Study in Galway

Galway, located on Europe‘s Atlantic coast, mixes the dynamism of a young and diverse population with the authenticity of a region steeped in history and tradition. Galway, known for being a safe, young, and student-friendly city, is Ireland’s fastest-growing city, particularly in the high-tech industry. Be enchanted by its historic towns or breathtaking landscapes. Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city or the wide outdoors, Galway has something for everyone. Learn more about studying in Galway: top universities, admission processes, cost, and much more in this blog.

Explore Student Life in Ireland here!

Why Study in Galway?

Here are some of the reasons why students prefer to study in Galway:

1. It is the “friendliest” and “most charming” city in Ireland. 

The New York Times calls Galway “Ireland’s most lovely city,” describing it as “small, walkable, and brimming with independent shops and eateries,” and The Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Galway one of the top six friendliest cities in the world!

2. It is transforming the globe!

Study in Galway and be inspired by what you can find! Galway’s research is changing the world, from the depths of the ocean floor to outer space. According to Thomson Reuters, NUI Galway has more of the world’s most significant scientific minds than any other university in Ireland, with four of its professors receiving the honor.

3. It has been named the European Cultural Capital for 2020.

Galway has long been known as a cultural hotspot, hosting world-class festivals and world-renowned musicians. Galway has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2020 in recognition of its appreciation of culture. Galway is looking forward to hosting visitors from all around the world and discovering its common creativity and culture.

4. It is Ireland’s most multinational city.

Galway has traditionally excelled at reaching out to the world, owing to its location on the outskirts of Europe. Nowadays, Galway is Ireland’s most international city, with one in every five Galwegians born outside of the country. Galway’s largest university gets the most international students of any university in the country, with over 3,000 international students enrolling each year.

5. It is a medical technology leader and a global research hub.

Don’t be fooled by Galway’s medieval streets: it’s a global center for the medical technology industry. Eight of the world’s top 10 med-tech companies are headquartered in Galway, and medical gadgets invented and manufactured in Galway save lives all over the world. The new €30 million Biomedical Science Building at NUI Galway houses 300 scientists and researchers working in fields like regenerative medicine, stem cell research, cancer biology, and biomaterials.

Check out NUI Galway Acceptance Rate

6. It is Europe’s best micro-city.

Galway may not be Ireland’s largest city, but when it comes to global business, it punches far above its weight. Galway was selected Europe’s Micro City of the Year by the Financial Times, which highlighted the city’s business-friendliness. While the city is large enough to provide all the necessary amenities, Galway is small enough to feel intimate.

Top Universities in Galway

Here are the top Universities/ Colleges in Galway that you can consider studying at

Universities	Tuition for UG Courses	Tuition for PG Courses
University of Galway	EUR 12,750	–
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology	EUR 7,000	–
Atlantic Technological University	EUR 10,500	EUR 12,000
Galway Business School	EUR 1500 – EUR 8500	–
Mercy College Galway	EUR 18,997	–

Cost of Studying in Galway

The cost of studying in Galway depends on the course and college that the student has chosen. The average cost of studying in Galway, however, is given below:

• Undergraduate courses range from 9,850 to 55,000 EUR per year.
• Postgraduate Master’s and Doctoral programs cost between 9,950 and 35,000 EUR per year.

All international students (both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens) must pay a student contribution fee of up to 3,000 EUR per year for student services such as examination entry and club and social support. The fee varies by university and is subject to change each year.

Best Universities in Ireland

Eligibility Requirements

The admission process to study in Galway is based on the requirements to study in Ireland and it varies depending on the level of program you have chosen. Academic requirements for undergraduate courses are typically determined by the university, whereas language requirements are mostly stipulated as follows:

Language ProficiencyExam	Qualifying Level
IELTS	Undergraduate Courses: Overall score of 6.0-6.5 with not less than 6.0 score in any of the component Postgraduate Courses: Overall score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any of the component
TOEFL (might differas per the course level)	570 (paper-based)90 (internet-based)
PTE Academic	Minimum score- 36 (Undergraduate)Minimum score- 63 (Postgraduate)

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Documents Required

The following are some of the fundamental admission documents you may require when submitting an application:

• Academic Transcripts
• Photocopies of the prior institution’s mark sheet that have been attested.
• At least two academic reference letters from teachers who have recently taught you.
• Letters of Recommendation and a Statement of Purpose 
• A concise, up-to-date resume.
• Four extra-curricular activity certifications, if available.
• You must submit your portfolio if you are applying to any arts and design programs.
• Copy of a Student Visa

Read about Ireland Student Visa here!

