- Ireland’s minimum wage for adult working students is €13.50 (₹1,400) per hour, making it one of Europe’s highest student-friendly wages
- Off-campus employment in Ireland provides higher wages and broader professional experience in Irish workplace culture
- In Ireland, students aged 20 or older are paid the full minimum wage of €13.50 (₹1,400) per hour while 18-19 year olds receive €12.15 (₹1,260) hourly.
- Can An International Student Work Part-Time In Ireland?
- Types of Part-Time Jobs in Ireland for Students: On-Campus vs Off-Campus
- Top Part-Time Job Roles for Indian Students in Ireland
- Eligibility Criteria For Part-Time Jobs In Ireland For Indian Students
- Pros and Cons of Working Part-Time in Ireland for Indian Students
- Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Did you know that Ireland’s minimum wage jumped to €13.50 per hour (₹1,175) as of January 2025, making it one of the highest in Europe? For international students looking to balance their studies with earning opportunities, Ireland presents an incredibly attractive landscape. With unemployment rates remaining low and student work rights clearly defined, the country offers genuine financial support for your academic journey.
Can An International Student Work Part-Time In Ireland?
Yes, International students studying in Ireland enjoy comprehensive work rights that make earning while learning both legal and financially rewarding.Â
- International students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during academic term time, with expanded opportunities to work up to 40 hours per week during standardized holiday periods.
- The minimum wage for working students aged 20 and over is €13.50 (₹1,400) per hour, while those aged 18–19 earn €12.15 (₹1,260) per hour as a part-time salary in Ireland.
The work permission comes automatically with your student visa, eliminating the need for separate work permit applications. This streamlined process means you can start seeking employment opportunities immediately after arriving in Ireland.
Types of Part-Time Jobs in Ireland for Students: On-Campus vs Off-Campus
Ireland offers diverse employment opportunities both within university premises and in the broader job market, giving students flexibility to choose work that complements their academic schedule.Â
Top On-Campus Job Roles & Hourly Pay
University-based positions offer convenient scheduling around classes and provide networking opportunities within the academic community. These roles offer flexible scheduling during exam periods.Â
| Job Role | Hourly Pay (EUR) | Hourly Pay (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistant | €15-30 | ₹1,555-3,110 |
| Research Assistant | €15-20 | ₹1,555-2,073 |
| Library Assistant | €10-14 | ₹1,037-1,451 |
| Student Services Representative | €10.50-13 | ₹1,089-1,348 |
| Laboratory Technician | €10-15 | ₹1,037-1,555 |
Top Off-Campus Job Roles & Hourly Pay
The broader Irish job market provides extensive opportunities across multiple industries, often with higher pay rates and diverse professional experience. Off-campus work exposes you to Irish workplace culture and builds professional networks beyond academia.Â
| Job Role | Hourly Pay (EUR) | Hourly Pay (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Assistant | €13.50-15 | ₹1,400-1,555 |
| Server/Barista | €10.50-13.50 | ₹1,089-1,400 |
| Customer Service Representative | €13-15 | ₹1,348-1,555 |
| Delivery Driver | €8-12 | ₹829-1,244 |
| Administrative Assistant | €13.50-15 | ₹1,400-1,555 |
Top Part-Time Job Roles for Indian Students in Ireland
The Irish job market offers numerous opportunities for international students. The part-time salary in Ireland varies based on role complexity, experience, and age category.
