Studying and Living in Dublin / Ireland

Working in Ireland as an International Student

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission are permitted to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods. The designated holiday periods are from June to September (inclusive) and from December 15 to January 15. Please note that students with Stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work. Information can be found here.

As a full-time non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK student, you are only permitted to work in Ireland if you possess a valid IRP card that indicates you have Stamp 2 permission, along with a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number.

Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK can move to Ireland freely and participate in various activities, including employment, self-employment, study, and residency. Although these individuals do not need to apply for immigration permission, they are still required to apply for a PPS number.

Working rights on valid Stamp 2 permission

• Part time (up to 20 hours) during term time 
• Full time (up to 40 hours) during the following times: 

a) From 1st June to 30 September 

b) From 15th December to 15th January

Working rights on valid Stamp 1G Graduate permission (Third Level Graduate Programme) 

Students availing of the Third Level Graduate Programme receive a Stamp 1G Graduate permission. This entitles them to work up to 40 hours per week for a period of 12 months following successful completion of their course, with the option of extending for a further 12 months subject to certain conditions. Information can be found here.

The application process can be fully completed online nationwide and processing times can be checked here. 

How to Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number

You can apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare, if you are living in Ireland and you are at least 18 years of age. You also need a basic MyGovID account.

When you apply online, you need to upload:

• A copy of your passport ID page
• Your NCAD letter of attendance as evidence of why you need a PPS number and proof of address. You can request this letter by contacting information@ncad.ie

Q: Who can sign the Reg 1 form as a witness on the PPS application form?
A: Anyone who is known to you

Q: Question 15 asks: Please state the reason why you require a PPS number?
A: Students can insert "Education" in the box provided. 

Q: What evidence can I provide with my application to show that I require a PPS number?
A: NCAD letter of attendance

Please note that applications for a PPS number are done online and processing times may vary greatly depending on volumes.

Find out further information about PPS numbers. 

Job Opportunities

For information about part-time/casual job opportunities, check out the following websites:

• Irish Jobs
• Student Job

You can also contact the NCAD Students Union to check if they have been notified of any casual job opportunities – ncadsu@gmail.com

Opening a Bank Account

In order to get paid for work you will need to open a bank account in Ireland. NCAD can provide you with a letter for this. Just email information@ncad.ie to request this after you have completed registration on your programme.

Useful Articles:
https://switcher.ie/current-accounts/
https://neobanks.app/neobanks/ireland
https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/best-online-banks-ireland

The traditional banks in Ireland include:

• Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
• Bank of Ireland (BOI)
• Permanent TSB

You will likely need the following documents to open a bank account:

• Passport
• NCAD Student Card
• NCAD attendance letter (email information@ncad.ie)
• Proof of permanent address in Ireland. The following are usually accepted as proof and must be dated within 6 months - A utility bill e.g. a gas/electricity/mobile phone, a document issued by a government department that shows your address. However, as you may not have these documents when you apply for a bank account your NCAD attendance letter may be accepted. The bank will advise. A letter from your landlord/rental contract could also be used.

Cost of Living

The cost of living for a student in Ireland can vary depending on what part of the country you live in, what type of accommodation you choose, your transport options for travelling to and from classes, as well as a range of other factors. 

Accommodation will likely be your largest expense. We strongly recommend that students begin their accommodation search early to access the best options. Securing accommodation that is both well-located and of a standard that fits within your budget requires time. Dublin is the most expensive city in the country, but it is well serviced by public transport. If you are happy to live further outside the city, or even in a different county, rent will likely be cheaper. You can find more information about accommodation here.

The cost of rent can range from around €700 to €1,500 or so, per month. These prices include all types of accommodation options, such as student accommodation, digs (living with a family / in anther person's home), private rented accommodation, etc. Please note that you will also be required to pay a deposit upfront which is usually one month's rent. 

Below you will find general price ranges for some standard living costs. These price ranges are from the website NUMBEO as of June 2025. Please visit the NUMBEO website for further cost estimates. ICOS - Irish Council for International Students also have good information on the costs of living and tips on how to keep costs down. 

Please note that all non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students require an Irish Residence Permit. The cost of the IRP is €300. 

Below are some tips for successful budgeting:

• Track your income and expenses: Create a realistic budget that suits your lifestyle and study commitments. 

• Know your reliable sources of income: This includes regular payments you can count on such as a scholarship, loans, parent’s support, savings etc. 

• Be realistic about part-time work: Be mindful of how much part-time work you can manage, especially around assessment periods. A reminder that non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission are permitted to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods.

• Prepare for possible delays in funds: Some scholarships or loans may not release payments until the academic term has begun. Make sure you have funds available upfront for accommodation deposits, travel costs, course material and everyday expenses.

Health Insurance

Private health insurance is insurance that helps cover medical and hospital costs incurred while you are in Ireland. The Irish Immigration Service requires students from outside the EU/EEA to obtain private health insurance for visa application and immigration registration purposes. NCAD does not arrange health insurance for students.

Non-EEA Students

Non-EEA students must obtain private health insurance. You can purchase insurance in your home country for your first year, however you will need to ensure that it is valid in Ireland and in any other countries you plan to travel to. The requirements are below:

Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay.

There are different levels of private health insurance available. Students are advised to read their policy documents carefully and pay close attention to “waiting periods” particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, students should ensure that repatriation cover is included in their policy.

There are three main health insurance providers in Ireland - Vhi, Irish Life and Laya Healthcare.

Further information on health insurance in Ireland, including a health insurance comparison tool, is available through the Health Insurance Authority website.

EU Nationals

Students from EU Member States in possession of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to public health services in Ireland. The EHIC card is available from the health authorities in your home country. For further information and information on your entitlements to healthcare while in Ireland, please see the European Health Insurance Card website.

ISD Health Insurance Requirements for Continuing Students

Health insurance must be purchased from an Irish provider after the first year - this requirement is applicable to any student renewing their IRP card. In summary:

1. For Registration - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay.

2. For renewals - Proof of your private medical insurance. Insurance must cover accidents & medical incidents including hospital stays for the duration of your residence. Travel insurance is not sufficient for Renewal.