If you are planning to study in Ireland, it will be good to consider your professional options after graduation.
Some 62% of international graduates of Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) who graduated in 2017 found employment in Ireland, with the majority (66%) finding employment in professional occupations, a Higher Education Authority survey has revealed.
International students are able to obtain valuable work experience and kick-start their careers in Ireland with the country’s post-study work visa. Implemented by the Irish government, the Third Level Graduate Scheme allows graduates to stay in Ireland for up to 24 months after completing their degree.
Depending on the level of higher education you have accomplished, you may be able to work in Ireland for up to 40 hours a week, gaining valuable experience for your career.
If you are a graduate from outside the European Economic Area, you can apply for an extension to your study visa for up to six months after receiving your exam results. You must apply to the Garda National Immigration Bureau for this extension.
During this six-month period, you will be allowed to work for up to 40 hours per week without an employment permit.
After this, you will be able to get employment in specific areas where there are skills shortages in Ireland. These areas include information technology, healthcare and financial services. To stay in Ireland for the long term, you will need to get a Green Card/Critical Skills Employment permit or work permit.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card/Critical Skills Employment Permit allows a foreigner to work in Ireland with the specified employer in an occupation where there are skills shortages. It is issued for an initial period of two years, after which it can usually be renewed indefinitely. Your job offer will need to satisfy the following conditions:
- the job pays over EUR 60,000 a year
- the job is in a restricted list of occupations, pays over EUR 30,000 a year and is for at least two years.
A job offer with an official company registered for business in Ireland is required. The employee must possess the relevant qualifications, skills or experience for the desired employment.
What is a work permit?
Another way of achieving employment is through the work permit system, however this system requires a labor market test. This means that your prospective employer must comply with particular regulations advertising of the job position and confirm that no Irish national can fulfil that vacancy. You can find details on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website.
The job should have an annual salary of at least EUR 30,000 or below EUR 30,000 for specific cases where the job satisfies certain public interest.
Graduates from the following fields are in demand currently in Ireland
Other popular graduate jobs for international students are in the following fields:
- Beverages and brewing
- Chemicals
- Computer Hardware and Software
- Food Products
- Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
Top Companies in Ireland Offering Employment
| Apple | Dell Ireland |
| Ryanair | |
| Microsoft | |
| Boston Scientific | |
| Accenture | Accenture |
| Aon | Bristol-Myers Squib |
Chief executive of the HEA Paul O’Toole said that there is clearly a demand in Ireland for high-quality graduates that are coming out from the country’s HEIs.
“It is noteworthy that [the majority] of non-Irish graduates who go into employment, choose to remain in Ireland. Skilled graduates are going to continue to be essential for our talent-driven economy and to help meet societal challenges,” Mr. O’Toole emphasized.
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Written by Sophie Nguyen, Coordinator at Edunation.
