National University of Ireland: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship & Placements

The National University of Ireland, more commonly known by its abbreviated form NUI, can be best described as a federal university system comprising several recognized colleges and constituent universities established under the Irish Universities Act 1908. Established in 1908, NUI serves as the educational base for more than 77,000 students at any given time. 

The university has a long-standing history behind it. In 1845, the Queen's Colleges at Cork, Belfast, and Galway were set up. Four years later, when students started coming and formal classes began, the colleges merged and started being recognized as Queen's University of Ireland. In 1854, the Catholic University of Ireland was established as an independent university to educate Catholics. The university went through several stages of evolution and became known as the National University of Ireland.

National University of Ireland, Galway acceptance rate

The National University of Ireland, Galway ranks among the top 100 universities in Europe for a second year consecutively. The university hosts over 19,000 students, with approximately 14,000 in undergraduate programs and 5,000 in postgraduate studies. The National University of Ireland Galway has an acceptance rate of 86%. This acceptance rate means out of 100 students around 86 students get admissions. For undergraduate programs, the National University of Ireland, Galway has an acceptance of 35% and 30% for postgraduate programs like master's and doctoral candidates.

Below are the top 5 programs along with their approximate acceptance rates:

• Medicine: A highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of 10%.
• Engineering: Offers various specializations with an acceptance rate of around 40%
• Business: Includes programs like Business Analytics and Business Studies, with acceptance rates varying between 30% and 35%.
• Computer Science: Acceptance rate of approximately 28%, reflecting the competitive nature of the program.
• Psychology: Offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses with an acceptance rate of around 38%.

The National University of Ireland, Galway's acceptance rate is approximate and can vary based on the specific course and applicant pool each year.

National University of Ireland, Galway Rankings

Around 4,000 international students from over 110 countries contribute to a diverse academic environment. NUI Galway has an impressive 96% graduate employability rate within six months of graduation. This statistic denotes the university's commitment to providing students with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the competitive global job market.

International rankings:

• QS World University Rankings:Ranked 273rd globally, placing it in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Positioned between 351st and 400th place, reflecting its strong international standing.
• QS Sustainability Rankings: Ranked 120th, up from 161-170 in 2022, highlighting the university's commitment to sustainable development.

National Rankings:

• Overall National Ranking: Ranked 4th in Ireland, indicating its significance within the country.

Subject-Specific National Rankings:

• Military Science: Ranked 1st in Ireland and 22nd globally, reflecting its excellence in this field.
• International Law: Ranked 1st in Ireland and 27th globally, indicating a strong reputation in legal studies.
• Web Design and Development: Ranked 33rd globally, showcasing its capabilities in technology and design.

National University of Ireland, Galway Courses

Medicine

• A highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%.
• Tuition fees for non-EU students are around €54,380 per year. On-campus accommodation costs range from €6,000 to €8,000 annually.
• Duration: 6 years.
• Eligibility: Completion of secondary education with a strong background in science subjects; successful completion of the HPAT-Ireland exam; and meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

Engineering

• Offers various specializations with an acceptance rate of around 40%.
• Tuition fees for non-EU students are approximately €24,180 per year. On-campus accommodation costs between €6,000 and €8,000 annually.
• Duration: 4 years. Eligibility:
• Completion of secondary education with strong performance in mathematics and science subjects; meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

Business Studies

• Includes programs like Business Analytics and Business Studies, with acceptance rates varying between 30% and 35%.
• Tuition fees for non-EU students are around €24,180 per year. On-campus accommodation costs range from €6,000 to €8,000 annually.
• Duration: 3 years.
• Eligibility: Completion of secondary education with a strong background in business or related subjects; meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

Computer Science

• Tuition fees for non-EU students are about €24,180 per year. On-campus accommodation costs between €6,000 and €8,000 annually.
• Duration: 4 years.
• Eligibility: Completion of secondary education with strong performance in mathematics and science subjects; meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

Psychology

• Offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses with an acceptance rate of around 38%.
• Tuition fees for non-EU students are approximately €24,180 per year.
• On-campus accommodation costs range from €6,000 to €8,000 annually.
• Duration: 3 years for undergraduate; 1 year for postgraduate.
• Eligibility: Completion of secondary education with a strong background in science subjects; meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

National University of Ireland, Galway admission requirements

Undergraduate Admissions:

• Application Process: Prospective undergraduate students from Ireland and the EU apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). International students (non-EU) should apply directly to NUI Galway via the university's online application portal.

• Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet specific academic qualifications, including secondary education completion with requisite subjects. For non-EU applicants, English language proficiency is mandatory, with acceptable test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

• Deadlines: Application deadlines vary by program. It is advisable to check the specific deadlines for the chosen course on the university's admissions page.

Postgraduate Admissions:

• Application Process: Applications for most postgraduate courses are submitted through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Some programs may have direct application processes; details are available on the university's website.

• Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum classification, as specified for each program. Additional requirements may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and, for certain programs, work experience.

• Deadlines: Application deadlines vary by program. It is advisable to check the specific deadlines for the chosen course on the university's admissions page.

National University of Ireland Eligibility Criteria

Suppose an international student is from a non-English-speaking country. In that case, they will have to appear for one of the English language proficiency tests and demonstrate that they can write, read, and communicate in the language properly. 

If an international student appears for an IELTS test, they must score a minimum of 6.5 in it. In each component of the test, they must score at least 5.5. When an international student decides to go for a Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) test, they should know they must score at least 176 on it. The minimum score required for a Cambridge C2 Advanced (CAE) test is 180. In a TOEFL iBT test, the minimum score should be 88. 61 is the minimum one needs to score in a Pearson PTE test. For a Duolingo test, the minimum score required is 110.

To study in Ireland, an international student is required to apply for an Ireland Student Visa by visiting the official website of the Ireland Naturalisation and Immigration Service. An interview will be scheduled with the Irish Consulate in their country. This interview will take place via video conferencing. 

An international student must submit various documents while applying to the National University of Ireland. Submitting a letter of acceptance given by University College Dublin is mandatory. They will also have to submit academic transcripts featuring details of the institutions they have been to. 

Along with a copy of their passport, an international student must submit two colored passport-sized photographs. Other documents they must submit include health insurance, proof of financial statement, and immunization records.

National University of Ireland Programs

The National University of Ireland allows students to choose from more than 69 undergraduate programs spread across as many as 60 academic fields, including mathematics, languages, science, performing arts, engineering, law, and business. Through 16 academic schools and 5 colleges, the university runs 199 postgraduate programs. International students can apply for any of the courses through the official online portal of the university. The application fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is 35 EUR. 

National University of Ireland Accommodations

The campus accommodation provided by the National University of Ireland is based in Galway, Shop Street, and Quay Street. