National University of Ireland, Galway

Overview

The National University of Ireland Galway (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 currently enrolled, over 3,000 of which are international, and NUI 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 a number of partnerships with other global universities as well.

NUI is a leading university in Ireland for research and academic excellence. The Insight Centre for Data Analytics at NUI is the leading data analytics research centre in Ireland, while its Health Promotion Research Centre is recognised by the World Health Organisation and CURAM. The Centre for Medical Device Research is the number one research institute of its kind in Ireland. NUI Galway has over 50 undergraduate and 400 postgraduate courses available to choose from.

Services for International Students

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

NUI 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. Sports, health and wellbeing is prioritised by NUI Galway and the Kingfisher Sports Centre boasts world class facilities and sporting equipments.

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

Ranking

NUI Galway is the only Irish university to maintain and increase its ranking in two of the main World University Rankings (i.e. times Higher Education and QS World Rankings).

• 243rd in the QS World University Rankings 2017/2018
• 4 of NUI’s Professors were named as the world’s most highly cited researchers in november 2016 by clarivite
• 20 subjects at NUI were ranked in the top tier globally as per the QS World Subject Rankings

Accommodation

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

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

Location

Galway is Ireland’s third largest city, and is situated on the western coast of the country. 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 has been voted as 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 been constantly transforming and innovating.

Galway’s diverse cultural heritage and international focus make studying at NUI Galway a rich experience for its international students who make up about 20% of the city’s population during term time. The city is walkable and also 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 (which is 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 minutes walk from the NUI 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)