The University of Galway is one of Ireland’s oldest and most picturesque universities in the distinctively charming city of Galway. It was founded in 1845, four years after which the first cohort started with 68 students. Today, the institution has a student population of over 19,000 who have joined the prestigious university for many reasons. Almost 3,300 students from more than 120 countries also come to the University of Galway each year, making it one of the most international universities in the country. A global community of staff, 37% from overseas, also distinguishes the university.
The university has a distinguished identity among Ireland’s best higher educational institutes and is known for its international outlook, research excellence, culture for innovation, and high graduate employability scores.
Learn more about studying at Galway University below. If you want to apply to Galway or have questions about studying in Ireland answered by SI-Global experts, arrange a free consultation with SI-Global today.
Five Reasons to Study at Galway University
1. International reputation and rankings
The University of Galway is firmly ranked in the top 2% of global universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings. The latest editions of both these rankings see Galway ranked 289th in the world (QS) and top 350 in the world (THE). In the Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education, the university is positioned at 34th. The university has been placed in 120th position at the QS Sustainability Ranking. Galway has also been named the Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times University Guide multiple times.
2. High research impact
Galway is a research-led University, with research impacting society, the environment, health, and the economy. This dynamic community attracts researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, and students of the highest calibre worldwide.
Research initiatives at the University of Galway are changing the world with its specialised laboratories and strategic partnerships with numerous industry experts. According to Thomson Reuters, the University boasts more of the world’s most influential scientific minds (with four professors earning this distinction) than anywhere else in the country. Being Europe’s leading public research university, its researchers are the most cited worldwide.
Research focuses on some of the world’s pressing issues through interdisciplinary programmes and collaborations with industry partners. The University’s €30 million Biomedical Science Building has more than 300 researchers and scientists working in stem cell research, biomaterials, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. R&D collaborations and innovative research initiatives receive the highest rate in Ireland for EU Research Funding, majorly through its Horizon 2020 program.
3. Exciting career prospects
Graduates from the university have successfully gotten lucrative job opportunities after finishing their studies. Around 98% of University of Galway graduates either start working or continue their studies six months after graduation, which is an extremely high figure. The Careers Development Centre at the university gives guidance and support to students in finding the right opportunity in line with their educational qualifications.
Hundreds of employers visit the University of Galway students annually, giving them appropriate opportunities to start their careers in the city and country with jobs and internships in the relevant fields. In fact, Galway is now the global hub for the med-tech industry, with eight of the world’s top 10 medical technology companies based in the city.
4. Unique graduate courses
Each year, over 3,500 postgraduate students choose to study at Galway, travelling worldwide, making the university a vibrant and diverse place for postgraduate experience.
Students can choose from more than 200 postgraduate programmes in varied disciplines and opt for taught courses or research-based programmes, allowing them to earn PhD degrees. Many of Galway’s graduate and postgraduate courses have won the prestigious gradireland Higher Education Awards. Its courses in engineering, technology and computing are particularly well-recognised. The University also offers unique courses in stem cell research, biomedical science, regenerative medicine, human rights, geosystems, law and taxation and theatre studies, to name a few. The university ensures that it keeps updating its offerings regarding postgraduate programmes to meet the job market's needs.
5. Great student experience in a welcoming city
Galway is the cultural capital of Ireland and has also been awarded as the friendliest city in Ireland. A favoured destination for international students in Europe for its affordable living and international outlook, Galway has more than 17,500 students and staff from 100 different countries.
Galway has everything - shopping facilities, theatres, restaurants, music venues, culture and sports facilities - but it is also small enough to get to know people easily and to keep in touch with your friends. This sense of community is one of the features of Galway life that students love the most. A medieval city, Galway is also steeped in history and culture and is a beautiful, vibrant place to live and study in. For students seeking outdoor adventures, Galway also offers easy access to stunning natural landscapes, including the rugged Connemara region, picturesque coastal villages, and the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Study at the University of Galway
Are you interested in studying at the University of Galway or getting more information regarding Irish universities and courses? Contact our Ireland application experts at SI-Ireland for a free consultation today.
