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How to find part time jobs in Ireland

Updated on 09 November, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Part time jobs in Ireland are an excellent way for international students to cover the costs of staying in the country while pursuing their higher education simultaneously. Part time jobs come with numerous advantages, easing up the financial load on international students, offering them ample scope and opportunities for garnering higher professional experience and better global exposure. Part time jobs also enable them to get acquainted with the day-to-day lifestyles and cultures of that particular country.

Read More: Cost of Living in Ireland

Part time jobs in Ireland for students- Rules and regulations 

There are several rules that should be kept in mind regarding part time jobs in Ireland for students. 

  • Those enrolled in a course that will last for a year or more will not need any special work permit to obtain these jobs in the country 
  • Student visas that are granted fall under two categories, namely Stamp 2A (not allowed to find part-time work) and Stamp 2 (allowed to find part time work) 
  • Students with Stamp 2 visa can work only for 20 hours every week and 40 hours weekly during college vacations, that is from June to September and the holiday season from 15th December to 15th January

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Here are some other eligibility criteria for international students seeking part time jobs: 

1) Students should have GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) registration. 

2) They should have enrollment in a program with recognition from the Minister for Education and Skills. 

3) Students should have attended a full-time educational program at the graduate level or even higher. 

4) They should give an undertaking for 15 hours of studying each day. 

5) They should take classes between 8 AM and 6 PM every weekly for at least 25 weeks in one academic year. 

6) They should be enrolled in a program that has a duration of at least one year. 

7) International students, who fulfill the criteria mentioned above, should also get their PPS or Personal Public Services number. Employers will only be able to dispatch payments to employees with PPS numbers. 

8) You should also have an account in a bank in Ireland since all payments must be made only to Irish bank accounts.

9) International students will also be subjected to taxes in Ireland along with taxation needs and employment regulations. 

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Reasons behind doing a part-time job in Ireland:

Opting for a part-time job in Ireland is rewarding for international students on several fronts. Firstly, you will cover at least a part of your weekly living costs, including accommodation and rentals, food, groceries, transportation, and entertainment expenditure. Considering exchange rates and the steep costs of living, especially for those from countries like India, a part-time job is a godsend since it helps pay some bills. Hence, you get to save some money from what was your original budget.

Secondly, you will gain valuable experience in many ways. Any job will add value to your resume/CV, showing prospective employers that you can work hard and integrate into different environments. Thirdly, you will be a part of the workforce while setting up your bank account and paying taxes. This will benefit you immensely down the line. You will also be able to mix with people in the country, pick up local customs and traditions, and gain invaluable consumer-facing experience and insights that will serve you well when you go on to your next job after graduating. You will also learn skills like teamwork, communication, and decision-making. Hence, opting for a part-time job is always recommended.  

How to find part time work in Ireland?

Finding part time jobs in Ireland for Indian students, other international students, or even part time jobs in Ireland for English speakers is not difficult. Irrespective of experience, students should first check out recruitment platforms. The likes of Jobs.ie and others may help create profiles and find listings for part-time jobs in the country. 

Your university or institution may also have its forum or community for helping students find part-time jobs. Check carefully for part-time openings at the university itself if they are available. A major number of part-time job roles require aspirants to hand in CVs personally to owners or managers. You can also check out portals like studentjob.ie and network with friends, university teachers/professors, and locals.

Read More: Cost of Studying in Ireland for overseas students

Type of part time jobs in Ireland and minimum wages 

Ireland has several part-time job sectors and opportunities for interested aspirants and they will be eligible for the minimum wage in Ireland which is EUR 9.80 every hour. Companies may have you working for an initial trial period before providing suitable employment. Here are some of the key options in this regard: 

1. Cafes/Restaurants/Bars

These are major employers in Ireland, providing a majority of part-time job opportunities for international students. You will have to find openings and then send CVs likewise. There are several jobs available including dishwashing, fine-dine hosting and waiting tables. Candidates should have proper social and communication skills while being able to work in an environment where professionalism is a the vital aspect. These part-time jobs usually operate through shifts and students can conveniently choose timings that do not interfere with their academic courses or programs. 

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2. Entertainment and other events

These events include music festivals, concerts and theatrical performances are a good option for those seeking part-time jobs while studying in the country. The available positions usually include backstage crew, stage-crew, security personnel, equipment managers, ushers and more. These are one-time jobs that can be garnered through word of mouth and networking alike. 

