Ireland’s graduate stay-back scheme is the Third Level Graduate Programme. Eligible non-EEA graduates with an Irish Level 8 award may qualify for 12 months on Stamp 1G. Those with a Level 9 or higher award may qualify for up to 24 months, granted initially for 12 months with a conditional renewal. Full eligibility requirements and overall time limits apply.
Apply within six months of written notification that you achieved your award, while meeting the current-permission requirements. The programme page lists a EUR 300 registration fee. This guide explains eligibility, duration, work conditions and the official application route.
Read the official rules on the Irish Immigration Service Delivery Third Level Graduate Programme page. This is general information, and AIA helps students with admission applications only. We do not give visa advice outside Canada.
To compare courses first, see our Ireland study guide and the Study Abroad hub.
Considering a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Ireland? Start with AIA’s admissions assessment to discuss your academic background, preferred subject, intake and budget.
AIA admissions assistance has no AIA service fee. University and third-party charges may apply. AIA provides admissions assistance only for Ireland and does not provide Irish visa or immigration advice.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Length: 12 months for a Level 8 award. Level 9 or higher can reach 24 months, with a renewal in the second year.
- Deadline: apply within 6 months of being told in writing that you earned your award.
- Cost: EUR 300 to register, plus your passport, a copy of your award and medical insurance.
- Work: the permission lets you work full time without an employment permit while you look for graduate-level work.
- Limit: if you do not get an employment permit or another permission before it ends, you are expected to leave Ireland.
What is the Third Level Graduate Programme?
The Third Level Graduate Programme allows eligible, legally resident, Irish-educated non-EEA graduates to remain in Ireland after their studies to seek graduate-level employment. The qualifying award must be from a recognised Irish awarding body and meet the programme’s requirements.
The stated purpose is to seek graduate-level employment and apply for a general employment permit, a critical skills employment permit or a research hosting agreement. The permission is called Stamp 1G.
Terms used in this guide: non-EEA means outside the European Economic Area. NFQ means Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications. Stamp 2 is a student immigration permission; graduate Stamp 1G is time-limited permission under this graduate programme.
Who qualifies for the Third Level Graduate Programme?
You may qualify if you hold a current Stamp 2 student permission and an up-to-date registration card, have achieved an eligible Irish award, and apply within six months of written notification. You must also meet the programme’s other conditions, including previous participation and overall time limits. An award alone does not establish eligibility.
- Award: notified in writing on or after January 1, 2017 that you achieved the award you enrolled for.
- Permission: a current Stamp 2 and an up-to-date immigration registration card.
- Timing: apply within six months of that written notice.
- Time limit: the programme applies seven- and eight-year aggregate limits, depending on the award and circumstances. Count relevant previous student and graduate permission.
- Conduct: you must comply with Irish law and be of good character.
- Proof: a parchment, or an official letter from your institution if graduation has not happened yet.
Recognised awarding bodies named on the page include Irish universities, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, institutes of technology and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
How long can you stay after graduating in Ireland?
Eligible Level 8 graduates may receive 12 months. Eligible graduates with a Level 9 or higher award receive 12 months initially and may qualify for a further 12 months. The renewal is conditional, and overall time on student and graduate permission is capped.
| Your award | Stamp 1G length | Overall student-permission cap |
|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | 12 months | 7 years in total |
| Level 9 or higher | 12 months, then a possible further 12 months | 8 years in total |
Choosing between Irish study options? AIA can help assess academic fit and admission requirements. The qualification’s award level matters, but admission does not guarantee graduate permission.
The second year for Level 9 graduates is not automatic. The official page says it depends on showing the immigration authorities that you took appropriate steps to find graduate-level work, such as attending job interviews or signing up with graduate employment agencies.
If you earn a higher award later, you may re-enter the programme for another 12 months, within the overall eight-year limit. The page says you cannot use the programme on more than two separate occasions.
How do you apply for the graduate permission?
Registered students seeking a change from Stamp 2 to graduate Stamp 1G use ISD’s online registration process. The programme page lists a EUR 300 registration fee. Follow the current ISD registration and stamp-change instructions; AIA does not submit Irish immigration applications or provide Irish visa advice.
- Confirm your institution has notified you in writing that you earned your award, and note the date.
- Check that your Stamp 2 and registration card are still current.
- Gather a copy of your award, your passport and your medical insurance. If your graduation ceremony has not happened, ask your institution for an official letter confirming the award.
- Submit the online stamp-change application within six months of written award notification, meeting the current Stamp 2 and registration requirements. The deadline does not extend existing permission.
- Follow the official portal instructions for supporting evidence, the registration fee and any follow-up requests. Keep your application record.
What can you do on Stamp 1G?
Graduate Stamp 1G permits full-time employment in accordance with employment law while you seek suitable graduate work. It does not permit self-employment or operating a business. Other uses of the Stamp 1G label have their own conditions.
This differs from Stamp 2 student permission, which generally permits eligible students to work up to 20 hours a week in term time and 40 hours during specified vacation periods. Check the current ISD conditions for Stamp 2 and graduate Stamp 1G.
When you receive an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, you can register on Stamp 1 conditions. If you do not get a permit or another permission before Stamp 1G ends, you are expected to leave the State.
What should you check before you finish your course?
Check three things at least a few months before your final results: your award level, your remaining student-permission time and your Stamp 2 expiry date. A Level 8 or higher award from a recognised Irish awarding body is the starting point.
- Award level: confirm in writing that your course leads to a Level 8 or Level 9 award.
- Time already used: count your years on student permission against the seven-year or eight-year cap.
- Permission dates: do not let your Stamp 2 lapse before you apply.
- Job plan: an employment permit needs a job offer, so start applying while you study.
Rules and registration procedures can change. Check the official programme and registration guidance before applying. The six-month award-notification window is not permission to remain after your existing immigration permission expires.
Considering a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Ireland? Ask AIA to assess your admission options, academic fit and budget. Graduate permission is a separate decision made by the Irish authorities.
Frequently asked questions
How long can an international graduate stay in Ireland after finishing a degree?
Eligible Level 8 graduates may receive 12 months on Stamp 1G. Eligible Level 9 or higher graduates may receive up to 24 months in two 12-month periods. The second period requires evidence of appropriate steps to find suitable graduate employment and compliance with the overall time limits.
Do you need a job offer to apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme?
A job offer is not listed as a condition of entry to the graduate programme. You must meet the full award, permission, timing and other eligibility requirements. The programme provides time to seek graduate-level employment; an employment permit is a separate process.
Can you work full time on the graduate permission in Ireland?
Graduate Stamp 1G permits full-time employment in accordance with employment law without an employment permit during the permission. It does not permit self-employment or operating a business.
What happens if you do not find a job before Stamp 1G ends?
If your graduate permission expires and you have not obtained another valid immigration permission, you are expected to leave Ireland. A job offer or pending plans alone do not extend your permission. Follow ISD’s instructions for your circumstances.
How much does the Irish graduate stay-back permission cost?
The registration fee is EUR 300 per person, according to the programme page. You also need your passport, a copy of your award and medical insurance. Check the page again before you apply, because fees can change.
Can AIA help me choose a course in Ireland?
Yes. AIA provides admissions assistance and can assess academic fit, intended intake and budget through its available admission channels. Irish immigration permission is separate; AIA does not provide Irish visa advice.
Plan your Irish study application with AIA
Share your qualifications, grades, English-test status, preferred intake and budget. Start with the Ireland study guide or request an admissions assessment.
Amir Ismail is the founder of Amir Ismail & Associates, which helps international students plan their studies and admission applications.
