framework. Working in Ireland on the
Graduate Programme visa also allows you to build experience and a salary history that helps when applying
for long-term EU work permits in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or Sweden.
Can I Bring My Family to Ireland on a Student Visa?
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Yes — your spouse and dependent children can apply to join you in Ireland as non-EEA
family members. Your spouse can apply for a Stamp 3 (visitor) or, in many cases, a separate work permission
if they meet eligibility criteria. Dependent children can attend primary and secondary school in Ireland.
Our team handles the family visa applications alongside yours.
Can I Work Part-Time While Studying in Ireland?
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Yes — non-EEA students at recognised Irish institutions can work up to 20 hours per
week during term time and 40 hours per week (full-time) during summer and Christmas holidays. Ireland has a
high minimum wage (EUR 12.70+/hour in 2024), so part-time work is an effective way to offset living costs.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score for an Irish University?
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For most Irish undergraduate programmes: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5). For
postgraduate (Master's): IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0). Some business schools require IELTS 7.0. PTE
Academic 50–65 is also accepted at most institutions. Our counsellors advise on the exact requirement for
each programme.
How Do I Move from the Graduate Scheme to Permanent Irish Residency?
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After graduating: apply for the Graduate Programme visa (Stamp 1G) → secure a
Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit → after 2 years on a Critical Skills permit
(or 5 years on a General permit), you can apply for a Stamp 4 long-term residency. Stamp 4 holders can work
without a permit and are eligible to apply for naturalisation (Irish citizenship) after 5 years of legal
residence.
Ireland · Student Visa
