Ireland is rapidly emerging as a sought-after destination for international students seeking overseas education. The country also has effective visa policies, such as the ‘stay back option that thousands of international students admire. Recently, Irish General Council, Anita Kelly, attended the Mumbai leg of the Ireland education fair organized by Education in Ireland. She expressed her views on the tremendous contributions made by international students in Ireland.
At the event, Anita Kelly discussed education opportunities, visa policies, scholarship options, accommodation crises, etc. However, the most talked about area of her discussion was the ‘stay-back’ option that Ireland offers to international students after their studies, during which they can seek employment in their field.
In the last few years, Ireland has become a famous country among Indian students planning to study in a foreign country. The number of Indian students moving to Ireland for higher studies has also increased significantly in the last couple of years. As of September 2022, there were around 5000 Indian students enrolled in Irish universities and colleges.
As the most notable English-speaking country in Europe, Ireland benefits Indian students by allowing them to search for employment and gain international experience. Moreover, Ireland is known for its student-friendly policies, welcoming natives, multi-cultural society, and world-class institutes, making it a leading study destination for Indians.
What is Ireland’s Stay Back Option?
The stay-back option allows non-EU/EEE students who have graduated from Irish universities to stay in Ireland for two years to seek job opportunities.
During this period, international students can continue living in Ireland, search for full-time or part-time employment relevant to their studies, and gain valuable international experience to accelerate their careers.
To be eligible for a two-year visa under the third-level graduate scheme, a student must have the following:
- An award granted by a recognized Irish awarding body. These institutes may include the Dublin Institute of Technology, Irish universities, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, or Institutes of Technology with delegated authority).
- A Bachelor, Master or PhD degree
- Employers can hire graduates who are eligible to work for up to 40 hours per week.
- A 24-month extendable valid GNIB card.
What is the right time to apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme?
The right time to apply is after your results to the GNIB office. To do so, you must:
- Provide a letter from the university or college you attended indicating you have obtained your examination results
- Have a valid passport
- Have your valid GNIB Card
- Pay €300 by credit/debit card.
Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, is a tech hub, and 50% of the world’s renowned financial companies are located there. Indian students may apply for these companies with a stay-back visa. Additionally, Indian students can take advantage of Ireland’s other key sectors, such as Pharma, ICT, Medicine, and Finance, when searching for job opportunities. Indian students are a vital source of skilled workforce in Ireland, and the country is keen on keeping these graduates working with top Irish companies and moving forward with their career goals.
Want to know more about study in Ireland? You can connect with our certified immigration consultants by ringing us at +91 8595338595 or mail us at web@studyabroadexpert.com.
