Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme): Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦470,038
Below is the complete breakdown of Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) fees for Nigerian applicants moving to Ireland. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦470,038 (~$344 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦470,038 (~$344 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦470,038 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦470,038: Paid to the Ireland immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Expert tip
Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme)
Stamp 1G lets international graduates of Irish institutions work full-time for up to 24 months after completing their degree — the fee is just the €300 IRP registration. Level 8 (Honours Bachelor's) graduates get 12 months, Level 9+ (Master's/PhD) graduates get 12 months initially plus a 12-month extension. You must apply within 6 months of graduating and hold a current Stamp 2 student permission. During Stamp 1G, you can work for any employer without needing a permit — use this time to find a Critical Skills-eligible role and transition to a full employment permit. This is the most common pathway for Nigerian students in Ireland to stay long-term. Over 60% of Stamp 1G holders successfully transition to employment permits.
Where Nigerians settle in Ireland
Once your Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) is approved, most Nigerians head to Dublin or Cork. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Dublin: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,904,833/month · Lagos–Dublin flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Large
- Cork: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,246,780/month · Lagos–Cork flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Galway: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,510,001/month · Lagos–Galway flights from ~$720 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Dublin
Dublin is where the jobs are — Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Salesforce, and dozens of other tech companies have European HQs here. But the housing crisis is brutal: a 1-bed apartment in the city centre averages €2,000/month ($2,300), and there were fewer than 1,800 rental homes listed nationwide in February 2026. Most newcomers spend 4–8 weeks in temporary accommodation (Airbnb or hostels at €50–€100/night) before finding a rental. Tips: join Daft.ie and Facebook housing groups immediately, be ready to pay 1 month rent + 1 month deposit upfront, and consider house-sharing (€800–€1,200/month for a room). The Nigerian community is the largest African group in Ireland — concentrated in areas like Blanchardstown, Tallaght, and Balbriggan. Dublin Bus and Luas tram cost about €100/month with a Leap card.
6% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Ireland as their destination. Average Japa Score: 65/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦400K–₦900K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) cost for Nigerians moving to Ireland?
- Total government fees for the Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) are ₦470,038 (about $344). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) is 2–4 weeks (applied through immigration registration). Apply from the Ireland High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Ireland?
- Dublin is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Ireland. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦2,904,833 per month. The Nigerian community in Dublin is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Ireland.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02