How to Apply

Undergraduates

Irish, UK and EU Undergraduate Applications

For full details on the undergraduate admission procedure and entry requirements please refer to the Undergraduate Admissions Office webpage.

How do I apply for an Undergraduate Course?

• You can apply online to the Central Applications Office (CAO) on the CAO Web site
• You can submit a paper application which you can request from the CAO

Where do I submit my paper application?

You can send your paper application to the following postal address:

The Central Applications Office 
Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway 
T: 353 91 509800 
E: www.cao.ie

Important CAO dates to remember:

There are three closing dates for applications.

• Normal application: 1st February.
• Late applications: 1st May (Late applications may NOT be made by those applying on "Mature Grounds" or for entry to Medicine).
• Change of mind: 1st July.

If you are submitting a non-standard application (an entry on page three of the application form), you should submit it to the CAO Office  by the 1st February.

Further information on Undergraduate Admission is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Further information on Undergraduate entrance Scholarships:www.nuigalway.ie/admissions/scholarships/index.html.

Learn More

• Download CAO Handbook

Postgraduates

Postgraduate Applications

For most postgraduate courses, click here to make your application. Any courses not listed here have an alternate application instructions on their course page.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply online for most postgraduate courses here. 

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary for each programme. Check individual programme webpages for specific requirements before you apply for any of our postgraduate programmes.

Application Instructions

You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.

Folllow the application tips for how to apply advice.

Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

How Do I Submit My Supporting Documentation?

You must upload to your application electronically. You will be given instructions on this aspect once you submit your application.

You can see online in advance what supporting documents you're likely to be asked for.

Application Fee

The cost of applying is €35*.
*PME / MGO the application fee is €100.

This fee is non-refundable. 

Instructions for Research Applications

Finding a Research Supervisor

Before making an online application, we advise that you first consult with potential academic supervisors at University of Galway. You must contact the research institute or centre that you're interested in studying at or working for. They will let you know who the available supervisors are, what their research interests are, and anything else you need to know. Our online portal "Find a Supervisor/PhD Project" should also be of use.

The following links will direct you to the research areas within the university:

• Colleges & Schools
• Research Institutes, Centres, and Units

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Assessment Dates for Applications

Please visit the Key Dates webpage for information.

Iarratais trí Ghaeilge

Chun d’iarratas a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge, cliceáil anseo le do thoil.

International and Mature Applications

This section provides information for both international and mature student applicants.

International Applications >
Mature Student Applications >

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International Applications

We'll let you know everything you need to do to apply no matter where you're from or what you want to study.

Visiting Students

Erasmus

Students from within Europe who wish to apply to attend University of Galway as a Visiting Student under the Erasmus programme, should refer to the Erasmus section of our Web site.

Study Abroad

Visiting Students from outside the European Union, who wish to apply to attend University of Galway as part of a study abroad programme, should refer to the Study Abroad section of our Web site.

International Undergraduate Students (Full Degree)

If you are a Non-European Union resident...
Please refer to the International Office undergraduate applications section of our website.

If you are a European Union resident...
and have received your second level education in a European Union country, you must submit your application via the Central Applications Office (CAO).

International Postgraduate Students

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate that their English language ability meets the required standard for admission by providing the results of an English language proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS.  Further information can be obtained here.

Taught Postgraduate Courses
You can make your application through the online application system.

Research Masters and PhD applicants 
You'll need to submit a research proposal along with your application.  This application will take two steps:

• A potential supervisor must review and approve
• Submit your applicaton through the online application system.

Contact the College, School or Division relevant to the programme you're interested in to find out whether a member of the academic staff is available to supervise your research.

Adult Learning and Professional Development Courses for International Students

You can apply for any University of Galway Professional, Part-time, Evening, Online and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses online through the University of Galway Application System. Many of our courses are available in a fully online format and do not require on-campus attendance. Our blended-learning courses require students to attend face-to-face workshops for an average of 1-2 days per month. Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

Applications open on April 1st and the closing dates differ for each course, please check the closing date specified on the course webpage.

