University of Galway

Overview

The University of Galway, formerly NUI Galway, is located near the city of Galway on the western coast of Ireland and was founded in 1845. More than 18,000 students are enrolled, over 3,000 international, and Galway is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

The University is well known for programmes in computer science, English language and literature, history, pharmacy, pharmacology, and law, all of which are listed in the QS World Rankings by Subject. The University is a member of the Coimbra Group of long-established European universities and has several partnerships with other global universities.

Galway is also a leading university in Ireland for research and academic excellence. The Insight Centre for Data Analytics at NUI is Ireland's top data analytics research centre, while the World Health Organisation and CURAM recognise its Health Promotion Research Centre. The Centre for Medical Device Research is the number one research institute of its kind in Ireland. 

Services for International Students

The International Affairs Office runs a two-day international orientation programme just before the beginning of the term. This includes sessions on student societies, banking, safety and academic advice. During term time, the office also runs English language support sessions and helps with visas, in addition to the general support offered by Student Support Services.

Galway has more than 82 different societies to join, enabling students to make the most of their experience at the University and meet new people. Galway prioritises sports, health and wellbeing, and the Kingfisher Sports Centre boasts world-class facilities and sporting equipment.

The Blackstone Launchpad is an Entrepreneurship programme that supports innovation and development at the University.

Ranking

• 289th in QS World University Rankings 2024
• 301–350th in THE World University Rankings 2024
• 34th in THE Impact Rankings 2023

Accommodation

Corrib Village is Galway’s central on-campus accommodation, with seven other sites off-campus but within a short walk. The Galway Accommodation Office can help you search for a place to live. Lodgings are also available in and around the city residents. Self-catered apartment residences with shared kitchens and living spaces provide a cheaper option. It is preferable to book lodgings soon after receiving the admission offer as the popular ones are taken up quickly.

The cost of living in Galway is lower than in Dublin and comes to around €1240 per month in private residences. The price includes utility bills such as electricity, internet, travel and medical costs. Costs for on-campus Student Residences in Corrib village and Goldcrest Village range between €3400 to €6400, depending on the rooms and utilities provided.

Location

Galway, Ireland's third-largest city, is situated on the country's western coast. Galway has been voted Ireland's most charming and friendliest city by leading publications such as the New York Times and the Conde Nast Traveler magazine. As the European Capital for Culture for 2020, Galway as a city has constantly been transforming and innovating. Traces of Galway's rich medieval past can still be seen today in its narrow cobbled streets and laneways, and it is often considered Ireland's cultural capital.

Galway's diverse cultural heritage and international focus make studying at Galway a rich experience for its international students, who comprise about 20% of the city's population during term time. The city is walkable and offers good transport links to the rest of Ireland and airports. London is just 90 minutes away via plane.

Dublin and Shannon Airport are the most popular international airports accessed by international students to reach Galway (200km from Dublin Airport and 85km from Shannon Airport). National Bus Service operators run direct bus services to Galway, taking around 90 minutes (from Shannon) to 3 hours (from Dublin). A 20-minute walk from the Galway campus takes you to the Ceannt Train Station operating the Irish Rail services, which connect Galway to the rest of the country.

Alumni

• Michael D. Higgins (President of Ireland)
• Enda Kenny (Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland)
• Martin Sheen (Actor)
• Cardinal Wilfrid Napier (Archbishop of Durban)

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