| Job Role | Hourly Rate (EUR/INR) | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Sales Associate | €10-15 (₹1,037-1,555) | Dunnes Stores, Tesco Ireland, Penneys |
| Restaurant Server | €13.50-18.00 (₹1,400-1,866) | McDonald's Ireland, Subway, Apache Pizza |
| Customer Service Representative | €13-15 (₹1,348-1,555) | Amazon Ireland, Indeed, Concentrix |
| Delivery Driver | €8-12 (₹829-1,244) | Deliveroo, Just Eat, DPD Ireland |
| Barista/Cafe Staff | €10.50-13.50 (₹1,089-1,400) | Starbucks Ireland, Costa Coffee, Insomnia Coffee |
| Tutor/Teaching Assistant | €15-30 (₹1,555-3,110) | Grinds.ie, MyTutor, University Departments |
| Data Entry Clerk | €10-12 (₹1,037-1,244) | Accenture Ireland, Version 1, CPL Jobs |
| Hotel Reception | €10-15 (₹1,037-1,555) | Hilton Dublin, Clayton Hotels, Jurys Inn |
| Warehouse Worker | €15.35-17.40 (₹1,591-1,804) | Amazon Fulfillment, DHL Ireland, An Post |
| Kitchen Assistant | €13.50-15.50 (₹1,400-1,607) | Eddie Rockets, Supermacs, Local Restaurants |
| Administrative Assistant | €13.50-15.50 (₹1,400-1,607) | Enterprise Ireland, Local Councils, SMEs |
| Event Staff | €10-15 (₹1,037-1,555) | Eventbrite Ireland, MCD Productions, Local Venues |
| Library Assistant | €10-14 (₹1,037-1,451) | Trinity College Dublin, UCD, Public Libraries |
| Tour Guide | €10-13 (₹1,037-1,348) | Dublin Bus Tours, Wild Rover Tours, Local Companies |
| Freelance Content Writer | €15-65 (₹1,555-6,739) | UpWork, Freelancer.ie, Local Media |
Eligibility Criteria For Part-Time Jobs In Ireland For Indian Students
Students must meet specific requirements to work legally in Ireland, but the criteria are designed to support genuine academic pursuits. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your work schedule effectively around your academic commitments.
Student Status Requirements:
- Full-time enrollment in a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)
- Course must be at Level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
- Minimum course duration of 25 weeks with at least 15 hours of classroom instruction weekly
- Valid Stamp 2 immigration permission (students with Stamp 2A cannot work)
Academic Performance Standards:
- Many employers or school-sponsored programs require to maintain a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5 or 3.0) for students holding part-time jobs.
Assess your academic eligibility effortlessly using our precise CGPA Calculator, helping you target the right university with confidence.Â
Pros and Cons of Working Part-Time in Ireland for Indian Students
Working part-time while studying in Ireland offers significant advantages but also presents certain challenges that international students should carefully consider before committing to employment.
Advantages of Part-Time Work
- Part-time work provides substantial financial relief which helps students to cover living expenses and reduce dependency on family support.
- Irish workplace experience enhances your CV significantly, providing practical skills in communication, time management, and professional conduct.
- Working alongside Irish colleagues accelerates cultural adaptation and language improvement while building professional networks.
- Irish work experience demonstrates adaptability and work ethic to future employers, making your profile more competitive in the global job market upon graduation.
Challenges of Part-Time Work
- Balancing 20 hours of work weekly with full-time studies can strain academic performance, particularly during exam periods.
- Popular student-friendly roles like retail and hospitality positions face high competition from both local and international students.
- Many part-time positions require weekend and evening shifts that may conflict with study schedules, social activities, or important academic commitments.
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Students must navigate Irish tax obligations, PPS number requirements, and immigration compliance, adding administrative complexity to their already busy academic schedule.
Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students
Living costs in Ireland vary between major cities and smaller university towns, with Dublin being the most expensive but offering the most career opportunities. Students should budget carefully and consider all expenses when planning their financial requirements.
