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Studying in Ireland is a big step, academically and financially. The numbers add up quickly between tuition, rent, and everyday expenses. If you’re thinking ahead, you’re probably already considering how to earn while you study. Part-time jobs in Ireland are a smart way to build experience and connect with people beyond campus, all while making euros.
But not every job is worth your time or effort. You need something flexible, reliable, and aligned with your schedule. This guide will help you make informed choices. Whether you’re still planning your move or already attending lectures, it’ll show you where to look, what to expect, and how to get started.
Why Part-Time Jobs in Ireland Are Worth Your Time?
- You stop counting every euro.
Studying in Ireland isn’t quite budget-friendly. Between rent, phone bills, and food that isn’t instant noodles, costs pile up fast. A part-time job gives you some breathing room. When your balance hits zero, you won’t have to stretch every cent or message home for money.
- You learn what the classroom doesn’t teach.
Working part-time in Ireland gives you more than just payslips. You learn how to deal with people, fix problems on the spot, and manage your time like a pro. These are things you won’t find in your textbooks but will need in every job after.
- You work around your schedule and not against it.
Most student jobs here offer evening or weekend shifts. That means you can earn money without skipping lectures or burning out. You’re in charge of your hours. You work when it suits your course, not the other way around.
- You meet people beyond your classroom.
It’s easy to feel cut off when you’re new in a country. A part-time job brings you out of your student bubble. You meet locals, chat with co-workers, and build a support system without even trying. Some of these connections turn into real opportunities later.
Types of Part-Time Jobs in Ireland
| Type | Where | Common Roles | Quick Note |
| On Campus | Within your university | Library Assistant, Tutor, Barista, TA, Guide | Easy to access, student-friendly hours, often listed on university portals. |
| Off Campus | Local businesses and offices | Retail Staff, Intern, Cashier, Customer Support | Requires commuting; good pay but needs solid time management. |
| Online | Remote / Work from home | Freelance Writer, Designer, Online Tutor | Flexible hours, no commute, rising in demand—great for independent workers. |
Rules To Know Before Taking Up Part-Time Jobs in Ireland
Before you start working, there are a few ground rules to keep in mind.
1. Minimum Age
You must be at least 18 to apply for part-time jobs in Ireland.
2. Visa Eligibility
Only students holding a Stamp 2 visa are allowed to work. If you’re on any other visa, you can’t legally take up part-time roles.
Also Read: Ireland Student Visa Requirements
3. Weekly Work Limits
During term time, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Over holidays, that cap increases to 40 hours per week.
4. No Full-Time Jobs
As long as you’re on a study visa, you can’t take up full-time employment, even if you feel ready.
5. Minimum Pay
As of 1 January 2025, the adult minimum wage is €13.50 per hour. If you’re under 20, your pay might be slightly lower based on age brackets.
6. Employer’s Responsibility
Your employer must check if your visa permits part-time work. They also need to stick to government rules on hours and payment.
Eligibility Criteria For Engaging In A Part-Time Job In Ireland
You can’t take up part time jobs in Ireland just because you landed in Dublin with a student visa. There’s a checklist and you’ll want to get all of it right before you even send out your CV.
The Non-Negotiables
| What You Need | Why It Matters |
| You must be 18+ | If you’re underage, no employer will touch your application. Even for online gigs. |
| You need a Stamp 2 visa | Only students with this visa are allowed to work part-time. |
| Full-time course (minimum 1 year) | Your course must be on the ILEP list and lead to NFQ Level 6 or higher. Language courses or 6-month diplomas won’t count. |
| Valid IRP card | This proves your Stamp 2 status. No IRP = no work. Even part-time. |
| GNIB registration | You’ll need to register with the Garda. No, it’s not optional. Yes, they check. |
The Often-Ignored (But Crucial) Bits
| Rule | What It Looks Like in Real Life |
| You must attend classes regularly | If your attendance drops, your work rights can be suspended. Even if you show up at your job on time. |
| Employers must check your visa | A legit employer will always ask for your IRP. If they don’t, that’s a red flag. |
| You can work up to 20 hours/week (term-time) | Don’t push it. If you work 22 hours, you’re breaking immigration rules. Yes, they do audit payroll. |
| During holidays, you can work 40 hours/week | But only within specific dates. Not every break counts. Double-check the official holiday period. |
Also Read: Universities In Ireland Without Application Fees In 2025
10 Popular Part Time Jobs in Ireland
If you’re planning to study in Ireland, odds are you’ll need a side gig. Not just for extra cash, but to meet people, gain experience, and build your future CV. Here’s a hand-picked list of student-friendly part time jobs in Ireland that you can apply for, even if you’re new to the country.
