Studying in Galway: universities, costs, housing and student life

Why study in Galway

Galway sits on Ireland's west coast, a small, walkable city known for traditional music, a lively arts scene and quick access to the Aran Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way. University of Galway (formerly NUI Galway) anchors the city's student population, alongside Atlantic Technological University's Galway campus for more applied and vocational courses.

University of Galway

University of Galway runs strong programs in medicine, law, engineering, marine science and the arts, with research strengths tied to the Atlantic coastline and Ireland's medical device industry, a major regional employer. The main campus sits along the River Corrib, a short walk from the city center. Atlantic Technological University's Galway campus adds a second, smaller option focused on applied and vocational courses, including business, engineering and hospitality management.

Getting to Galway

Galway has no scheduled passenger airport of its own, so most international students fly into Dublin Airport and continue by direct coach or train, or fly into the smaller Ireland West Airport near Knock further north. Regular coach services connect Dublin Airport straight to Galway city center, useful for arrival day when you are carrying luggage.

Applying

EU applicants for undergraduate courses generally apply through the CAO (Central Applications Office), Ireland's national admissions system, with a normal deadline of 1 February for most courses. Non-EU applicants and postgraduate applicants apply directly to the university. Non-EU students need an Irish study visa once they hold an offer. Apply as soon as your place is confirmed, since processing takes time.

Housing: Galway's biggest challenge

Galway runs one of Ireland's tightest student rental markets. A students' union survey found that 80% of University of Galway students struggled to find accommodation for the 2024-25 academic year, and half said they work part time to keep affording their studies (RTE ). Long-term rental listings on Daft.ie for the whole of Galway county have run at around 100 to 110 properties at a time, against well over 1,000 short-term Airbnb listings, which pulls housing stock away from long-term student tenants (RTE ). One-bed apartments in central areas like Woodquay have reached up to €1,500 a month.

Apply for university accommodation the moment you accept your offer, and register with the Accommodation Advisory Service on campus early, since demand outstrips university-owned rooms every year. Widen your private search beyond the city center to areas like Salthill, Knocknacarra and Renmore, all connected to campus by regular city bus routes, and expect to compete with short-term letting platforms for the same properties.

Cost of living

Galway costs less than Dublin across rent, food and transport, though the accommodation shortage pushes up prices for the properties that are available. Budget carefully for rent as your largest cost, and build in a buffer for the possibility that you need temporary housing such as a hostel or homestay while you search for a long-term place.

Getting around

City bus routes connect the main student neighborhoods (Salthill, Knocknacarra, Renmore) to the University of Galway campus and the city center. Students get a discounted fare with a valid student ID or Leap Card. Confirm the current student rate with the local bus operator before you commit to a route and pass.

Working while you study

Non-EU students on a study visa work part time during term, generally up to 20 hours a week, and full time during official college holidays. Confirm your exact allowance under your visa conditions. EU students face no such restriction. Galway's tourism and hospitality sector, driven by the Wild Atlantic Way and the arts festival season, gives students a wide part-time job market, especially over the summer months.

Healthcare

EU students carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement for state-provided care while studying in Ireland. Non-EU students need private health insurance for the length of their stay. Most universities require proof of cover as part of registration. Arrange this before you travel.

Money and practical tips

Ireland uses the euro. Open an Irish bank account once you have proof of address, though some students manage with an EU-wide digital bank account instead during the first few weeks before a permanent address is confirmed. Galway's weather comes straight off the Atlantic, expect frequent rain and wind year-round, so waterproof clothing matters more than a heavy coat.

Student life

Galway's compact center means most student life happens within walking distance of campus: Shop Street for cafes and buskers, the Latin Quarter for traditional music pubs, and the long promenade at Salthill for a walk by the Atlantic. The city runs the Galway International Arts Festival every July and hosts one of Ireland's biggest traditional music scenes year-round, both tied closely to the university's own student societies and events calendar. The Aran Islands and Connemara sit within easy day-trip distance by bus or ferry, a common weekend outing for students during the academic year.