Monthly Expenses by Category and City
| Category | Dublin | Cork/Galway | Other Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €500-700 (₹51,745-72,443) | €350-500 (₹36,222-51,745) | €300-450 (₹31,048-46,571) |
| Food | €200-300 (₹20,698-31,048) | €150-250 (₹15,524-25,873) | €120-200 (₹12,419-20,698) |
| Transport | €50-80 (₹5,175-8,279) | €30-50 (₹3,105-5,175) | €20-40 (₹2,070-4,140) |
| Textbooks & Materials | €30-50 (₹3,105-5,175) | €25-40 (₹2,587-4,140) | €20-35 (₹2,070-3,622) |
| Other (utilities, mobile, personal) | €150-250 (₹15,524-25,873) | €120-200 (₹12,419-20,698) | €100-150 (₹10,349-15,524) |
| Total Monthly Expenses | €930-1,380 (₹96,246-1.43 Lakh) | €675-1,040 (₹69,856-1.08 Lakh) | €560-875 (₹57,954-90,554) |
Key Takeaways
- Ireland’s minimum wage for students reaches €13.50 per hour (₹1,400), making it one of Europe’s highest student-friendly wages.
- International students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours weekly during academic terms and 40 hours during holiday periods.
- On-campus jobs in Ireland offer flexible scheduling around exams and classes, perfect for international student academic balance.
- Off-campus freelance writing jobs in Ireland offer exceptional pay of €15-65 hourly (₹1,555-6,739) for skilled international students.
- Target roles at major Irish retailers like Dunnes Stores and Tesco during your first semester since they actively recruit international students and offer structured training programs.
- Choose accommodation in Cork or Galway, where monthly rent is €200–300 less than in Dublin to save money.
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FAQs
Can international students work part-time in Ireland in 2026?
Yes, international students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during academic term time and up to 40 hours per week during designated holiday periods.Â
What is the part-time salary in Ireland for international students in 2026?
Ireland’s minimum wage for students aged 20 and over is €13.50 (₹1,400) per hour, while students aged 18-19 earn €12.15 (₹1,260) per hour. This makes Ireland one of Europe’s highest student-friendly wage destinations.
What are the highest paying part-time jobs for Indian students in Ireland?
The highest paying part-time jobs include Teaching Assistant positions at €15-30 (₹1,555-3,110) per hour, Freelance Content Writing at €15-65 (₹1,555-6,739) per hour, and Warehouse Worker roles at €15.35-17.40 (₹1,591-1,804) per hour.
What are the eligibility criteria for part-time jobs in Ireland for Indian students?
Students must have full-time enrollment in an ILEP-listed course at Level 6 or above on the NFQ, maintain valid Stamp 2 immigration permission, attend courses with minimum 25 weeks duration and 15 hours weekly classroom instruction, and comply with academic performance standards.
Which companies actively hire international students for part-time jobs in Ireland?
Top recruiters include Dunnes Stores, Tesco Ireland, Amazon Ireland, McDonald’s Ireland, Starbucks Ireland, DHL Ireland, Accenture Ireland, and Trinity College Dublin. These companies offer structured training programs suitable for international students.
What is the cost of living for Indian students in different Irish cities?
Monthly expenses range from €930-1,380 (₹95,385-1.4 Lakh) in Dublin, €675-1,040 (₹69,231-1 Lakh) in Cork/Galway, and €560-875 (₹57,436-89,744) in other cities. Accommodation costs vary significantly between cities.
What is the difference between on-campus and off-campus jobs in Ireland?
On-campus jobs offer flexible scheduling around exams and classes with roles like Library Assistant at €10-14 (₹1,037-1,451) per hour. Off-campus jobs provide higher wages and broader professional experience, such as Customer Service Representative positions at €13-15 (₹1,348-1,555) per hour.
How much can international students earn working part-time in Ireland?
Students can earn between €270-540 (₹28,000-56,000) monthly working 20 hours during term time, and €540-1,080 (₹56,000-1.12 Lakh) monthly working 40 hours during holiday periods, based on minimum wage rates.
When can international students work 40 hours per week in Ireland?
Students can work up to 40 hours per week during designated holiday periods including June, July, August, September, and between December 15 and January 15. This expanded work allowance helps students maximize earnings during academic breaks.
How can students save money on accommodation while studying in Ireland?
Students can save €200-300 monthly by choosing accommodation in Cork or Galway instead of Dublin. Cork/Galway accommodation costs €350-500 (₹35,996-56,565) compared to Dublin’s €500-700 (₹51,282-71,795) monthly rent.
