University of Galway

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to visit Ireland. The culture seemed so cheery and bright compared to my fast-paced New England life.

On my Father's side of the family, (the Spillanes), we have heritage directly from Galway. The feeling of walking the streets of Galway City on the first day I arrived was surreal to me. Just to think that four generations back my ancestors may have walked the same streets, even drank coffee in the same shops maybe.

Another reason I chose this program was because of its location. I was able to travel to other European countries and it was much more affordable to do so from Ireland compared to flying from Boston.

I chose NUI Galway because after some research I discovered that although Dublin is an incredible city, Galway was said to have an authentic Irish charm to it, and that it certainly did.

Moving to Ireland was a very smooth process due to the supportive and helpful individuals who organize the study abroad program. It allowed me to enjoy the whole experience a lot more and to adjust much more easily since I didn't have to worry about anything major and most things were in place before arrival.

When I got off the plane we all were told to meet at a specific place where our group would take a bus from Shannon to Galway. Once we arrived, Ann Monahan helped us move into our apartments and gave us all sorts of helpful advice. We had a few days to settle in, adjust to the time difference, explore and simply figure things out before academics began.

Ann was extremely kind and approachable. She was almost a mother figure for all of us students. She organized many field trips for us including the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Guinness Factory, Connemara, and many others. We also had organized dinners and this helped me get to know everyone a bit better and was a remedy for any home sickness I had experienced.

As for the University, all of my professors were very personable and approachable. They want their students to succeed and that is evident. My Microbiology Professor specifically exhibited a notable deep passion for teaching and was kind enough to give me a book of his.

How many students attend your university?

19,000

What are the qualifications to get accepted to your university (minimum SAT scores, GPA, age, transcripts, language etc.)?

We have a test-flexible policy with regard to ACT/SAT, students require a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 Unweighted, IELTS 6.5 if English is not the native language.

What is the international student experience like at your university?

About Us: NUI Galway is an award-winning university in the heart of Galway city. Ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, our courses include business, law, medicine, arts, science, engineering, and more, all built on a thriving campus centred around a strong community.

NUI Galway has a long history of welcoming international students to our campus. In fact, each year we welcome over 4000 international students, making this university the most international in Ireland! The International Office team are committed to helping you through your journey. From wondering what course to study, through to the application and visa process, to welcoming you on campus and helping you find your home away from home.

Your University City: Imagine a city where learning, creativity and life come together as one. Galway city nestles on the doorstep of the NUI Galway campus. The city and university have grown together, entwined for 175 years, creating a unique, safe and exciting home away from home. Galway is a city overflowing with creativity, from year-long festivals to the creation of medical device solutions shaping health care across the globe. We’re part of a city with a big heart and soul, that’s alive with passion and pride. Here we celebrate the place, the people and the feeling of inclusivity that makes NUI Galway so unique. Galway is both a friendly and safe city for students to study in.

Building your Employability: Our postgraduate courses have a 98% employability rate so choosing to study at NUI Galway gives you that professional edge before you even graduate. Through our strong links with business and our highly valued reputation in the industry, we offer our students every opportunity to develop their personal and professional skills, while providing an excellent foundation from which to launch your career. NUI Galway graduates are successfully employed at high-profile organisations in Ireland and throughout the world, including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Cisco, Wayfair, SAP, Accenture, PWC, Regeneron, AIB and Deloitte to name but a few.

Entry Requirements Students applying for full postgraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to NUI Galway. Visit our website for more information on the application process and entry requirements for your country. You can also have a look at our Country Specific Student Guides. Check out the NUI Galway Postgraduate Prospectus to view courses available to you.

Student Blogs: NUI Galway believes in optimising the student experience and providing everlasting memories. To envision your new life in Galway read here from past international students for a flavour of what's to come.

What does your university look for in international student applications?

You need to have your transcript (or predicted grades), your CV, a personal statement, English Language Test Certificate (if applicable), a copy of your passport, references.

Applications are judged on a rolling basis and based on merit.

Please outline any steps to apply to your university

Visit www.nuigalway.ie/howtoapply

When should international students start the application process for your university?

Applications open from the 1st of November.

Once a student submits their application, it takes 2-3 weeks for it to be reviewed and for the student to receive an answer.

What is the academic experience like at your university compared to other international universities? What surprises students most?

NUI Galway has an academic community of world-leading researchers working at the forefront of their fields. With extensive worldwide partner institutions, NUI Galway offers you opportunities to collaborate internationally through its postgraduate programmes. As part of your course, you may have the opportunity to travel or be part of a global team. You will learn with the best—we attract academics who are world leaders in their fields and who are working to address global issues.

What is living in Galway like for international students?

Generations of students have loved Galway city since the university welcomed its first classes in 1845. It’s a perfect student city—big enough to provide everything you want yet small enough to be friendly, sociable and accessible. You’ll find entertainment, culture and shopping available practically on your doorstep, and it’s easy to get around by bike, public transport or on foot. Galway city offers students a fun and safe environment. You can shop by day and socialise by night in the city’s charming streets and lanes. You can enjoy the city’s culture—music, drama, and poetry—at one of the theatres or music venues. You can wander along the river or by the sea, swim in the Atlantic or catch some sun on the beach. Galway’s hinterland is magical too—from lovely beaches to grand mountains to desolate bogs, you’ll find wonderful places to swim, hike, and explore all that Ireland’s west coast has to offer.