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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
How to Apply
How to Apply (Visiting and Exchange Students)
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
Opening date | Closing date | |
Semester one/full year | February 1st | April 30th |
Semester two | August 1st | October 31st |
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
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.
Academic Entry Requirements
Please see Your Country for country specific entry requirements
English Language Requirements
All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date of the student's programme.
Examples of English Language Equivalences for Programmes
Subject* |
IELTS |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
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Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE) |
TOEFL iBT/ TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
Pearson PTE |
Duolingo |
Arts/Business/Law |
6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component. |
176 overall |
180 overall |
88 overall |
61 overall, no less than 48 in any one component. |
110 |
Science/Engineering |
6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component. |
176 overall |
180 overall |
88 overall |
61 overall, no less than 48 in any one component. |
110 |
Medicine (This requirement applies to incoming first year students only) |
6.5 overall no less than 6.5 in any one component. |
176 overall |
180 overall |
88 overall |
61 overall, no less than 61 in any one component. |
110 |
English Language Center 10-Week Pre-Sessional Programme.
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Entry Requirement: - IELTS Requirement: 6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component. - An interview may be scheduled as part of your application. Upon successful completion of the 10-week Pre-Sessional Programme: - Students can transition to their postgraduate degree course. - Exit Requirement from the 10 -week programme is a: Minimum average exit grade of 70% |
*Subject: Programmes which may have specific English language requirements are listed below. Please note this list is indicative, and may not be wholly inclusive of every programme that has a particular English language requirement.
- Visa Required Students: Please check with The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for specific visa requirements.
- English tests must be taken within two years of the start date of the programme.
- MSc Biomedical Science 1MV1, MSc Biotechnology 1MT1, and the Higher Diploma (Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality) 1MTD1.7:
IELTS: Overall 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in any other band.
TOEFL: Overall 88, Listening 12-19, Speaking 18-19, Writing 24-26, Reading 13-18
PTE: Overall 61, with 61 in writing and 50 in all other bands Duolingo 110 - MSc Computer Science - Data Analytics 1 year full-time, 1CSD1, and the MSc Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence 1 year full-time, 1MAI1:
IELTS: Overall 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band
TOEFL: Overall 88, Listening 12-19, Speaking 18-19, Writing 24-26, Reading 13-18
PTE: Overall 61, with 61 in writing and 50 in all other bands Duolingo 110 - BSc in Speech and Language Therapy:
IELTS: Overall of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any other band.
TOEFL: Overall 95, Listening 20-23, Speaking 20-22, Writing 24-26, Reading 19-23
PTE: Overall 65 and 61 in any other band.
If using Cambridge C1 or C2 Advanced (CAE), the requirement is 185 overall. Duolingo 120 - MA (Journalism) 1AJ1:
IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any other band.
TOEFL: Overall 79-93, Listening 12-19, Speaking 18-19, Writing 21-23, Reading 13-18
PTE: Overall 61, all other bands 50. Duolingo 110 - MA (Global Media & Communications) 1GMC1
IELTS Overall score of 7.0 IELTS, with no less than 6.5 in any other band.
TOEFL: Overall 94-101, Listening 20-23, Speaking 20-22, Writing 24-26, Reading 19-23
PTE: Overall 65 with no less than 61 in any other band. Duolingo 120 - H.Dip Software Design & Development (1SD1) and the M.Sc Software Design & Development (1MF1)
IELTS: Overall of 6.5 IELTS, with no less than 6.5 in the writing ability band and no less than 6.0 in the other bands.
TOEFL: Overall 79-93, Listening 12-19, Speaking 18-19, Writing 24-26, Reading 13-18
PTE: Overall 61, Writing 61 with no less than 50 in any otherr band. Duolingo 110 - Shannon College of Hotel Management’s Bachelor of Business Studies and Bachelor of Commerce in International Hotel Management
IELTS: Overall of 6
TOEFL: Overall 60-78
PTE: Overall 50 - International Foundation Business Programme
IELTS: Overall of 5
TOEFL Overall: 35-45
PTE: 36
The University of Galway TOEFL institution code is 8861
English Language Courses at the University of Galway
University of Galway’s English Language Centre is committed to providing high quality English Language courses including our pre-sessional and pathway options to help our students prepare for academic study at University of Galway.
You can review the programmes on offer here.
Foundation Programmes
University of Galway works with a number of providers who offer foundation programmes for students who do not currently meet the University’s English language requirements.
The following courses are open to students who receive a conditional offer of admission to a select number of undergraduate and taught postgraduate degree programmes at University of Galway, subject to meeting the University’s usual English language requirements.
Courses Offered:
- General English >
- Programme for IELTS and Academic English Studies [PIAS] >
- IELTS Programme >
- English Language for Groups >
University of Galway's Shannon College Foundation Programme
The International Foundation Business Programme caters specifically for the academic and/or English needs of students who do not meet the academic requirement to directly enter undergraduate degree programmes and/or English requirements for their chosen degree.
Programme Name: |
University Foundation Programme |
Provider: |
University of Galway's Shannon College. |
Course Dates: |
September 2021 (1 Academic Year) |
Tuition Fee: |
€11,500 |
Further Details: |
Contact University of Galway's Shannon College for more details |
Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC)
Based in Dublin, the Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) delivers specialised NCUK –accredited foundation courses preparing international students for entrance into partner universities in Ireland and the UK. In particular, University of Galway has accepted students who have completed the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and NCUK Graduate Diploma (formerly the Pre-Masters programme – PMP) at DIFC.
Programme Name: |
NCUK International Foundation Year Programme |
Provider: |
Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) |
Start Dates: |
September and January each year |
Further Details: |
Contact DIFC for more details |
Programme Name: |
NCUK Graduate Diploma |
Provider: |
Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) |
Start Dates: |
October and January each year |
Further Details: |
Contact DIFC for more details
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Atlantic Language
Atlantic Language is an English Language School, providing a range of educational services in purpose designed centres in Galway and Dublin for almost 20 years. In recent years, Atlantic Language has expanded to offer a number of University Foundation Programmes to assist international students who wish to study at Irish universities.
Programme Name: |
University Foundation Programme |
Provider: |
Atlantic Language |
Course Dates: |
14 October to 06 June (32 weeks) |
Tuition Fee: |
€8,950 |
Further Details: |
Contact Atlantic Language for more details |
Programme Name: |
University Foundation Programme |
Provider: |
Atlantic Language |
Course Dates: |
13 January to 06 June (21 weeks) |
Tuition Fee: |
€5,250 |
Further Details: |
Contact Atlantic Language for more details |
Programme Name: |
Pre-Masters Programme |
Provider: |
Atlantic Language |
Course Dates: |
14 October to 06 June (32 weeks) |
Tuition Fee: |
€8,950 |
Further Details: |
Contact Atlantic Language for more details |
Programme Name: |
Pre-Masters Programme |
Provider: |
Atlantic Language |
Course Dates: |
13 January to 06 June (21 weeks) |
Tuition Fee: |
€5,250 |
Further Details: |
Contact Atlantic Language for more details |
Galway Cultural Institute
Programme Name: University Foundation
Lessons per week: 30 x 45min
Programme Name: University Premasters Programme
Castel Education
Castel Education provides foundation programmes for students wishing to study Medicine and Medicine related programmes at University of Galway.
For further details, please visit Castel Education website or contact Dr Joe McGarry, Director of Academic Affairs