Enterprise Ireland’s 2027–2029 Graduate Programme is open for applications, with National and International tracks offering two years of career development, training and global exposure.
Enterprise Ireland has opened applications for its 2027–2029 Graduate Programme, offering graduates the opportunity to build careers supporting Irish businesses as they grow and expand internationally. The programme includes both a National Graduate Programme and an International Graduate Programme.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Enterprise Ireland |
| Programme | Graduate Programme 2027–2029 |
| Tracks | National and International |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Application opening | 1 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 27 October 2026 at midday |
| Start date | Late August/early September 2027 |
| National base | Dublin HQ |
| International locations | Europe, Americas, Middle East and Asia Pacific |
| Degree requirement | Minimum NFQ Level 8 2.1 or equivalent |
| Graduation window | January 2025 – August 2027 |
| English | Native or fluent English required |
What Is the Enterprise Ireland Graduate Programme?
The programme is designed to help graduates develop their careers while supporting Irish enterprises to scale, compete and grow in global markets.
The National programme places graduates within Enterprise Ireland in Ireland, while the International programme provides exposure to overseas markets and Enterprise Ireland’s international network.
Both programmes run for two years and focus on professional development, practical experience and building skills that can support longer-term career growth.
National Graduate Programme
The National Graduate Programme is based from Enterprise Ireland’s Dublin headquarters.
Graduates join as Development Executives, helping client companies scale and grow while gaining practical experience and contributing to Ireland’s economic development.
Enterprise Ireland looks for graduates who are professional, motivated, confident communicators, strong relationship builders, flexible team players and enthusiastic about delivering projects and results.
International Graduate Programme
The International Graduate Programme provides experience across Enterprise Ireland’s international network in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Graduates work as Market Executives, supporting Irish businesses in international markets and helping develop connections that contribute to global growth.
For some international placements, advanced proficiency in a relevant language is required or considered an advantage. Experience of having lived, studied or worked abroad is also desirable.
Who Can Apply?
For the 2027–2029 programme, Enterprise Ireland states that applicants should:
- Have at least a 2.1 degree at NFQ Level 8, or equivalent.
- Have completed their degree between January 2025 and August 2027.
- Be available to start in late August or early September 2027.
- Be eligible to work under an Irish employment contract for the two-year programme.
- Have native or fluent English.
- Have relevant work experience where applicable, although it is described as desirable rather than mandatory.
- Have an interest or knowledge of Irish indigenous businesses, which is an advantage.
The International Graduate Programme adds that relevant language proficiency and overseas experience can be beneficial, and a full driving licence may be required for some international locations.
Development and Benefits
Enterprise Ireland highlights several elements of the graduate experience, including:
Mentorship and networking: Graduates work alongside experienced professionals and build professional networks.
Professional learning: Participants can access training and development in areas including business, entrepreneurship, innovation and international trade.
Career growth: The programme is designed to help graduates grow professionally and create further career opportunities within Enterprise Ireland and beyond.
Application Timeline
The official Enterprise Ireland pages list the following recruitment timeline for the 2027–2029 programme:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 October 2026 |
| Applications close | 27 October 2026 at midday |
| Video assessments | From 9 November 2026 |
| Ability assessments | From 4 December 2026 |
| Assessment centres | January 2027 |
| Interviews | February 2027 |
| Offers | February 2027 |
| Programme start | Late August/early September 2027 |
Enterprise Ireland notes that recruitment dates are provisional and subject to change.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Enterprise Ireland Graduate Programme 2027–2029 close on:
27 October 2026 at 12:00 noon
The same deadline applies to the National and International Graduate Programmes.
How to Apply
Applicants should use the official Enterprise Ireland Careers website to review the National and International programmes and submit an application.
Visit the official Enterprise Ireland Graduate Programme page
View the National Graduate Programme
View the International Graduate Programme
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Enterprise Ireland Graduate Programme could be a strong option for graduates interested in business development, international trade, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth.
The International track may be particularly relevant to candidates seeking overseas exposure, while the National track provides a structured route based at Enterprise Ireland’s Dublin headquarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Enterprise Ireland Graduate Programme 2027–2029?
It is a two-year graduate programme with National and International tracks designed to develop graduates while supporting Irish businesses.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 27 October 2026 at midday.
When does the programme start?
Successful graduates are expected to start in late August or early September 2027.
What degree result is required?
Enterprise Ireland requires a minimum 2.1 degree at NFQ Level 8, or an equivalent qualification.
What graduation dates are accepted?
Applicants should have completed their degree between January 2025 and August 2027.
Where are the International Graduate Programme placements located?
The programme has locations across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Is overseas experience required?
For the International Graduate Programme, experience of having lived, studied or worked abroad is desirable, rather than stated as a universal requirement.
Is salary information provided?
The current official programme pages consulted do not state a salary figure.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with Enterprise Ireland and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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