Part-time Jobs in Ireland for International Students

Located on the western edge of Europe, Ireland is the country of the finest poets and philosophers. The biggest reason why Ireland is one of the best study abroad destinations is its level of quality education, excellent educational standards and welcoming atmosphere. The government allows international students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, which acts as a perfect cherry on the cake. 40% of international students prefer to have part-time jobs in Ireland while pursuing their studies. Let’s learn more about part-time jobs in Ireland and what qualifications are required to apply for them.

Part-Time Jobs in Ireland 

The freedom to do part-time jobs in Ireland for international students is probably one of the major reasons why international students are always on their toes to come and study in this country. A part-time employee in Ireland is one who works for fewer hours per week than a regular or full-time employee. The Protection of Employees Act 2001 protects employees as part-time workers in Ireland. This act of legislation usually applies to those who work part-time and who:

• Share work with others
• Are hired through a staffing agency
• Have a written contract in place
• Consider doing an apprenticeship
• Hold a position in the service of the state

Eligibility Requirements 

International students are always on a hunt for part-time jobs in Ireland that they can pursue after their college hours to earn some extra pocket money. Part-time jobs are mostly available to those international students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Those who are enrolled in a full-time course for at least one year. 

• The course should have a minimum NFQ level 7 qualification and be recognized by the Minister of Education and Skills for a stamp 2.

Important Note: Stamp 2 allows you to up to 20 hours of casual part-time employment per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours of casual full-time work per week between the 15th of December and the 15th of January, as well as during the months of June, July, August, and September.

• GNIB registration is required as soon as you arrive in Ireland.

• Students who meet the aforementioned requirements and wish to work in Ireland must additionally get a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number). 

• Only individuals with a valid PPS Number will be paid at jobs, and the money will be sent to an Irish bank account.

• International students must also follow all the eligibility criteria, including the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment, and taxation. 

Note: In most cases, the minimum wage is around €9.15 to 10 per hour (INR 795.68 – 850) for a part-time job in Ireland. Students can work legally up to 20 hours a week and 40 hours a week during vacations (the vacation periods would be mentioned by the respective colleges and Universities you are enrolled in).

How to Get a Part-Time Job in Ireland?

Let’s now answer the most frequently asked questions which are on how to end up getting a part-time job in Ireland. The below-mentioned points will guide you for this question:

• Your first step should be to register yourself at e-recruitment platforms for jobs, regardless of your degree of experience. 
• Try to search for jobs related to the course you’re pursuing to enhance your skillset. 
• You can use the e-recruitment sites to search for part-time jobs using relevant keywords. 
• Along with the location, you may filter by job title, skills, firms, and industries, no. of hours of work, wages, etc. 
• To find part-time jobs in your selected region, use the extra ‘part-time’ filter.
• Carefully read the job description and prepare a CV and cover letter that highlights your qualifications. You can look at the different CV Formats here while preparing your CV.

Types of Part-Time Jobs in Ireland 

The type of part-time jobs in Ireland you will get will depend on your many factors like working hours, wages or stipend, present needs and requirements, long-term objectives and many more. Mentioned below are some of the most common part-time jobs that international students may find and will see others also doing while studying in Ireland:

• Bartender
• Waiting staff
• Library assistant
• Research assistant
• Cafeteria worker
• Online tutor
• Shop floor assistant
• Babysitting
• Sales assistant
• Healthcare assistant
• Community support worker
• Driver helper
• Superannuation officer
• Screening associate
• Lecturer
• Facilitator
• House help
• Gardener
• Grocery shopper 
• Parking agent 
• Shop/store assistant or helper, and a lot more. 

Why Do a Part-Time Job?

While there are several reasons to do a part-time job, we have mentioned some of the most common reasons below that will tell you why doing a part-time job is always suggested to get some work experience and earn that extra few pennies for yourself:

• Better Work/Life Balance: You’ll still be able to work, but you’ll have more time to spend with friends, family and socialising.

• Maintain a Foothold: You can progress from a part-time to a full-time position in a firm if you demonstrate the necessary abilities. Part-time workers in Ireland enjoy many of the same privileges as their full-time colleagues.

• Flexibility: You have the freedom to work around your existing schedule. You may use the additional time to hunt for a full-time job, ironically. If the job is only a means to a goal, you can still change jobs without putting a big hole in your cash account.

Success Tips for Newcomers 

Below are some tips that you must consider when applying for any part-time job in Ireland or any other foreign country:

• Know Your Rights Under the Law

International students on stamp 2 visas in Ireland are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during school hours and 40 hours per week when there are no classes. The minimum hourly salary has been adjusted to €9.15 to 10 since February 1, 2020.

• On-Campus Work

Vacant opportunities for lab assistants, research assistants, and teaching assistants are frequently available in most of Ireland’s colleges and universities. A simple look at the college’s human resources website could yield some useful information regarding open positions on campus. Search for your college’s website and apply for vacancies, if there are any.

• Focus on the Career Fairs

Pay close attention to the college’s career fair held during different semesters. While the majority of the companies in these fairs are looking for interns and full-time employees, some do have part-time openings as well. 

• Build Your CV Carefully

The majority of part-time job schedules are flexible, and the vast majority of them pay bi-weekly. Because the number of part-time jobs available is always less than the number of applicants, competition is fierce. Hence, it is always advisable to have that competitive edge in your CV over others’. Highlight your major skills and strengths in your CV. Be sincere when expressing facts and provide numbers to back up your claims. 

• It’s OK to Say NO!

Working while studying provides a number of benefits. However, finding the right balance is important if you want to reap the benefits of working as a student for years to come. If the extra shifts are taking away from your revision time, don’t be afraid to say no. Make sure, to be honest, and transparent with your employer about your working hours, and make time for yourself. 

Planning to study in Ireland? Connect with our Leverage Edu experts today at 1800 572 000 and get a free 30-minutes consultation!

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