Erasmus guide University of Galway
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Galway in Galway, Ireland.
Snapshot
Ireland's west coast research university (QS ~301–350, founded 1845) with 18,000 students — strong in marine science, medicine, engineering, and Celtic studies, in a compact west-coast Irish city with visible Irish-language culture.
Why students shortlist it
A riverside university in Galway city with exchange routes in marine science, medicine, engineering, informatics, biomedical engineering, social sciences, and Celtic studies. It suits students who want a smaller Irish city with strong cultural life.
Teaching languages: English (sole teaching language); Irish (Gaeilge) language courses and some Irish-medium teaching available
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, transcript, learning agreement, English proof, and Irish health insurance.
Nomination Process
Home coordinator nominates to University of Galway International Office. Galway contacts student directly with application instructions.
Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa. Non-EU: Irish student visa (Stamp 2) — apply through INIS at least 8 weeks before arrival.
Buddy System
University of Galway International Student Buddy Scheme pairs exchange students with Irish volunteers.
Orientation Week
International Student Orientation before semester start — registration, student card, city tour, and social events.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn semester | April 30 | May 31 |
| Spring semester | October 31 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- EU: EHIC + private supplemental insurance recommended. Non-EU: Irish visa (Stamp 2) — 8 weeks before.
- Galway is compact and walkable — most accommodation within 20 min walk of campus.
- Get Irish SIM card (Three or Vodafone) for affordable local calls and data.
- Pack waterproofs — Atlantic weather means rain year-round; locals embrace it.
Academics
Course Registration
Module registration via University of Galway InfoHub after admission. Pre-selection required. Medicine and clinical modules restricted for exchange students.
Credit System
Ireland uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
Irish percentage scale: 70%+ = First Class Honours, 60–69% = 2:1, 50–59% = 2:2. Grade conversion provided.
Exam Culture
End-of-semester written exams plus continuous assessment. Don't book travel before exam timetable confirmed.
Library Access
James Hardiman Library — excellent digital collections and 24-hour study spaces during exams.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to Galway (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students pay no tuition. Galway living costs: €950–1,300/month — competitive with Cork, much cheaper than Dublin. |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €3,000–6,000/year | EU statutory rate plus programme fees. |
| Full degree – non-EU | €12,000–20,000/year | International fees vary by programme. Marine Science and Medicine highest. Scholarships available. |
€0 to Galway (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students pay no tuition. Galway living costs: €950–1,300/month — competitive with Cork, much cheaper than Dublin.
€3,000–6,000/year
EU statutory rate plus programme fees.
€12,000–20,000/year
International fees vary by programme. Marine Science and Medicine highest. Scholarships available.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
University of Galway Student Health Unit — GP and nurse service on campus.
Mental Health
University of Galway Student Counselling Service — free confidential support.
EHIC + StudentCare Ireland
~€180–300/year
Recommended for EU students.
Comprehensive private insurance
€200–400/year
Required for non-EU Irish visa.
Campus Services
Student Life
Student Clubs
- SU (60+ clubs)
- University of Galway Sport
- Marine Society
Buddy Program
University of Galway International Student Buddy Scheme pairs exchange students with Irish volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- University Sport (gym, pool, courts, pitches)
- GAA (hurling and Gaelic football)
- Surfing at Salthill and Lahinch (40 min)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend International Student Orientation — student card, module confirmation, health registration.
- Find a traditional music pub (Tigh Coilí, Taaffes) — Galway trad sessions are nightly and a strong local tradition.
- Walk Salthill promenade and 'kick the wall' — a Galway student tradition.
- Join a sports club in first week — GAA clubs welcome international students warmly.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active University of Galway Erasmus partnership in your faculty.
Nomination (Autumn)
April 30
Home coordinator nominates to Galway International Office.
International Orientation
Early September
Attend — registration, admin, and social on-ramp.
Galway International Arts Festival
July
One of Europe's premier arts festivals — extraordinary if on summer term or arriving early.