Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements and Application Information for Visiting Students

Entry Requirements

Visiting Student applicants are normally required to have completed two full years at university or college before being admitted and to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Prerequisites for Admission to Classes

Students applying for Science and Engineering courses will have their applications assessed by the relevant disciplines to ensure they meet the appropriate academic prerequisites.

All other Students, including those selecting classes in the Arts, Humanities, Business and Social Sciences etc., are given a two week period at the beginning of each semester to sample the different classes on offer before making their final selections. In addition, students are given a further ‘drop/add’ week. Once the deadline for dropping or adding courses has passed, no further course changes are possible.

Students can generally expect to gain admission to the classes listed in the handbook subject to any prerequisites, and individual examination or timetable limitations. Certain classes, such as seminars may also be restricted to small numbers.

How to Apply

To spend a semester or year at University of Galway as a Visiting or Exchange Student, you can apply through your home college’s Study Abroad office or through an approved study abroad programme provider.

In the case of Exchange Students there must be an existing exchange agreement with University of Galway and your home institution. Your Study Abroad Office can advise on this. 

University of Galway considers applications from individual visiting students (if no formal study abroad agreement exists with your home institution). In such instance agreement must be reached with your home institution on your course load and content.

Applications Timelines

Visiting students should apply using the Visiting Students Online Application Form 

Exchange students should apply using the Exchange Student Online Application Form

The following documents must also be submitted:

• Up-to-date college transcript
• Copy of passport or birth certificate
• A passport size photograph

Applicable to applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 only:  an academic reference from a current lecturer to whom you are known stating your suitability and aptitude for study abroad

Study Abroad and Exchange Fact Sheet 20252026

Late applications may be considered, but only in special circumstances. Each application is dealt with on its own merit and decisions on applications are normally made no later than May preceding the proposed date of entry or, in the case of Second Semester applications, no later than November preceding the proposed date of entry.