University of Galway is a globally focused research-led university, internationally renowned for the quality and impact of our teaching, research and innovation.  We strive for excellence and impact, underpinned by integrity and professionalism. As part of University of Galway's commitment to rewarding achievement and supporting ambition, our academic scholarship scheme for new entrant undergraduate students; the University of Galway Excellence Scholarship, is awarded each year

About the Scholarship:
Awardees of the scholarship will receive €1,500 in recognition of their academic success.

Scholarship Awarding:
The University of Galway Excellence Scholarships will be awarded to high achieving entrants to the full-time degree courses offered by University of Galway, commencing in 2024. A total of 40 scholarships will be awarded as per the allocation outlined below.

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies

Ten scholarship places will be awarded to the students with the highest CAO points as follows:

  • 4 x places for students enrolling in GY101 BA (Joint Honours)
  • 6 x places for students enrolling in all other courses in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies with one place reserved for the top performing student enrolling in either GY122 BA  (Gaeilge agus Cumarsáid) or through  GY136 BA (Léann Teanga), in  recognition of the University’s commitment to the Irish language.

College of Science and Engineering

Ten scholarship places will be awarded to the students with the highest CAO points enrolling in courses in the College of Science and Engineering.

College of Business, Public Policy and Law

Ten scholarship places will be awarded to the students with the highest CAO points as follows:

  • 5 x places for students enrolling in courses in the School of Business and Economics
  • 3 x places for students enrolling in courses in the School of Law
  • 2 x places for students enrolling in courses in Shannon College of Hotel Management

College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Ten scholarship places will be awarded to the students with the highest CAO points as follows:

  • 4 x places for students enrolling in courses in the School of Medicine
  • 4 x places for students enrolling in courses in the School of Nursing and Midwifery
  • 2 x places for students enrolling in courses in the School of Health Sciences

Given the high Leaving Cert grades in recent years there has been a high number of students achieving top grades and therefore there have been ties in some places for the 10 places for each College. For example, in 2023, once the tie criteria was applied, there were 91 students who received a shared scholarship of €700 each. All 91 scholars were recognised at our Excellence Scholarships Ceremony which takes place in November of each year.

The Excellence Scholarship criteria will be automatically applied and students are not required to make an application.

Full details of the scholarship scheme can be found here: QA255 Excellence Scholarships Policy document.