USA and Canada

Study Abroad (Junior Year Abroad)

Over 500 visiting students from the USA and Canada come to study at NUI Galway each year on a Study Abroad programme.  Visiting students spend either an academic year or semester studying at NUI Galway, where they can choose from a broad range of courses.

For more information, please visit our Study Abroad page here.

Download our Study Abroad brochure

Undergraduate Students (Full Degree)

We also welcome applications from US and Canadian studetns who wish to undertake their full undergraduate degree at NUI Galway.

There are many great reasons for choosing to pursue your undergraduate degree at NUI Galway, including;

A great choice of programmes

• Established in 1845, the University has over 160 years’ experience of teaching and research excellence across a wide range of academic disciplines including Arts and Humantieis, Business, Law, Engineering, IT, Medicne, Nursing, and Science.

• In addition, NUI Gawlay is recognised as a centre of excellence in a number of particular disciplines including Irish Studies, Human Rights, Creative Arts, Film and Digital Media, Human Rights, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science and Marine Science.

A unique student experience

• In 2009, NUI Galway was named Sunday Times University of the Year in Ireland, reflecting our reputation for high student satisfaction. The University is known for its student-centred culture and firendly and approachable staff who are always ready to make time for you.

• NUI Galway students also benefit from a wide range of Student Societies, Sports Clubs and Volunteering opportunities. 
  

A fantastic location

• The unique student experience at NUI Galway owes much to our location in the beautiful west of Ireland. The campus itself is situated on a picturesque 250 acre site on the banks of the River Corrib, just a short stroll from the centre of Galway city.

• Galway is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, with students making up 20% of the population. This youthful energy is reflected in the many internationally renowned literary, arts, and sporting events that are hosted in the city every year.

• The University’s close proximity to Connemara and the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht region also provides a uniquely Irish dimension to the campus, one of many factors which appeals greatly to our students from the USA and Canada.

Improved career prospects

• Undertaking your undergraduate degree abroad can reap tremendous rewards not only in your personal development but also in your future career prospects.

• In an increasingly competitive employment market, employers recognise the value of an international education, both in terms of the global perspectives and experiences you will gain, as well as the maturity that comes with studying and living abroad.

• NUI Galway degrees are fully recognised abroad and today our graduates are highly sought after by employers who recognise that they have the right mix of knowledge and social skills to make a real contribution in the workplace.

• NUI Galway graduates excel in every professional field including medicine, law, politics, the arts, and business. Our Career Development Centre provides valuable information and advice on a range of areas including career planning, résumé writing, interview techniques, and organising work placements or internships both in Ireland and abroad.

• Through the Professional Experience Programme (PEP), students can gain practical experience and the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen specialty. This can be undertaken in a number of undergraduate courses in the College of Engineering and Informatics, College of Science, and the College of Business, Public Policy and Law.

Entry Requirements

US Applicants are assessed based on their High School transcripts and their performance in standardised tests (SAT or ACT).

Applicants must present a minimum six academic subjects, to include Mathematics and English, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Certain programmes also require specific subjects.

In addition, students should present a combined SAT(I) score of 1700, or a composite ACT score of 25.

Preference is also given to applicants presenting AP or SAT (II) test scores.

Canadian entry requirements can vary, depending on the province the applicant is applying from. For more information, please contact the International Affairs Office.

Note: Undergraduate degree courses offered through the College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences are subject to different entry requirements to those listed here. Please email admissionsnuigalway.ie for more information.

How to Apply

US and Canadian applicants for courses other than those offered through the College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences, should submit their applications directly to the International Affairs Office at NUI Galway, using the Non-EU (Full Degree) Undergraduate Application Form.

The closing date for non-Medicine applications is June 30th of the intended year of entry, however applications are processed throughout the academic year and early offers can be made to eligible students.

Applicants for Medicine and Nursing should contact the Admissions Office for separate closing dates.

