Internships and work opportunities are a big draw for international students. They help ease the financial strain and look good on your CV. In the first part of this article, we discussed the average costs incurred by an international student as well as the scholarship opportunities. Here, we will discuss working while studying for international students as well as the documentation and related formalities.

International students in Ireland can opt for a full-time study of at least one year’s duration, which also allows them to receive certain benefits. However, degree programme students can get casual work permission for which they have to:

• Enrol on a recognized programme leading to a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education & Skills
• Attend a full-time programme of education at or above NFQ Level 7
• Undertake a minimum of 15 hours daytime study
• Get tuition, between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum on a programme of at least one year’s duration
• Register with Garda National Immigration Bureau

International students who meet the above conditions can take up work in Ireland. They must obtain a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number). An employer can only pay employees with a PPS number, and funds will usually only be paid to an Irish bank account. Students will also be required to comply with the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws, and taxation requirements. 

Ireland’s minimum wage has recently been increased to €9.55 per hour.

Another way to gain valuable work experience is internships. The best part is that many undergraduate programmes in Ireland have paid internships built in as part of the programme. The internship or work placement part of the programme cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the programme, e.g. a 4-year programme will permit 2 years of work placement. In addition, the employment cannot be in a self-employed capacity.

Otherwise, international students in Ireland can work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week in holiday periods).

For more on funding studies in Ireland, click here.
 

Mr. Barry O’Driscoll is Senior Education Advisor for India & Sri Lanka, Education in Ireland.