Study Inspire

The Third Level Graduate Scheme

The Third Level Graduate Scheme is Ireland's post-study work permission for non-EEA graduates. It is one of the most straightforward post-study work arrangements in Europe.

There is no employer sponsorship required, no skills assessment, and no lottery. If you have graduated from a recognised Irish institution and your immigration record is clean, you are eligible. It provides a Stamp 1G immigration permission.

What the Graduate Scheme Allows

Full-time Work: Work 40 hours per week for any employer in Ireland in any occupation.
Flexibility: Change employers freely without any immigration implications.
Transition: Apply for an employment permit if you secure skilled employment.
Travel: Travel within Ireland and the Schengen area.

Stay Back Rights

Duration by Qualification Level

The duration of your Stamp 1G depends entirely on the NFQ Level of your completed qualification.

Qualification	NFQ Level	Graduate Scheme Duration
Higher Certificate	Level 6	12 months
Ordinary Bachelor Degree	Level 7	12 months
Honours Bachelor Degree	Level 8	12 months
Masters Degree	Level 9	24 months
PhD	Level 10	24 months

Transitioning to an Employment Permit

The natural progression from the Graduate Scheme is to secure graduate-level employment and apply for an employment permit. Ireland has two primary employment permit types relevant to graduates:

Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

For occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (ICT, Pharma, Nurses, Accountants, Engineering), with an annual salary of €32,000+ (for most) or €64,000+ (for non-list roles). CSEP holders can apply for long-term residency after just two years.

General Employment Permit (GEP)

For occupations not on the Critical Skills list or the Ineligible Occupations list. Minimum salary typically €30,000. It has more restrictions than CSEP, but is still a viable pathway.

Long-Term Residency & Citizenship Timeline

Year 1: D Study Visa (Stamp 2)

Full-time study at your university.

Year 2-3: Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G)

Work freely for any employer (assuming a Masters level 9 degree).

Year 3-4: Employment Permit

Transition to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit with your employer.

Year 5: Long-Term Residency (Stamp 4)

Application for Stamp 4 — unrestricted work, no permit required.

Year 5+: Irish Naturalisation

Application for Irish Naturalisation (Citizenship) after 5 years of legal reckonable residency. An Irish passport provides the right to live and work in all 27 EU member states and unrestricted access to the UK.

Plan Your PR Pathway Today

Our counsellors will help you choose a course that aligns with Ireland's Critical Skills Occupations List, maximizing your chances of securing a CSEP and long-term residency.

Book Free Profile Assessment

Ireland Post Study Work Visa