1. Tutor or Teaching Assistant
This on’e for you if you’re good at explaining things and Know your subject well.
Perfect for: Students with strong grades and patience.
Where to apply: Ask your department, try student support desks, or sign up on tutoring sites like Superprof.
Average Salary: €15-€30 per hour
2. Library Assistant
If you like calm spaces and organised work, this job pays you to stay around books.
Perfect for: Detail-oriented students with a quiet charm.
Where to apply: Check your university’s library notice board or their website.
Average Salary: €10-€14 per hour
3. Research Assistant
Like diving into data or helping with academic projects? You could assist professors on real research work.
Perfect for: Postgrads or undergrads with solid research or analytical skills.
Where to apply: Speak to your department head or look out for internal university openings.
Average Salary: €12-€20 per hour
4. Campus Tour Guide
Guide newbies around campus if you’re someone who talks easily, remembers building names, and enjoys sharing facts.
Perfect for: Outgoing students who enjoy public speaking.
Where to apply: Student services or university marketing teams.
Average Salary: €10-€13 per hour
5. Babysitter
If you’re good with kids and calm under pressure, babysitting can pay surprisingly well.
Perfect for: Students with childcare experience and flexible hours.
Where to apply: Ask around, join babysitting apps, or check Facebook parent groups.
Average Salary: €10-€15 per hour
6. Customer Support Representative
This role might suit you if you’re a problem-solver who speaks clearly and stays polite under stress.
Perfect for: Communicators with strong English and a friendly tone.
Where to apply: Try sites like Indeed, JobsIreland, or apply directly to companies hiring part-time help.
Average Salary: €10.50-€14 per hour
7. Social Media Assistant
You scroll anyway, why not get paid for it? If you know what trends, you can help brands grow.
Perfect for: Creatives who write well and get social media.
Where to apply: Look up internships or freelance gigs on LinkedIn, Contra, or local startup job boards.
Average Salary: €20-€50 per hour
8. Freelance Writer or Translator
If you write well or speak another language fluently, you can land remote gigs and work on your own terms.
Perfect for: Language nerds and writers with a good grasp of grammar.
Where to apply: Try Upwork, Fiverr, or reach out to blogs and agencies directly.
Average Salary: Varies
9. Café Worker
From pouring coffee to serving croissants, it’s a fast-paced but social job and a great way to meet locals.
Perfect for: Friendly students who don’t mind staying on their feet.
Where to apply: Drop your CV in person or apply online. Try Indeed, IrishJobs, or local café chains.
Average Salary: €10.50-€13 per hour + tips
10. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
If you love pets and don’t mind the Irish rain, this is as fun as it sounds.
Perfect for: Animal lovers who need flexible hours.
Where to apply: Post in community Facebook groups, sign up on Pawshake, or chat with local pet shops.
Average Salary: €10-€15 per hour
How to Find a Part-time Job in Ireland?
- Make Full Use of University Career Services
Your university’s career office offers tailored support to help you secure part-time roles:
- Attend job fairs and speak directly with employers looking for students.
- Take advantage of workshops focused on CV writing and interview preparation.
- Subscribe to student-specific job listings to receive timely opportunities.
Engage proactively with these resources as they connect you to trusted employers familiar with student work requirements.
