Ever thought about working in Ireland as a teaching assistant? Sure, the Guinness and those gorgeous green hills are a big plus (who wouldn’t love that?), but maybe you’re really after something more, something steady, meaningful, and yes, with sponsorship to make it happen.
If you’re not from the EU, getting a job in Ireland can feel tough, but it’s possible. With the right steps, you can get there and start your new chapter. How do we make it happen let’s discuss in this article.
How to Get Teaching Assistant Jobs in Ireland?
Just to be clear, when we say “teaching assistant” in Ireland, we’re really talking about Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) or classroom support roles. It’s different from the U.S. or UK, where you might help across all subjects. In Ireland, SNAs focus on supporting students with additional needs, like autism or physical disabilities, and play a key role in the classroom.
You won’t be running full lessons or leading the class, but your role is essential. Think of it like being the bass player in a band if you’re not there, everything feels off.
“Can I Actually Get a Job with Visa Sponsorship?”
Short answer? Yes but it’s complicated. Long answer? Keep reading.
Here’s the thing: Ireland’s education system isn’t overflowing with sponsored roles, especially at the assistant level. But that doesn’t mean it’s a dead end. Certain private institutions, international schools, and education support agencies are known to sponsor the right candidate, especially if you bring unique skills, languages, or experience working with neurodivergent students.
And while public schools rarely handle visa sponsorship directly, there are workarounds, like agencies or partner programs. Some third-party employers act as intermediaries, hiring and assigning assistants to schools while managing the paperwork. It’s a bit of a long route, but hey, sometimes scenic drives are worth it.
Who is Actually Hiring And Where to Look out For
You’re not just going to stumble across these jobs in your Instagram feed. You need to know where to search, and how to read between the lines.
Here are a few real places where teaching assistant roles (with or without sponsorship) get posted:
EducationPosts.ie – Ireland’s go-to portal for primary and secondary school jobs.
TES Jobs – Especially strong for international schools.
IrishJobs.ie – Filter by “education support” and “visa sponsorship.”
Recruitment Agencies – Think CPL Healthcare or Hays Education; they often have SNA contracts.
School Websites – Especially international or private ones like St. Andrew’s College or Nord Anglia schools.
Pro tip: Filter by “SNA” or “Learning Support Assistant” and don’t be shy about contacting schools directly. Irish people tend to appreciate initiative, just keep it polite, and for heaven’s sake, don’t call the principal by their first name in your first email.
What About the Visa Part?
Ah yes, the ever-tricky bit.
If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll need a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit. And here’s the rub: SNAs aren’t usually listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
But yes, there’s a “but” some international schools or education agencies can sponsor under General Employment Permits, particularly if the role requires language fluency, therapeutic knowledge, or experience with specific disabilities. It’s a tighter fit, but not impossible.
If you’re already in Ireland on a student visa or working holiday visa, things get easier. You can often transition into an SNA role part-time, gain experience, and then apply for a full-time position with a potential sponsor.
“Do I Need a Teaching Degree?”
Nope, not necessarily. What you do need is experience and relevant certification. Most schools expect:
A Level 5 or 6 QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) certificate in Special Needs Assisting
Experience working with children or vulnerable populations
Strong communication and patience (this isn’t just lip service, patience is currency here)
You can actually complete QQI courses online from outside Ireland through providers like Portobello Institute or The Open College. And yes, they count, even if your Wi-Fi lagged during your final Zoom class.
In conclusion
If you’re someone who lights up at the idea of helping a nonverbal student communicate for the first time, or being that one adult who really sees a struggling child—yes. A thousand times yes.
Teaching assistant jobs in Ireland with visa sponsorship aren’t exactly being handed out like flyers on Grafton Street, but they are out there. And they’re worth chasing.