Find out more

Colm McGarry BA (Psychology) ’87 North American Admissions Advisor US Tel: 508 320 7127 Email: goingtogalwaygmail.com

Julie McCormack BA ’87, LLB ’89 North American Admissions Advisor US Tel: 508 320 1502 Email: goingtogalwaygmail.com

Download an Undergraduate brochure (pdf)

Download an application form (Undergraduate)

FAQs for North American Students (Full Degree Undergraduates)

How Do I Apply?
US Applications for undergraduate programmes (other than Medicine) are made directly to the University, using the Non EU Application Form. Applications for Medicine from the USA and Canada are made via the Atlantic Bridge programme.

What are the application deadlines?
30 June for all undergraduate programmes other than Medicine*.

NUI Galway operates a rolling admissions system for most programmes. We understand that 1 May is the usual deadline for accepting US College offers, so we strive to ensure eligible applicants receive an offer in good time to enable them to make an informed decision.

US students usually apply from November - March/April, however we can accept applications for most programmes up until 30 June. If your final High School transcript is not available at the time you make your application, you should include the most recent copy. NUI Galway can issue conditional offers to High School seniors in lieu of their final transcript.

* For Medicine, please refer to Atlantic Bridge for application details.

How long do programs generally last? 3 years? 4 years?
The majority of NUI Galway programmes are four years. Notable exceptions are the GY101 Bachelor of Arts (Omnibus) and the GY201 Bachelor of Commerce, which can be completed in 3 years. All Nursing, Science and Engineering degree programmes are 4 years, while undergraduate Medicine is 5 or 6 years.

Do I apply directly into a program, or do I choose a major after my first or second year?
Generally, students choose a concentration (i.e. Arts, Business, Science, Nursing etc.) in their first year. Within the GY101 BA programme, which is one of the most popular programmes for our US students, students choose 4 subjects in year one, form a menu of approximately 20 subjects on offer. 

Unlike undergraduate programmes in the US, degree programmes in Europe are generally more focused on a particular major from the first year of study, so students need to give due consideration to the subjects(s) they are interested in studying when making their college application. In Ireland, students do not have General Education Requirements as part of their degree. 

What are the entry requirements?
Entry Requirements will differ depending on the programme, but the average grades considered for entry are a high school GPA of 3.0 and a composite SAT of 1700.

Are grades / test results (IB etc.) the only criteria for admission, or do you also ask for reference letters?
We base our admission decisions solely on academics i.e. the High School transcript and SATs or ACTs. Applicants are however welcome to include supplementary information including letters of recommendation etc. 

Does NUI Galway have a FAFSA number?
Yes, NUI Galway is approved to certify applications for the Family Federal Educational Loan Program (FFELP). These include the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS Loan and non-federal private international student loans. The University’s Federal School Code is: 01276600

When does the academic year begin/end? 
September - May. The University is semesterised.  

What are the estimated living costs per year?
Tuition varies depending on the programme. Student should budget approx. €10,000 to cover all general living costs (including Room & Board) in addition to the cost of tuition.

Do Students live on campus?
The majority of first year undergraduate students live in Student Residences, however most of these are off campus (but within easy walking distance). Please note that Student Residence book up fast, so if you intend on applying to NUI Galway you should make a book your Housing by February of the intended year of entry.

If you do not take up you place at NUI Galway, you may receive a partial refund on any accommodation deposit paid. Please see the Accommodation website for more information. Many students choose to live in private rented accommodation, such as shared apartments, near campus. Houseshares can generally be found up to the time of the commencement of teaching in September. 

Graduate Students (Masters and PhD)

NUI Galway offers two main kinds of graduate programmes; taught Masters and research Masters/Phd. In most cases, a taught programme is delivered over 9-12 months and comprises classes, seminars and some independent study for 9 months, followed by a 3 month period when students complete a research dissertation.

A research programme is much different, firstly because it comprises research only and secondly because it involves a student working on their own (under faculty supervision) on a research project. Students can complete a research Masters degree usually in 2 years, however a PhD programme typically takes 3-4 years.

For more information, please refer to our Graduate Studies page at http://www.nuigalway.ie/international/postgrad/index.html

Download a Postgraduate brochure (pdf)