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3. Customer Service or Call Center

Aspirants may also try getting part time jobs in the customer service or call center sectors. This industry is a great choice for those seeking work on a part-time basis. Those with prior industry experience will be prioritized first over freshers although everyone can send in CVs and based upon available positions, they will be hired. Excellent language, communication and social skills are pre-requisites for jobs in this field. 

4. Tutoring

Private tutoring is another part-time job option available for international students. You may reach out to your university and it may have programs where students tutor other people on a part-time basis either after or before classes. You will have to possess ample proficiency in your chosen topic while some experience in tutoring/mainstream teaching will always help. 

5. Cleaning

Industrial cleaning entities always look for temporary or part-time workers as part of their crew. The work covers heavy physical labor and working in tough environments. Those looking for part-time job openings in this industry should know that it is very demanding. Salaries are usually higher than the average minimum hourly wage of EUR 9.80, depending upon the nature of work available. 

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6. Retail Jobs

Jobs in the retail sector include stacking shelves in stores or supermarkets, managing registers, working as an on-floor salesman/saleswoman and more. These part-time jobs come with stable and secure working environments giving students more scope interacting with diverse people in Ireland. They can send in CVs directly to malls and stores for jobs in the retail sector. The hourly minimum wage is assured, although some employers may pay higher wages depending upon the interview and experience of the candidate. 

7. Assistant/Secretary

These part-time jobs usually necessitate a higher level of coordination, communication, and networking skills along with organizational aptitude. The work will involve conducting regular office work such as schedule management, phone calls, setting up meetings, coordinating schedules and so on. Students in Ireland will get great insights into corporate working cultures and policies with these job roles. They will make connections which may also help them get permanent jobs. 

As mentioned earlier, the minimum wage in Ireland is EUR 9.80 every hour. International students can earn this amount easily. They should provide all vital documents to their employers while meeting the eligibility criteria mentioned above. Aspirants should sincerely work during the trial period prior to being permanently hired. If someone has earlier work experience, then it will help them find better opportunities. Although it is not mandatory, minimum wages may rise to EUR 10-12 every hour in cities like Cork and Dublin among others. For Tier-2 cities like Limerick and areas outside of Dublin, wages will be around EUR 8-9 every hour.

Read More: Guide to study in Europe without IELTS

Study in Ireland with upGrad Abroad

Now you can study in the UK with upGrad Abroad. With upGrad’s blended program, you can partially complete your course online with an Indian partnered university and then move directly on campus to the university in Ireland. With the blended program, you get the following benefits:

  • Cost-saving of up to INR 35 Lakhs
  • PGWP/Post Study Work/OPT visa for up to 24 months
  • Starting salary of INR 32 lakhs per annum after completion of the course

FAQs

Are part time jobs available while studying in Ireland?

Ireland has ample part time job openings available for international students. They will be eligible for the minimum wage of EUR 9.80 per hour in Ireland. They may have to work for a trial period initially before finding permanent employment in any part time job position.

Is it easy to get part time job in Ireland?

Having work experience and the requisite skills will increase chances for international students to get part time jobs in Ireland although the former is not mandatory. It is not as easy as simply sending your CV everywhere and landing a job, but it is possible with some effort and proper networking.

Do freshers get jobs in Ireland?

All nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) are entitled to work full-time or part-time in Ireland while studying. Non-EEA students will be allowed to work part-time jobs in Ireland.

Can I cover my study expenses and living expenses through part-time jobs in Ireland?

In most cases, you will be unable to cover your study and living costs together by doing a part time job in Ireland. International students work for just 20 hours every week and 40 hours per week for four months. The pay is anywhere between EUR 9-11 every hour. There is no guarantee that you will find a job immediately even if you have experience. Dublin and other cities are sometimes costly, and you can use your part time job earnings to ease rent and other payments.

How many hours can a student work in Ireland?

International students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours as casual employment or a part-time job every week. This is mandatory and binding on international students. However, they can work for 40 hours maximum each week during their vacations and breaks. In Ireland, this is the period between June and September and between 15th December and 15th January in most cases.

What are the part-time hours in Ireland?

There are no binding restrictions anymore in Ireland like before. The law earlier stated that part-time workers should be continuously employed by the employer for a minimum of thirteen weeks and were expected to work for a minimum of eight hours for an employer. If a student is working 20 hours a week, the employer may stipulate overtime payment only after completing 39 hours. Hence, the normal rate will be paid out for hours between 20 and 39.

At what age can you get a part-time job in Ireland?

Students are allowed to work part-time in Ireland from the age of 14. They cannot work during their term but may work up to 35 hours weekly during school holidays. They can also work up to 40 hours each week based on their work experience.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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