International Summer Schools

If you are interested in attending one of University of Galway's International Summer Schools, please apply online at: www.universityofgalway.ie/international-summer-school/apply

Further information is available on the International Summer School website at: www.universityofgalway.ie/international-summer-school or from:

Maria Brady, 
Administrator, Summer School Office, 
University of Galway, Ireland. 
T 353 91 495442 
E summerschool@universityofgalway.ie

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Mature Student Applications (undergraduate degree programmes)

We'll let you know everything you need to do to apply.

How Do I Apply?

• You can apply online on the CAO Web site or
• You can submit a paper application which you can download from the CAO Web site

Where Do I Send My Application?

Submit your application online or send to:

Central Applications Office
Tower House,
Eglinton Street,
Galway
T 353 91 509800
E help@cao.ie

Timetable

Closing date is the 1st February each year for Mature Student Applications. Please note that if you are applying for any of the Programmes in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, you also are also required to register for the MSAP exam before 1st of February.

FAQs

Can I make a late application to University of Galway after the 1st of February as a mature applicant?

It is not possible to apply on the grounds of mature years after the 1st of February. However, you may make a late application based on Leaving Certificate results only, up to the 1st of May.

Can you use the change of mind form for University of Galway’s programmes?

The change of mind option does not apply to mature students applying through the CAO for University of Galway. The 1st February is the closing date for mature student applications. Once you have submitted your CAO application, a statement of your choices will be sent to you in early February. You may only at this point add new choices or delete choices to your application if desired. Once you resubmit your confirmation of choices, you can only reorder existing choices up until offers are made in early July. This means you should put your most preferred choice of course at the top of the list, then your second choice and so on.

Further Information

• Mature Students undergraduate admission is available from the Mature Students Office.

Learn More

• Download the Mature Students Handbook

Adult Learning and Professional Development

Adult Learning and Professional Development Applications

You can apply for any University of Galway Professional, Part-time, Evening, Online and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses through our Online Application Portal. Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

Access Programme

The Access Programme is the alternative route into University of Galway. Find out how you can apply.

What is the Access Programme?

The University of Galway Access Programme offers an alternative pathway to third level education for people whose social, economic and cultural experiences have prevented them from realising their education potential.

Alternative routes to university

Access Programme For School Leavers

This programme is designed for students who have completed the Leaving Certificate examination but who were unable to go on to third level. The programme is open to students from schools in the Border, Midlands, Western Region and County Clare.

The programme normally takes place over a full academic year and is delivered on the University of Galway campus. We also offer a programme in Sligo, in partnership with St. Angela's College of Education.

A range of academic and support modules are covered during the programme. Students are selected on the basis of their socio-economic status and academic potential.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Galway Access Centre.

Access Course For Mature Students

This course is designed for mature students who want to study at third-level but whose background, education and economic circumstances have prevented them from doing so. The programme is open to mature students in the Border, Midlands, Western Region and County Clare.

A range of academic and support modules are covered during the programme. The main aim is to bring the student to a stage where they can successfully participate in third-level education.

Three Access programmes are delivered concurrently on the University of Galway campus and at outreach centres in St. Angela's College of Education, Sligo, and in the Connemara Gaeltacht:

Foundation Course in Science and Engineering

University of Galway, in co-operation with GMIT, organises this course for mature students interested in applying for entry to full-time Science or Engineering or IT courses at either GMIT or University of Galway.

Foundation Programme in Business and Commerce

University of Galway, in co-operation with GMIT, organises this course for mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time and who now wish to enter Commerce or Business at either University of Galway or GMIT.

Access to Education: BMW Region and Co. Clare

This project has been established to enhance access and to promote new lifelong learning opportunities across the Border, Midlands and Western Region and County Clare.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Galway Access Office.