International students engaged in full-time study of at least one year’s duration (on a course leading to a qualification which is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Science www.education.ie) currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland. This, however, is likely to change. You will need a PPS number in order to work in Ireland (see below)

EU/EEA Nationals

EU/EEA nationals have the same entitlement to take up employment as that of an Irish person with the exception of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, who need work permits. You will need to get a PPS number (see below)

Non-EU/EEAStudents

Non-EU/EEA students who meet the above criteria are entitled to work 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during the university holidays. The entitlement to take up employment ceases once your student visa runs out. Following completion of your studies, if you wish to continue in employment, you will need to switch to the ‘Graduate Scheme’ and then obtain a work permit. See below for more information on the scheme.

Although you may be entitled to work up to 20 hours per week you should not rely on having to work while you are here. Pursuing a course of study is very demanding and part-time work might affect your studies. You are also required by the Garda National Immigration Bureau to show that you have enough money when entering Ireland to fund yourself for the academic year.

More information on your rights to work in Ireland can be found here www.deti.ie

Graduate Scheme

Graduates of UCD are eligible to remain in Ireland for up to 6 months after the successful completion of their degree for the purpose of seeking employment. Graduates can work up to 40-hours per week during the 6 months after they have received their results. Further information and application procedures are available at www.deti.ie 

PPS Number

All employees in Ireland have a PPS number for tax purposes. If you are looking for a job you must apply for a PPS number. Applications are made through your local social welfare office. You can find where your nearest social welfare office is by looking in the Golden Pages directory under ‘Government Departments’. The closes office to the Belfield campus is:

King's Inns Street
20 King's Inns Street
Dublin 1
Tel: +353 1 889 9500
Opening hoursa re Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm and Thursdays 10.30am to 4pm.

To locate the office on the map click here

You will need to take the following with you:

EU/EEA Students:

1. Passport
2. Proof of address (utility bill in your name, bank statement, or letter from the Student Desk stating your address)

Non-EU Students:

1. Passport
2. Garda registration card
3. Proof of address (utility bill in your name, bank statement, or letter from the Student Desk stating your address)
4. Letter from the Student Desk stating you are a student at UCD