Third Level Graduate Programme
Stamp 1G · Official name: Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)
Non-EEA graduates of Irish universities and colleges with a level 8 (honours bachelor's) or level 9+ (master's, PhD) award can stay in Ireland after their studies to look for graduate-level work and apply for an employment permit. Level 8 graduates get 12 months; level 9+ graduates get 12 months, renewable for another 12. Apply within 6 months of being told the award was achieved, while holding Stamp 2. Registration costs €300.
Life in Ireland
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
102
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–40%
Income tax (national)
VAT 23% · social security 4.2%
40% above EUR 44,000 (single); plus USC of 0.5-8% and PRSI. Tax credits apply.
Living
1
Happiness
#13 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EEA students who graduated from a recognised Irish awarding body at NFQ level 8 or above.
Eligibility
Award
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need a level 8 or level 9+ award from a recognised Irish awarding body, notified in writing on or after 1 January 2017.
- Recognised bodies: Irish universities, RCSI, institutes of technology, QQI
- Level 8, level 9 or higher awards count
Official wording
Notified in writing on or after 1 January 2017 of a level 8 or level 9 (or higher) award from a recognised Irish awarding body (Irish universities, RCSI, institutes of technology, QQI).
Current permission and timing
Sign in to check this route against your profileHold a current Stamp 2 student permission and an up-to-date registration card, and apply within six months of award notification.
- Application window: six months from being notified of the award
Official wording
Hold a current Stamp 2 student permission and an up-to-date registration card, and apply within six months of being notified of the award.
Time limits
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou must not already be over the seven-year limit on student permission, and the programme can be used at most twice.
Total student permission limit
- Level 8Stamp 2 plus Stamp 1G
- 7 years
- Level 9+overall limit
- 8 years
- Example: after level 8 and again after level 9+
Official wording
Not already over the seven-year limit on student permission (Stamp 2 plus Stamp 1G at level 8 cannot exceed 7 years in total; 8 years overall for level 9+). The programme can be used at most twice (e.g. after level 8 and again after level 9+).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 more requirements
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Official sources
Other routes to Ireland
- Visit & tourismShort stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa
- StudyStudent permission (Stamp 2) for full-time degree programmes
- Work permitsCritical Skills Employment Permit
- 3 more routes with Premium