Programs in Galway

Degree and non-degree programs are both available in higher education.

Non-degree programs

Level	Description
Level 6	Higher certificate (mostly offered by IoTs) Duration: 2 years
Level 7	Higher Diploma Duration: 1 year
Level 8	Graduate Diploma Duration: 1 year
Level 9	Postgraduate Diploma Duration: 1-2 years

Degree Programs

Level	Description
Level 7	Bachelor’s degree Duration: 3 years (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and architecture programs may be for 5-6 years)
Level 8	Honours bachelor’s degree Duration: 3-4 years
Level 9	Master’s degree Duration: Mostly 1 year with exception of certain courses that may extend to 16-24 months
Level 10	Doctoral Degree Duration: 3 years of research followed by a dissertation

Pathway Programs

For overseas students, there are numerous pathway programs to further education, including foundation studies in business, social sciences, engineering, or pure/applied sciences. Irish institutions have made arrangements with private pathway providers to provide students with the additional support and guidance they require to succeed. If Indian students are unable to meet the standards for direct entry, they can apply to pre-master route programs.

Most Popular Courses in Galway

Check out the mist popular courses in Galway:

Bachelor Courses

As previously stated, there are so many alternatives that it will be difficult to choose just one! However, if you want to stay in the city for a longer period of time, we recommend Architecture, Software Development, or Civil Engineering. Because those are the highest-paying positions.

According to QS, Galway excels in Computer Science, Psychology, Nursing, and Education. Don’t worry if those careers aren’t for you. There are also several offerings in other areas.

Master’s Courses

Why not go eleven steps further if you already have a Bachelor’s degree? A Master’s degree from a good university is the key to increased chances, and studying in Galway is an excellent choice.

From Education to Marine Biology, you may earn one in practically any field. You might even become an expert in Teaching English as a Second Language! That would allow you to live in a plethora of other countries. That’s quite thrilling.

Vocational Courses

Last but not least, there are vocational courses. These are shorter courses designed to teach certain skills. Those are the talents you’ll need to find a solid career in Galway and Ireland in general. They are frequently associated with professional practices. In-country skills, networking, and work experience.

Scholarships in Galway

If you plan ahead of time, you will be able to apply for a variety of scholarships offered by Irish universities and colleges before the deadlines. Students can apply for scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees. Here are several possibilities:

S. No.	Name of the scholarship	Benefits
1	The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship	A stipend of €10,000 for one year of study tuition and other registration charges at the chosen higher education institution are fully subsidized.
2	The Walsh Fellowship	A stipend of €10,000 for one year of study tuition and other registration charges at the chosen higher education institution are fully subsidised.
3	Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2020	The amount includes: – a stipend of €16,000 per year; – a contribution to fees, including non-EU fees, up to a maximum of €5,750 per year; and – €2,250 per year in qualified direct research expenses.

Career Scope of Studying in Galway

Because Ireland is home to numerous global corporations, skilled people are in high demand, and the scope is fairly broad. With a scarcity of competent individuals in fields like business and finance, engineering, information technology, health care, hospitality, and natural and social sciences, the city provides a high employability opportunity. Boston Scientific, ThermoKing, Medtronics, HP, Harmac, Avaya, and CISCO are among the high-performance enterprises in Galway.

Professionals in Galway make around EUR 39,100 per year on average, including accommodation, transportation, and other benefits.

Work while Studying in Galway

Foreign students with a valid immigration Stamp 2 permit can work 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week in May, June, July, and August, as well as from December 15 to January 15. If they are enrolled in a one-year course or longer, they do not require any special work permits to work part-time.

The minimum wage in Ireland is €9.15 per hour. The Irish Third Level Graduate Programme provides a post-study pathway for international students. It enables NFQ (National Framework Qualification) Level 9 or 10 graduates to stay in Ireland and look for jobs or apply for a green card/work permit. Students can eventually apply for a Regular Work Permit or a Critical Skills Work Permit.

Part-time Jobs in Ireland for International Students

Accommodation in Galway

Students can choose between university residences and private residences. On-campus university accommodations are typically single en-suite rooms with Wi-Fi. They are safe choices, and the fees include utility expenses as well. If you want to apply for University dormitories, you should do so as soon as possible. Private dwellings are available in single-room, twin-bedroom, double-room, and homestay configurations. There is also a private studio flat. Sharing a residence is easy for international students and popular.

How to find Accommodation in Ireland?

FAQs

We hope this thorough blog on Studying in Galway helped sort out any confusions that you might have. If you’re looking to study in Ireland or any other country, connect with our Leverage Edu counselors and book your 30-minute free session where we help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.