Stay and Work in Ireland Through the Third Level Graduate Programme 2025

To strengthen its economy and tackle critical skills shortages, the Irish government has relaunched the Third Level Graduate Programme in 2025. This initiative aims to retain global talent by facilitating the transition of international graduates into Ireland’s workforce. It offers a significant opportunity for non-EEA students to build their careers in Ireland.

Let’s explore the new changes, requirements, and updated information regarding this program.

Overview: Third-Level Graduate Programme

The Third Level Graduate Programme allows legally resident, Irish-educated non-EEA graduates with a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification from a recognized Irish institution to remain in Ireland after graduation. Graduates can stay for up to twelve months. Those with a Level 9 or higher award may extend their stay to twenty-four months.

This time frame enables them 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 meet specific criteria:

• They must have received written confirmation from their university or institution, confirming completion of their course on or after January 1, 2017.
• They must hold a current Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an up-to-date immigration registration card.
• They must apply within six months of receiving notification of their final award.
• They must not have exceeded the seven-year limit as a non-EEA student in Ireland.
• They may not have participated in the program more than twice, subject to the overall eight-year limit in Ireland.
• They must provide evidence of their final award through an official certificate or letter from their institution.

Recognized Irish Awarding Bodies

Eligible graduates must have obtained their qualifications 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

Graduates must provide several documents to apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme:

• A copy of their award certificate from the institution.
• A valid passport.
• Proof of medical insurance.
• A registration fee of €300 per person.

How to Apply

Eligible graduates must register their graduate permission through the Irish Immigration Service. Detailed registration information is available on the official government website.

Duration of Stay Under the Programme

• Level 8 Graduates: Eligible for twelve months of permission, ensuring their total stay (including time as a student) does not exceed seven years.
• Level 9 and Above Graduates: Eligible for an initial twelve-month stay, which can be renewed for an additional twelve months if they actively seek graduate-level employment. The total time in student status must not exceed eight years.

Conclusion

The enhanced Third Level Graduate Programme offers valuable pathways for international graduates to establish their careers in Ireland. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, graduates can make the most of this opportunity.