Third Level Graduate Programme
Non-EEA graduates of recognised Irish higher-education awards who want to stay and seek graduate employment.
The Third Level Graduate Programme is a Irish study & graduate visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€300 IRP registration card) and processing time (Granted on application after results; register via ISD), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Third Level Graduate Programme is for
Non-EEA graduates of recognised Irish higher-education awards who want to stay and seek graduate employment.
Bridge to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, then Stamp 4 and citizenship.
Third Level Graduate Programme - eligibility criteria
- Graduated with an eligible Irish award at level 8 or above
- Apply within 6 months of receiving final results
- Hold valid student (Stamp 2) permission at the time
- Have a valid passport
- Not have exceeded the 7-year non-EEA student limit
Third Level Graduate Programme cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Ireland) is ~€300 IRP registration card, with an indicative processing time of Granted on application after results; register via ISD. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Irish Immigration Service.
| Type | Post-study work |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Apply to ISD; register a Stamp 1G IRP card |
| Length of stay | 12 months (level 8) or up to 24 months (level 9+) |
| Work rights | Full-time work without an employment permit |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€300 IRP registration card |
| Processing time | Granted on application after results; register via ISD |
| Route to PR | Bridge to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, then Stamp 4 and citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
Bridge to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, then Stamp 4 and citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Stamp 1G · Stamp 1G Immigration Permission, Stamp 2 · Stamp 2 Immigration Permission (Student), CSEP · Critical Skills Employment Permit. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Irish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Third Level Graduate Programme pitfalls we fix
Third Level Graduate Programme - frequently asked questions
How much does the Third Level Graduate Programme cost?
The Third Level Graduate Programme government fee is ~€300 IRP registration card. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Irish Immigration Service before applying.
How long does the Third Level Graduate Programme take to process?
Indicative processing time is Granted on application after results; register via ISD. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Third Level Graduate Programme lead to permanent residence?
Bridge to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, then Stamp 4 and citizenship.
Can I work on the Third Level Graduate Programme?
Work rights: Full-time work without an employment permit.
Who can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme?
Non-EEA graduates of recognised Irish higher-education awards who want to stay and seek graduate employment.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Ireland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Irish Immigration Service - official Ireland immigration authority