Immigration to Ireland Through Higher Education

Financial independence and a successful career begin with invaluable university social connections. Interested in studying in Europe after finishing secondary school? The educational agency Falcon Education presents a complete guide for international students on obtaining higher education in Ireland.

We are familiar with the current admission requirements, academic programs, conditions, and tuition fees at Irish universities.

Quality Education Abroad and Immigration to Ireland
Quality education abroad, fluent English, practical experience at cutting-edge research centers, and employment at global high-tech companies — all of this is entirely achievable. The state immigration program for third-level education graduates opens broad prospects for career growth and financial well-being for citizens of non-EU countries.
FALCON Education supports applicants at every stage: preparation for international exams, university admission, studies, and subsequent automatic immigration to Ireland.

What the Immigration Program for Students and Postgraduates in Ireland Involves
The program was developed in 2007 for holders of bachelor's and master's degrees who are not citizens of EU countries. Its purpose is to help highly qualified specialists find employment in Ireland. The most recent edition of the education-based immigration program was published in 2017.
Students who have obtained an Irish university degree automatically receive the right to:

Search for work
Work
Conduct scientific research
Reside in the country for 12–24 months

After this period, they may obtain a Green Card work permit.
The length of stay under the immigration program depends on the level of education obtained.

How Education Levels Are Determined for Ireland's Student Immigration Program
The entire education system — from primary school through postgraduate study — is divided into 10 levels according to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Higher education in Ireland begins at NFQ 6. The third level of education corresponds to NFQ 7. Admission to the immigration program requires a minimum of NFQ 8.
NFQ 6

Advanced Certificate — secondary vocational education
Higher Certificate — secondary vocational education (diploma with distinction)

NFQ 7

Ordinary Bachelor Degree
Duration: 3 years for Advanced Certificate holders; 1 year for Higher Certificate holders

NFQ 8

Honours Bachelor Degree
NFQ 7 holders: 1 year of study
Medicine, architecture, dentistry: longer duration
NFQ 6 holders: 4 years of study

NFQ 9

Master's Degree — dissertation preparation and defense; 1–2 years (taught) or 2 years (research)
Postgraduate Diploma — professional development for NFQ 7 holders, 1 year

NFQ 10

Doctoral Degree — preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation for academic or research careers; up to 4 years
Higher Doctorate — the highest academic degree, awarded for significant contributions to education and science


Who Is Eligible for Immigration
The right to immigration is granted to students holding an Irish university degree of NFQ 8 or above:

NFQ 8 — residence for up to 12 months
NFQ 9 — residence for up to 24 months (with visa renewal after 12 months)


How to Obtain an Irish Student Visa for Subsequent Immigration
There are two types of visas:

Short-stay visa (Category C) — up to 90 days
Long-stay visa (Category D / Stamp 2) — up to 7 years

It is important to choose the right university and study program that meet the requirements of the state program.
Conditions of the Stamp 2 Student Visa:

The course is included in the state list of approved ILEP programs
The university holds QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) accreditation
Instruction is conducted in English
Class size of up to 15 students
Full-time study (more than 15 hours per week)

Students are permitted to work:

20 hours per week during term time
40 hours per week during holidays (Christmas and June–September)


⚠️ Important: Some universities in Ireland offer British programs. Degrees from such programs do not confer the right to education-based immigration in Ireland. FALCON Education will help you select a university that qualifies for the immigration pathway.


Immigration Rules for Third-Level Graduates
Applications for immigration status Stamp 1G may be submitted by:

Full-time students and postgraduate students at Irish universities
The university must hold QQI accreditation
The student must have obtained a degree of NFQ 8 or above

Combined period of stay:

Stamp 2 + Stamp 1G — up to 7 years (NFQ 8)
Up to 8 years (NFQ 9)

Graduates receive:

The right to full official employment
No requirement to obtain a separate work permit

Restrictions:

Opening a personal business is not permitted
Working as a self-employed person is not allowed

The application is submitted online to the INIS immigration office in Dublin no later than 6 months after receiving the degree.
Documents required for education-based immigration:

A letter from the university confirming receipt of an NFQ 8 or higher degree
For NFQ 9 — confirmation of active job search or employment

The immigration service also evaluates:

Actively seeking employment
The list of in-demand professions
The list of low-demand professions

Temporary changes due to COVID-19: Due to remote learning, students may submit Stamp 1G applications online. Confirmation must be provided of: enrollment in studies, the university's transition to remote format, and the NFQ level achieved.

Why Ireland Attracts Students
Instruction is conducted in English, so there is no need to learn an additional local language.
Tuition and living costs are 25–30% lower than in the United Kingdom.
Thanks to government support for business and a low corporate tax rate, Ireland is home to the European headquarters of leading global companies including Google, Apple, Dell, eBay, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, and Airbnb. This creates outstanding opportunities for internships and employment at international high-tech companies.

Facts and Rankings

63 universities and colleges offering up-to-date study programs
8 universities rank in the top 10% worldwide
Trinity College Dublin — ranked 101st globally
2nd in the world on the UN Human Development Index
11th on the Forbes Best Countries for Business ranking
13th on the IMD Competitiveness ranking
18th in the world for quality of life


How Ukrainians Can Apply to an Irish University
1. Choose a university and specialization.
Ukrainian students may only enroll in the first year; transfers are not permitted.
2. Demonstrate English proficiency.
Minimum scores required:

TOEFL ≥ 88
IELTS ≥ 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each section)
PTE Academic ≥ 6.3

3. Prepare the required documents:

Application form
International passport
Certificate of complete secondary education
Grade transcripts for Years 10–11
Proof of financial means
English language certificate
Motivation letter

Many universities offer a Foundation program (1 year) covering academic preparation, language practice, and professional terminology.

How FALCON Education Can Help
For students planning to immigrate to Ireland through education, we offer:

Effective English language courses
Preparation for TOEFL and IELTS international exams
Full support throughout the Irish university application process:

✔ Career guidance
✔ Communication with the university
✔ Application preparation
✔ Motivation letter writing