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National University of Ireland

What makes National University of Ireland, Galway such a brilliant place to study at? Read on to find out how to apply to this university!

National University of Ireland, Galway was awarded five-stars for excellence by the QS and currently teaches 18,000 students, of whom 17 per cent come from abroad. Where is NUI Galway and what does it offer? Galway , on Ireland’s west coast, is a student town set on Galway Bay, and has long  been hailed as the cultural capital of the county. A young and energy-driven  destination, it is the home of the NUI, which was first established in 1845 and now ranks in the top 1 per cent of global universities. Galway is a popular, lively town, for tourists and students alike,  and holds many sporting and cultural events throughout the year, including its International Film Festival in July and the Oyster Festival in September. UNESCO named Galway  its 2015 City of Film , and the university also offers popular courses in this sector.

What is there to do and see in Galway?

The town of Galway is highly praised on TripAdvisor, with visitors singling out its Latin Quarter, a pedestrian, cobbled series of lanes, crammed with cafes, bars and restaurants which still holds many of Galway’s medieval remains, including part of the city walls. The River Corrib offers cruises during the summer, and if you are adventurous, you could take a ferry to the unspoilt nearby Aran Islands or drive part of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way, which runs through breathtaking scenery from Cork to Donegal. If you are more interested in socialising with your fellow students, then head to Eyre Square, the ultimate and recently revamped meeting place in the town centre, or go for a two kilometre stroll along the Salthill Promenade and admire the views. Whatever pace of student life suits you, Galway will offer you a range of wonderful options and excursions.

What courses can I take at National University of Ireland, Galway?

You can choose from 50 or more courses, which cover a huge range of subjects, from Podiatry to Midwifery, Law, Biomedical Engineering, Journalism, International Hotel Management, Play Therapy  and Archaeology! Ask Elab to help you work through your options and provide you with guidance and advice on the best path to take. Whatever your decision, remember that 96 per cent of NUI’s graduates are in employment within six months of finishing their degrees – a very high success rate.

It sounds wonderful – How do I apply to the NUI?

Applications to undergraduate studies in Ireland are all processed through the Central Admissions Office (CAO)and  online applications are normally accepted from 1 November in the year before you hope to start your course, until 1 May. Since certain courses are highly over-subscribed and close once they have been filled, make sure that you apply early and check course requirements carefully, since these differ slightly from course to course. 

Contact Elab if you want to decide which course to apply for and are unsure of how to proceed or choose a specialism. We are here to help.

What are the requirements to study at NUI,Galway?

EU students  are normally asked to provide one or all of the following documents:

  • School reports and transcripts, along with predicted scores in the final examinations
  • A personal statement of up to 800 words, which includes personal information on your interests, hobbies, sporting activities and why you want to study at NUI Galway.
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Proof of language proficency: IELTS or TOEFL are both accepted.

How can I find accommodation at NUI?

The university has two on-campus  halls of residence – Corrib Village and Goldcrest Village – which offer students self-catering accommodation. There are also eight off-campus privately owned student residences, and of course it is possible to rent a shared flat or house in town. The university accommodation office will help students  secure somewhere to live. Budget around 100 euros a week.

Do I have to pay tuition fees at NUI Galway?

NO:

  • if you are an EU student, and have lived in the EU for three of the last five years
  • if this is your first undergraduate degree
  • if you will be studying a full-time course.

Students who meet these criteria will simply have to pay an annual administration and registration fee, which is around 3000 euros.

How much should I budget to study at NUI Galway?

Approximately 1200 euros a month will cover food, accommodation, leisure, bills, clothes, books and entertainment.

The Irish are humorous, warm people and National University of Ireland, Galway is an excellent research university, which is climbing up the rankings from year to year. If you are interested in studying here, call or email us at Elab and we will provide you with advice on the options, procedures and paperwork you need to put in a strong application and head out to get your degree on the west coast of Ireland!

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