University of Galway

The University of Galway is a research-led university that was incepted in 1845. With over 175 years of experience, University of Galway has grown to house over 18,000 students, and is based in Galway, Ireland, a city known as the "most charming city".

University of Galway is internationally recognised for its high quality in teaching, and offers a wide range of study options at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels across its five colleges and 16 schools.

University of Galway has been ranked 258^th internationally by the QS World University Rankings. It also ranks among the top 300 universities around the globe in the recent Times Higher Education University Rankings.

University of Galway enjoys an alumni network of more than 90,000 graduates from across the world. 96 per cent of its graduates find work or progress to higher study within six months of graduation.

The reputation of University of Galway is founded on its teaching quality, and its focus on providing students with courses that offer a balance between learning, research and developing critical skills required for future employment.

Teachers and lecturers at the university are recognised for their ability to bring out the best in their students. The university is a regular feature at national teaching awards and other recognition programmes that highlight the consistently exceptional learning frameworks provided by teaching staff employed at the institution.

Overall, the university continues to climb higher year-on-year on international rankings lists, factoring in not only the quality of teaching but also the overall student experience.

While every department at University of Galway offers a high-quality education, there are certain departments that stand out. The university employs four scientists that are ranked among the world's ‘Most Influential Scientific Minds' by Thomson Reuters. Meanwhile Galway's cultural significance is reflected in the outstanding performance and cultural learning facilities on campus.

Students at University of Galway are given a fully rounded educational experience. This doesn't just include formal learning but also work experience and the opportunity to join societies and take part in volunteering.

The university is made up of four colleges, each of which are then made up of various schools of study.

One of the largest is the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. This includes the schools of Political Science & Sociology, Psychology, Education, Geography, English and Creative Arts (including Performance), History and Philosophy, and Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

The College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences is relatively self-explanatory. It's home to the Schools of Health Science (including therapy), Nursing, and Medicine. The School of Medicine has a wide variety of specific courses available to study, ranging from General Practice and Pharmacology through to Surgery, OB/GYN and Pathology.

The College of Science and Engineering is where students can learn various technical subjects. The schools of this college include Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Natural Sciences.

The last of the colleges with various schools is the College of Business, Public Policy and Law. As well as the School of Law and the Shannon College of Hotel Management, it is home to the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, covering a range of business topics.

The University also has an Adult Learning & Professional Development Centre, with a selection of summer schools as well as part-time and evening courses in a wide variety of subject areas.

Each course at University of Galway has its own entry requirements in terms of academic qualifications. It has a simplified explanation for international students, with a breakdown of the requirements from their own country to explain the minimum expected grades and qualifications.

English language requirements

While the specific course requirements may vary, broadly speaking students are required to have a minimum 6.5 overall score in IELTS, with no component below a 5.5, for the full undergraduate course of study.

The English Language Centre offers a selection of pre-sessional English language and academic skills courses, to assist students in enhancing their English and academic skills for entry. If a student wishes to attend University of Galway in order to study the English language, those requirements are lowered.

Course fees at University of Galway are around average for Ireland. EU residents will pay EUR 5,822 per year for most undergraduate courses, while non-EU citizens will likely pay EUR 16,300. Fee instalment payment plans are available. Fees are subject to annual review.

University of Galway is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. To this end, the university offers a range of scholarships to students. Some of these are broadly aimed at all students, while others are country or region specific.

Most scholarships require students to apply before a set deadline, with a 500-word personal statement explaining the justification for the funding. Applicants are encouraged to visit the scholarships website to review important dates and deadlines.

For international students, there are further scholarship opportunities.

The major focus for University of Galway is delivering its ‘Shared Vision, Shaped by Values' strategy. This vision encompasses the plans for the university over the period 2020 to 2025, with key areas including sustainable development, empowering its students with ambition and excellence, improving health and wellbeing, and making a positive societal impact.

It will continue to focus on maintaining its reputation as a centre for excellence for data science, public policy, culture and creativity, climate and oceans, and medical technologies.

The vision also involves an ambitious ‘Building for the Future' development programme with the addition of a new sports campus, more affordable accommodation, a "landmark" performance and culture space, and a new innovation district.

The university continues to be a major part of global research initiatives. In 2021 new studies have been announced including leading the way on worldwide clinical trials to improve cancer treatments, studies on workplace culture and the future of remote working, plus many initiatives related to the long-term social, health and the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Anyone who enrols at University of Galway will receive a high-quality education which is tailored towards the working world. It is a learning institution that is extremely successful in its approach – 95 per cent of students that graduate have found employment within six months of completing their studies, whether that's in the local area, the rest of Ireland or back in their home country.

To aid students in preparing for post-study life, there is a Career Development Centre on campus that helps students develop their employability skills and find suitable work experience to further enhance their abilities before they graduate. It also helps to connect students with partner employers who are already looking for new talent in a wide range of fields covered by the university's study programmes.

The Career Development Centre also works closely with businesses locally and across Ireland to improve their brand within the student body, raising their profile so that students can recognise them as a good place to work once they have graduated.