The short answer
- Stamp 2: yes, casual work without an employment permit.
- Up to 20 hours a week during term.
- Up to 40 hours a week in June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January.
- A placement that’s part of your course can go over 20 hours a week.
- No self-employment, freelancing or running a business.
- Stamp 2A: no work at all.
Check your hours
Choose a week and the hours you plan to work.
Student work-hours checker
How many hours you can work in a given week on Stamp 2.
- Up to 20 hours a week
- Up to 40 hours a week
Worked out in your browser: nothing you enter is sent to us or saved. Based on ISD’s rules for Stamp 2 students; your permission letter and employment law also apply.
The two limits
ISD’s rule for students with a valid Stamp 2:
| When | Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 to 15 January | 40 hours a week |
| 16 January to 31 May | 20 hours a week |
| June, July, August and September | 40 hours a week |
| October to 14 December | 20 hours a week |
| 15 to 31 December | 40 hours a week |
These dates are the same for every Stamp 2 student. Your college’s reading weeks, exam breaks or a different summer don’t change them.
Work placements and internships
If you’re on a course that leads to a level 7 award or above, an internship or placement can go over 20 hours a week when it’s an integral part of an ILEP-listed course. ISD’s conditions:
- it counts for ECTS credits and contributes to your final award;
- it takes up no more than 50% of the course: a 4-year course allows up to 2 years of placement;
- it isn’t self-employment;
- your hours, pay and conditions follow employment law.
Your college should help you find a placement and, if asked, give you or your employer a letter confirming it’s part of your course and doesn’t affect your Stamp 2.
What you can’t do on Stamp 2
- Business, trade or self-employment: ISD’s stamps page allows casual employment only.
- Rely on work to fund your stay: you must show you can support yourself without it when you apply for your visa or register.
- Use benefits or publicly funded services, unless you’re entitled another way.
On Stamp 2A (courses not on the ILEP, semesters abroad, private secondary schools) you can’t work at all. Compare all student and work stamps in the stamp cheat-sheet.
After your course
With an Irish level 8 award or higher, you can move to Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme and work full time without an employment permit. Apply within 6 months of your final result, while your Stamp 2 is still valid.
Common mix-ups
Common questions
How many hours can I work on Stamp 2?
Up to 20 hours a week during term. In June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January, up to 40 hours a week.
Are the holiday periods my college's holidays?
No. ISD's rule names set dates for Stamp 2 students: June to September, and 15 December to 15 January. Reading weeks or exam breaks outside those dates are still term time for work.
Can I work more than 20 hours on a placement?
Yes, if the placement is an integral part of an ILEP course leading to a level 7 award or above, counts for credits towards your award, and takes up no more than half the course. It can't be self-employment.
Can I be self-employed or freelance on Stamp 2?
No. Stamp 2 allows casual employment only. ISD says you must not engage in any other business or trade.
Can I work on Stamp 2A?
No. ISD says Stamp 2A students must not work or engage in any business, trade or profession.
Do I need to show I can support myself without working?
Yes. ISD says you must show you have enough money to support your stay without relying on casual work. It checks this at your visa application or registration.
Can I work full time after I graduate?
Yes, on Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme, without an employment permit. You apply within 6 months of your final result, while your Stamp 2 is still valid.
Sources
All sources checked on 3 Oct 2026.
- Planning to study in Ireland (working as a student, placements and internships)Immigration Service Delivery
- Frequently asked questions for studentsImmigration Service Delivery
- Immigration permission/stamps (Stamp 2 and 2A conditions)Immigration Service Delivery