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Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Programmes

The English Language Centre at University of Galway offers a variety of Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes programmes designed for students who want to strengthen their academic and language skills before starting an undergraduate or postgraduate course.

These Pre-Sessional Programmes are intended for students who already hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the University of Galway. A range of courses is available to support students at different English language levels. The programmes aim to help learners develop strong English for Academic Purposes skills so they can feel confident using English in a university setting.

Who is this programme for?

Students who are required to meet the language requirement of a conditional offer to study at University of Galway

Students who feel they do not have the academic or general English language skills necessary to succeed at the University

Course Aims

To progress students to their chosen degree programme by developing proficiency in the essential language and academic skills required for academic study.

Develop critical thinking, problem solving and multimedia presentation skills through collaborative projects

Improve English language and academic skills through units of study based on discipline-specific themes and genre-based assessments
Improve Life skills development for successful transition through coaching and orientation to life on campus.

Course Name	Dates	Fees
10-Week Online	10th May 2027 – 16th July 2027	€3,500
10-Week On Campus	7th June 2027 – 13th August 2027	€3,500
7 Week Online	31st May 2027 – 16th July 2027	€2,500
7 Week On Campus	28th June 2027 – 13th August 2027	€2,500

Pre-Sessional Entry Requirements

Direct Entry Requirement based on IELTS Scores	7 Week EAP Course	10 Week EAP Course
IELTS - 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0	IELTS - 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5	IELTS - 5.5 with no component less and 5.5
IELTS - 6.5 with 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other components	IELTS - 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and no component lower than 5.5	IELTS - 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing and no component lower than 5.0
IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any one component	IELTS - 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0	IELTS - 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5

Alternative English Language Exams (compared against IELTS)

IELTS Entry Score	TOEFL iBT	Pearson	LanguageCert
5.5 with no component lower than 5.0	60 overall with minimum components of Writing 17, Speaking 15, Reading 8, Listening 7	51 overall with no component lower than 43	55 overall with 50 in each component
6.0 with no component lower than 5.5	70 overall with minimum components of Writing 20, Speaking 17, Reading 11, Listening 11	51 overall with no component lower than 51	60 overall with 55 in each component
6.0 with no component lower than 6.0	75 overall with minimum components of Writing 21, Speaking 19, Reading 16, Listening 15	59 overall with no component lower than 59	65 overall with 60 in each component