Two-year stay-back option for postgraduate students in Ireland

The Irish government had declared back in 2017, their decision to extend the stay-back option for international students (non-EU/EEA) studying in Ireland. This scheme will be applicable for students studying postgraduate, doctoral or higher doctorate as well. These students will be eligible to stay back in Ireland for up to 2-years after their studies.

Undergraduate students can stay back for up to one year after their studies.

The policy is aimed at extending the Third Level Graduate Scheme for non-EU/EEA students studying in Ireland, who can apply for a permanent resident (or long-term residency) or work permit after 2 years. International students can stay in Ireland and look for work during this time.

An excerpt from one of the official interviews says: ‘The move will allow eligible graduates who have studied in Irish higher education institutions and whose award is granted by a recognised Irish awarding body at Masters or PhD level to remain in Ireland for two years to seek employment’.

Giles O’Neill, the current Director and the then Manager, Education in Ireland said: ‘The extension of the post-study work visa will benefit Indian students. We can foresee many bright students from India availing this opportunity and on completion of their education joining the Irish workforce and contributing to Ireland’s talent pool’.

Ireland has always remained a popular study abroad destination for Indian students. The stay-back option will be a shot in the arm for those keen to stay and work in Ireland for a few more years. Ireland’s sheer beauty, safe environment, quality of living and career opportunities already draw a lot of attention from students across the world, not to mention Dublin which is considered to be the hottest start-up hub in the world, densely populated with companies ranging from Engineering and Technology, Media, Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Retail services, Telecoms and Communications, Consumer Goods, to Banks and Financial Institutions.

According to the PIE News, Sinéad Ryan, the then director of internationalisation at the Office of the Vice-President for Global Relations at Trinity College Dublin said: ‘We very much welcome this announcement, which follows on the commitment in the Government’s new international education strategy.

The Irish government has always been keen on introducing new reforms to benefit the international student community in the country.

If you are looking to study in Ireland, that’s a fantastic decision you have made. But to materialise that decision, you must speak to our study abroad experts and know more about how to apply at universities and colleges in Ireland.

Sources: the PIE news, DNA India and ICEF.