Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) remains one of Europe’s most successful pathways for international students. If you complete a Master’s or PhD (Level 9 or 10), you are entitled to a 24-month stay-back permit, while Bachelor’s graduates (Level 8) receive 12 months. During your studies, you can work 20 hours per week (and 40 hours during holidays), but the Stamp 1G is the real prize, allowing you to work full-time for any employer while you search for a role that qualifies for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Because Ireland is the European headquarters for global giants like Google, Meta, and Pfizer, the student visa is essentially a “provisional work permit” for the tech and pharma sectors. A unique benefit in Ireland is the Stamp 1G flexibility; you aren’t tied to one employer and can change jobs freely while on this permit. This allows you to “shop around” for the best salary and sponsorship package to eventually secure permanent residency.
