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Ireland 2-Year Stay-Back Visa After PG + Top Career Opportunities
- June 9, 2025
If you’re planning to study abroad and are looking for a country that both offers world-class education and robust post-study work opportunities, Ireland should be high on your list – thanks to Ireland’s 2-year stay-back visa after PG studies and a booming tech and pharmaceutical job market.
What Is the 2-Year Stay-back Visa in Ireland?
Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Scheme allows non-EU/EEA students who complete a Level 9 qualification (Master’s degree) or higher to stay back for 2 years to seek employment or apply for a work permit.
Officially known as the Third Level Graduate Scheme under the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), Ireland’s 2-year stay-back visa allows non-EU/EEA students to stay in Ireland temporarily after completing certain levels of education to seek employment or apply for a work permit.
When was it introduced?
The stay-back scheme was initially introduced in 2007, allowing 1-year stay back. However, in May 2017, the Irish government extended the duration for Master’s and PhD graduates (Level 9 and 10 NFQ) to 2 years, recognizing Ireland’s growing demand for high-skilled workers, particularly in STEM and healthcare.
Who manages this visa?
The scheme is managed and monitored by:
- Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)
- Department of Justice and Equality
- In collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Why was the stay-back scheme created?
- To retain international talent in critical growth sectors like technology, pharma, AI, and engineering.
- To make Ireland more attractive as a study destination compared to competitors like the UK and US.
- To help graduates transition to the workforce without leaving the country in-between.
- To support Ireland’s Economic Action Plan for Jobs by feeding skilled graduates into key industries.
Eligibility Criteria For Ireland 2-Year Stay-Back Visa
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-EU/EEA students only |
| Education Level | NFQ Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (Doctorate) |
| Institution | Recognized Irish higher education institution |
| Status | Valid student immigration permission (Stamp 2) |
| Completion Proof | Official letter or transcripts from your institution confirming graduation |
| Application Time | Within 6 months of receiving final results |
| Permission Granted | Stamp 1G (permission to work full-time) |
How to Apply?
- Complete your course and collect your official graduation letter.
- Visit your local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) or ISD registration office.
- Provide required documents:
- Valid passport
- GNIB card (if already issued)
- Proof of address in Ireland
- Letter from your college confirming successful course completion
- Pay the applicable registration fee (usually €300).
- You’ll be granted Stamp 1G which reflects the graduate permission.
Key Features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA students with Level 9 or 10 degree |
| Duration | 2 years (for PG), 1 year (for UG) |
| Work Rights | Full-time work (40 hrs/week) allowed |
| Purpose | Job search, employment, work permit transition |
| Extension | Not extendable beyond 2 years |
Why Choose Ireland?
| Advantages | Description |
|---|---|
| English-Speaking Country | No language barrier for most international students |
| Global HQs of Top Companies | Google, Meta, Pfizer, Microsoft, Apple, LinkedIn, etc. |
| Student-Friendly Visa Policies | 2-year stay-back, part-time work rights, visa-to-work permit pathways |
| Quality of Life | Ranked among the safest and friendliest countries in Europe |
| Growing Economy | Especially strong in IT, life sciences, and financial services |
Top Career Opportunities in Tech
Ireland is known as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Tech companies have massive operations in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, creating thousands of jobs each year.
In-Demand Tech Roles:
| Job Title | Average Salary (EUR) | Companies Hiring |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €45,000 – €80,000 | Google, Microsoft, IBM |
| Data Analyst / Scientist | €50,000 – €90,000 | Meta, TikTok, Accenture |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | €55,000 – €85,000 | Dell, Amazon, Workday |
| AI/ML Engineer | €60,000 – €95,000 | Intel, SAP, HubSpot |
| Cloud Engineer | €55,000 – €90,000 | AWS, Oracle, Salesforce |
Career Growth in Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Ireland is one of the largest pharmaceutical exporters in the world. It houses 9 of the top 10 global pharma companies and offers rich job prospects for graduates in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmacy, and chemical engineering.
Top Pharma Roles:
| Job Title | Average Salary (EUR) | Companies Hiring |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Assurance Officer | €40,000 – €70,000 | Pfizer, Novartis, MSD |
| Regulatory Affairs Associate | €45,000 – €75,000 | Johnson & Johnson, Amgen |
| Process Development Scientist | €50,000 – €80,000 | AbbVie, Takeda |
| Clinical Trials Coordinator | €42,000 – €70,000 | ICON, Parexel |
| Manufacturing Technician | €35,000 – €60,000 | Sanofi, GSK |
Cities to Target for Jobs
| City | Industry Strength | Major Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Tech, Finance, Pharma | Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pfizer |
| Cork | Pharma, Biotech, Engineering | Apple, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson |
| Galway | MedTech, Tech, R&D | Boston Scientific, Medtronic |
| Limerick | Engineering, Pharma | Analog Devices, Cook Medical |
| Waterford | Pharma, Manufacturing | Teva, Bausch + Lomb |
Best PG Courses That Align With These Industries
| Course | Relevance | Top Universities in Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| MSc in Computer Science | Ideal for software, data science, cybersecurity | – Trinity College Dublin (TCD) – University College Dublin (UCD) – Dublin City University (DCU) – University of Galway |
| MSc in Data Analytics | High-demand field across tech and finance | – National College of Ireland (NCI) – Technological University Dublin (TUD) – Maynooth University – University of Limerick (UL) |
| MSc in Biotechnology | Direct pipeline to pharma and life sciences | – University College Cork (UCC) – University of Galway – Dublin City University (DCU) – University of Limerick (UL) |
| MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Specialized pharma jobs | – Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – University College Cork (UCC) – Trinity College Dublin (TCD) – Technological University Dublin (TUD) |
| MSc in Engineering Management | Cross-domain roles in tech & pharma companies | – University College Dublin (UCD) – University of Limerick (UL) – Technological University Shannon (TUS) – Munster Technological University (MTU) |
How to Make the Most of Ireland 2-Year Stay-Back Visa
Here’s how you can strategically use the stay-back period:
- Start Job Hunting Early – Begin applying even before graduation.
- Leverage University Career Services – Use networking events, workshops, and alumni links.
- Target Graduate Programs – Many top companies offer specific grad intake programs.
- Apply for Critical Skills Employment Permit – If you get a job in a high-demand field, this leads to long-term residence options.
- Consider Internships and Part-Time Roles – Many companies convert interns to full-time roles.
Need Personalized Help?
Let Admitix simplify your dream of studying and working in Ireland with expert guidance and a FREE one-on-one consultation.
From choosing the right course to navigating visas and job paths, we’re with you every step of the way.
Your Ireland journey starts here. Book your free session today
FAQs – Ireland 2-Year Stay-Back Visa
- Who can apply for the 2-year stay-back visa in Ireland?
Non-EU/EEA students who complete a Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) degree in Ireland. - Is the 2-year stay-back visa automatically granted?
No, you must apply for it after completing your course and receiving final results. - Can I work full-time during the stay-back period?
Yes, you can work up to 40 hours per week with Stamp 1G permission. - Does the stay-back visa lead to permanent residency?
No, but it allows you to find a job and apply for a work permit that can lead to residency. - When should I apply for the stay-back visa?
You must apply within 6 months of receiving your final exam results.