In a bid to bolster its economy and address critical skills shortages, the Irish government has unveiled a renewed push to retain global talent through its enhanced Third Level Graduate Programme in 2025.
This initiative, designed to seamlessly transition international graduates into Ireland’s workforce, offers a significant opportunity for non-EEA students to build their careers within the country. This initiative allows qualified graduates to seek employment and transition to a Irish work permit, enhancing their career prospects in Ireland. So, lets explore its new changes, requirements, and updated information.
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What is the Third Level Graduate Programme?
The Third Level Graduate Programme enables legally resident, Irish-educated non-EEA graduates with a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification from a recognized Irish awarding body to stay in Ireland after graduation for up to twelve months (or twenty-four (24) months for Level 9 or higher awards). This allows them time to secure employment and apply for a General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit, or Research Hosting Agreement.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Third Level Graduate Programme, graduates must:
- Have received written confirmation from their university or institution (on or after 1 January 2017) that they have successfully completed their enrolled course.
- Hold a current Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an up-to-date immigration registration card.
- Apply within six months of receiving notification of their final award.
- Not have exceeded the overall seven-year limit as a non-EEA student in Ireland.
- Not have participated in the programme more than twice (subject to the overall limit of eight years in Ireland).
- Provide evidence of their final award via an official certificate or letter from their awarding institution.
Recognized Irish Awarding Bodies
Graduates must have obtained their qualification from one of the following recognized institutions:
- Irish Universities: University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin City University (DCU), Maynooth University, Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University Dublin (TU), University College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick (UL), and National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG).
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI)
- Institutes of Technology
- Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme, graduates must provide the following:
- A copy of the award certificate from their institution.
- A valid passport.
- Medical insurance.
- A registration fee of €300 per person.
How to Apply?
Eligible graduates must register their graduate permission through the Irish Immigration Service https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/third-level-graduate-programme/. Specific registration details can be found on the official government website.
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Duration of Stay Under the Programme
Level 9 and Above Graduates: Eligible for an initial 12-month stay, which can be renewed for an additional 12 months if they actively seek graduate-level employment. The total student period must not exceed eight (08) years.
Level 8 Graduates: Eligible for 12 months of permission, ensuring their total stay (including time as a student) does not exceed seven (07) years.