National University of Ireland, Galway

The major focus for NUI Galway is delivering its Shared Vision, Shaped by Values' strategy. This vision encompasses the plans for the university over the period 2020 to 2025, with key areas including sustainable development, empowering its students with ambition and excellence, improving health and wellbeing, and making a positive societal impact. It will continue to focus on maintaining its reputation as a centre for excellence for Data Science, Public Policy, Culture and Creativity, Climate and Oceans, and Medical Technologies.

The vision also includes an ambitious ‘Building for the Future' development programme which includes adding a new sports campus, more affordable accommodation, a ''landmark'' performance and culture space, and a new innovation district.

The university continues to be a major part of global research initiatives. In 2021 new studies have been announced including leading the way on worldwide clinical trials to improve cancer treatments, studies on workplace culture and the future of remote working, and many initiatives related to the long-term social, health and the economical impacts of COVID-19.

The reputation of NUI Galway is founded on its teaching quality, and its focus on providing students with courses that offer a balance between learning, research and developing critical skills required for future employment.

Teachers and lecturers at the university are recognised for their ability to bring out the best in their students. The university is a regular feature at national teaching awards and other recognition programmes that highlight the consistently exceptional learning frameworks provided by teaching staff employed at the institution.

Overall the university continues to climb higher year-on-year on international rankings lists, factoring in not only the quality of teaching but also the overall student experience.

While every department at NUI Galway offers a high-quality education, there are certain departments that stand out. The university employs four scientists that are ranked among the world's ‘Most Influential Scientific Minds' by Thomson Reuters. Meanwhile, Galway's cultural significance is reflected in the outstanding performance and culture learning facilities on campus.

Students at NUI Galway are given a fully rounded education experience. This doesn't just include formal learning but also work experience and the opportunity to join societies and take part in volunteering.

The university is made up of four colleges, four of which are then made up of various schools of study.

One of the largest is the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. This includes the schools of Political Science & Sociology, Psychology, Education, Geography, English and Creative Arts (including Performance), History and Philosophy, and Languages, Literature and Cultures.

The College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences is relatively self-explanatory. It's home to the Schools of Health Science (including therapy), Nursing, and Medicine. The School of Medicine has a wide variety of specific courses available to study, ranging from General Practice and Pharmacology through to Surgery, OB/GYN and Pathology.

The College of Science and Engineering is where students can learn various technical subjects. The schools of this college include Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Natural Sciences.

The last of the colleges with various schools is the College of Business, Public Policy and Law. As well as the School of Law and the Shannon College of Hotel Management, it is home to the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, covering a range of business topics.

The University also has an Adult Learning & Professional Development centre, with a selection of Summer Schools as well as part-time and evening study in a wide variety of subject areas.

Each course at NUI Galway has its own entry requirements in terms of academic qualifications. It has a simplified explanation for international students, with a breakdown of the requirements from their own country to explain the minimum expected grades and qualifications.

Anyone applying to study at NUI Galway from within Ireland is expected to be able to speak Irish, although this is not a language requirement for international students and there are exemptions in place for Irish residents too.

However, all students are expected to be able to speak English. While the specific course requirements may vary, broadly students are required to have a minimum 6.5 overall score with IELTS, with no component below a 5.5, for the full undergraduate courses of study. The English Language Centre offers a selection of Pre-Sessional English language and Academic Skills courses, to assist students in enhancing their English and academic skills for entry. If a student wishes to attend NUI Galway in order to study the English language, those requirements are lowered.

NUI Galway has some excellent facilities to ensure that students can properly focus on their education and also enjoy a well-rounded university experience.

The Students' Union is both a service, helping to advocate for students during their time in Galway, but also a physical location with the College Bar, Wall Cafe and the Campus Shop. Students can relax, make friends or buy essentials from the SU, and enjoy some well-earned downtime.

Anyone looking to keep fit and active will find that there are some truly outstanding facilities available to students. The NUI Galway Sports Centre has its own international competition-standard swimming pool, a sports hall with bleacher seating for 600 spectators, extensive fitness rooms with modern equipment, an outdoor athletics track including jumping and throwing facilities, various pitches and more than 3km of flat water for watersports.

Students are able to join over 110 clubs and societies at NUI Galway. These vary on subject matter, with everything from Circus Skills to Volunteering. Students who can't find a society for them are welcome to create their own, too.

And regarding study, the James Hardiman Library has over 430,000 printed books and 400,000 eBooks that students may use. There are also dedicated quiet study and group study facilities to cater for times when students may need a space to concentrate or to collaborate.

Course fees at NUI Galway are around average for Ireland. EU residents will pay EUR5,822 per year for most undergraduate courses, while non-EU citizens will likely pay EUR16,300. Fee instalment payment plans are available. Fees are subject to annual review.

To support students who cannot afford to pay for their own tuition, there are options for scholarships and funding. Some of these will be scholarships for particular fields of study, granted to students who have made outstanding achievements in their earlier studies. Others are provided based on general academic performance, while there are some scholarships aimed at students who may need additional support due to access requirements or disabilities.

For international students, there are further scholarship opportunities. Some of these are broadly aimed at all students, while others are country or region specific. Most scholarships require students to apply before a set deadline, with a 500-word personal statement explaining the justification of the funding considered a normal requirement for most funding opportunities.