What Students Must Know About Living Costs/ Work Limits & Post-Study Visas In Ireland. When students dream of Ireland, they picture green landscapes, friendly cities, and world-ranked universities. But at SVAbroad Connect, we’ve learned something important after guiding hundreds of students to Ireland:
Ireland isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that requires planning, clarity, and the right expectations.
From budgeting to part-time work, to what happens after graduation, this guide breaks down the real details we’ve gathered through research, partner universities, and student success stories.
Let’s walk you through it.
1. Cost of Living in Ireland — What Students Actually Spend
One of the first questions students ask us is:
“How much will it really cost to live in Ireland?”
After working closely with students in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, these are the averages we see month after month — not just estimates on the internet.
Average Monthly Costs
| Category | Realistic Student Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | On-campus: €600–€1,000 |
| Off-campus: €900–€1,500 (depending on city) | |
| Food & groceries | €200–€300 |
| Utilities (Wi-Fi, heating, electricity) | €50–€100 |
| Transportation | €50–€60 (students get discounted fares) |
| Miscellaneous (data, toiletries, outings) | €100–€200 |
What our students say:
Most students spend between €1,000–€1,600 per month, depending on their lifestyle and the city they’re in. Dublin is the most expensive, while Cork and Limerick are more affordable.
At SVAbroad Connect, we guide students through budget planning, accommodation selection, and cost-saving options — especially for those traveling on a tight budget.
2. Post-Study Work Visa — Your Bridge to Irish Employment
One of the biggest reasons students choose Ireland is its extremely friendly post-study work visa.
After graduation, international students can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme, which allows them to remain in Ireland to job-hunt or work.
How long can you stay?
- Level 8 (Honours Bachelor’s Degree): Up to 12 months
- Level 9+ (Master’s, PhD): Up to 24 months
Our experience:
Many of our past students secured roles in IT, finance, business analytics, healthcare, and engineering within their visa period — especially those who start building their networks early.
We guide our students on:
- Writing Irish-standard CVs
- Preparing for employer expectations
- Shortlisting job opportunities
- Leveraging career fairs and university support centers
Because your study abroad journey doesn’t end at graduation — and we don’t leave you after you get your visa.
3. Student Work Hours — What You’re Allowed to Do While Studying
Part-time work is one of the most practical ways students manage living expenses.
Ireland allows international students to work:
During Term Time:
20 hours per week
During Holidays (June–September & Dec 15–Jan 15):
40 hours per week
Most of our students easily find work in:
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Customer service
- On-campus roles
And for those in tech, business, and analytics programs, internship roles often appear after semester one.
Conclusion: Ireland Is a Dream — When You Prepare for It Properly
Ireland offers world-class education, international exposure, and a warm, multicultural environment. But success comes from preparation — understanding your finances, knowing your work options, and planning your post-study life.
That’s where we come in.
Planning Ireland? Let SVAbroad Connect Guide You — Zero Agency Fees, Full Transparency
At SVAbroad Connect, we help you:
✔ Choose the right university and course
✔ Understand your budget and cost of living
✔ Navigate visa applications with zero extra charges
✔ Prepare for part-time and full-time job opportunities
✔ Enjoy full transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises
Your study abroad dream deserves honesty, guidance, and clarity — and that’s exactly what we offer.
