The Departments of Justice and Equality and Education and Skills have recently held discussions on the operation of the Third Level Graduate Permission Scheme (TLGPS)/ Graduate stay back option during this unprecedented time and have agreed the following:
On a once-off basis students who were residing in Ireland and attending Irish Institutions, but who returned home due to Covid 19 and completed their studies and exams online abroad, but who will receive their award from the Irish Institution will be entitled to avail of the programme and also allowed to apply from overseas.
On a once-off basis those students who are due to start their studies in an Irish Institution in September intake, but because of Covid 19 will have to complete the first semester online and who will complete their studies in Ireland will also be allowed avail of the programme.
The above 2 points are strictly one off arrangements as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and subject to the usual criteria of the programme.
Those students who intend to study for the full year online with an Irish Institution will not be allowed avail of the programme.