How Long Can You Stay in Ireland After Graduation? Stamp 1G: 12 Months for Bachelor's, Up to 24 Months for Master's
Graduating with a bachelor's degree in Ireland grants a 12-month Stamp 1G graduate job-seeking permission, while master's degree and above initially receive 12 months, renewable for another 12 months if eligible. This article is summarized from the official Irish Immigration website, covering post-graduation residence, 20/40 hours of work during studies, student visa funding and tuition prepayment rules, and the newly added TrustEd Ireland program list in September 2026.
Bottom line: After completing a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) in Ireland, graduates can obtain a 12-month Stamp 1G residence permit to look for and take up employment in Ireland; for master's degrees and above (NFQ Level 9 and above), an initial 12 months is granted. If you can prove you have been actively seeking relevant graduate employment, it can be extended for another 12 months, totaling up to 24 months. During your studies, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays.
The following information is compiled based on the official website of Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and Education in Ireland, the official promotional body for international education in Ireland. This information is current as of October 4, 2026. Please refer to the latest ISD requirements before submitting your visa application.
Stamp 1G: How Long You Can Stay After Graduation
The post-study work permission in Ireland is called the Third Level Graduate Programme, and the specific immigration permission granted is Stamp 1G.
| Degree Level | Initial Approval | Renewable? | Maximum Total | Maximum Total Time on Student Permission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (NFQ Level 8) | 12 months | No | 12 months | 7 years |
| Master's and above (NFQ Level 9 and above) | 12 months | Renewable for another 12 months | 24 months | 8 years |
A few important notes:
- Maximum Total Time: The total time spent in Ireland on a student permission (Stamp 2), plus the time on Stamp 1G, cannot exceed 7 years for a bachelor's degree or 8 years for a master's degree and above. If you previously took language courses, a foundation program, or changed majors, those years must be included in this calculation.
- Master's Renewal Conditions: For the second 12 months, you must prove to ISD that you have been actively seeking relevant graduate employment, such as attending interviews or registering with graduate recruitment agencies.
- Registration Fee: A fee of 300 euros is required to register for Stamp 1G.
- Required Documents: Includes proof of degree (official letter from the university conferring the degree), passport, medical insurance, etc.
This ISD webpage was last updated on March 28, 2024, and no adjustments to the duration have been seen since 2026.
Working Hours During Your Studies
For students holding a valid Stamp 2:
- Work up to 20 hours per week during term time;
- Work up to 40 hours per week from June to September, and from December 15 to January 15 of the following year.
Additionally, students enrolled in major degree programs at NFQ Level 7 and above may participate in internships or work placements if they are a mandatory part of the curriculum, subject to regulations.
ISD also emphasizes that students coming to Ireland must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and cannot rely on casual work to make ends meet. This is verified during both the visa application and registration processes.
Student Visa: Funds and Tuition Prepayment
For programs longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-stay Type D visa and register for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) upon arrival in Ireland. Key requirements include:
Tuition Prepayment Rules (ISD Webpage)
- If the total tuition fee is less than 6,000 euros, it must be paid in full to the school before submitting the visa application;
- If the tuition fee is more than 6,000 euros, at least 6,000 euros must be paid before applying, and the payment details must be reflected in the letter of acceptance;
- Payments can be made via wire transfer to the school's bank account in Ireland or through an approved tuition payment service (such as Pay to Study).
Proof of Living Expenses
Education in Ireland states that you need to prove you have 10,000 euros for initial living expenses upon arrival in Ireland. The ISD long-stay study visa application page does not specify an exact amount for living expenses. Please refer to the latest ISD requirements before applying.
Other Documents (Listed by Education in Ireland)
- Letter of acceptance for a full-time program with at least 15 hours of classes per week;
- Proof of English proficiency;
- Proof of tuition payment;
- Private medical insurance;
- Explanation for any gaps in education;
- Statement of intent to leave Ireland upon completion of studies.
Fees: 60 euros for a single-entry visa, 100 euros for a multiple-entry visa; 300 euros for registering the residence permit upon arrival in Ireland.
New Changes: Check Two Lists When Choosing a Program
To study in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must choose a program from the ISD-recognized list of eligible programs. ISD updated the relevant page on September 22, 2026: there are now two lists:
- ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes);
- List of Eligible Programmes at TrustEd Ireland Certified Institutions.
ISD specifically notes that the same program will not appear on both lists simultaneously, so both lists must be checked. The types of programs covered include: English language courses of at least 25 weeks, higher education programs at NFQ Levels 6–10, professional qualification programs, and foundation programs.
When choosing a school, first confirm that the program is on one of the lists before paying tuition and submitting your visa application.
Impact on Applicants
- Bachelor's Degree: You get a 12-month Stamp 1G after graduation. Since the time is tight, you should start looking for internships and jobs during your junior and senior years.
- Master's Degree: Up to 24 months, but you must prove you have been actively job hunting in the second year. Keep your job search records.
- Language or Foundation Program Before Degree: Pay attention to the maximum total time allowed on a student permission and calculate the years in advance.
- Choosing a Program: Check both the ILEP and TrustEd Ireland lists.
Need Help?
If you are considering studying in Ireland and want to plan your university selection, visa, and post-graduation employment together, you can book a one-on-one consultation, or check out our visa services and overseas internship programs.