- Use Online Job Portals with Purpose
Websites such as Indeed.ie, Jobs.ie, and IrishJobs.ie are invaluable for finding part-time jobs in Ireland. To make your search efficient:
- Set up alerts with filters that match your availability, location, and wage expectations.
- Research employer reviews to ensure fair work conditions.
- Respond promptly to new listings to improve your chances.
A focused approach here helps you avoid getting lost in a sea of applications.
- Build Connections Thoughtfully
Networking can reveal opportunities not advertised publicly. Consider these approaches:
- Join university societies and attend career-related events to meet professionals in your field.
- Maintain a professional LinkedIn profile; engage with relevant content to raise your visibility.
- Seek recommendations from professors or tutors who have industry contacts.
Networking is about building genuine relationships that can lead to meaningful work.
- Approach Local Employers Directly
Many businesses in retail, hospitality, and services hire part-time staff on a walk-in basis:
- Visit establishments during less busy hours with a well-prepared CV in hand.
- Introduce yourself confidently, expressing clear interest in available roles.
- Follow up with an email referencing your visit to reinforce your enthusiasm.
This direct method can often secure interviews faster than online applications.
- Explore Social Media for Opportunities
Local social media groups frequently post part-time vacancies early:
- Join city or university-based Facebook groups dedicated to job postings.
- Enable notifications for job-related posts and engage with company pages.
- Reach out to businesses showing potential openings with a brief professional message.
Social platforms can offer timely access to roles before they appear elsewhere.
Tips to Balance Studies with Part-Time Jobs in Ireland
1. Start With a Weekly Plan
Use a digital planner or calendar. Block your week into slots: lectures, job shifts, study hours, and rest. Stick to it like your grades depend on it, because they do.
2. Keep Studies at the Centre
Don’t let part time jobs in Ireland eat into assignment deadlines or exam prep. Say yes to shifts that fit around your classes and not the other way around.
3. Know When to Log Off
Your time isn’t unlimited. Respect your energy. Overwork hurts both your grades and your job performance. Take regular breaks. Go for a walk. Breathe. Reset.
4. Say No When You Must
You’re allowed to turn down extra shifts. You’re allowed to ask for deadline extensions. Protect your priorities without guilt. You’re here to study first. The rest comes after.
5. Use Downtime Wisely
Got a one-hour gap between lectures and work? Review flashcards. Catch up on reading. These small wins reduce stress later and free up weekends.
Also Read: 6 Must-Visit Places To Visit In Ireland As Students
Wrapping Up!
You didn’t choose Ireland just for a degree. You chose it for the life you’re building around it.
Between rising rent and coursework that never quits, part time jobs in Ireland aren’t just nice to have. They’re how many students stay afloat, grow their confidence, and meet people beyond the classroom.
But the real win is picking work that respects your time, adds to your skillset, and lets you breathe. So don’t jump at the first offer. Choose a job that works for you and not one that works you to the ground because how you spend your time here shapes what comes next.
Sorting out the right job takes time and so does settling into the right place. With UniAcco, you get student accommodation options that save you both money and mental space.
So you can focus on work that adds to your future.
FAQs
- How much can I earn from part time jobs in Ireland?
Part time jobs in Ireland usually pay between €10 to €15 per hour. Your exact pay depends on the job type, your location, and your experience level. Some roles may also offer tips or bonuses.
- What are the best part time jobs in Ireland for students?
Some of the most student-friendly part time jobs in Ireland are in retail, customer service, cafés, and hospitality. These roles offer flexible hours, decent pay, and plenty of opportunities to interact with people.
- Is it easy to find part time jobs in Ireland as a student?
Yes, especially if you’re based in student-heavy cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway. While there’s healthy competition, a strong CV and active job search can help you land the right role quickly.
- Do international students need a work permit for part time jobs in Ireland?
No. If you’re on a Stamp 2 student visa, you can work part time during your course without needing a separate work permit. You’re allowed up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays.
- Can I work in Ireland after I graduate?
Yes. You can apply for the Stamp 1G Graduate Visa, which allows international students to stay and work full-time in Ireland for up to 2 years after completing their degree.
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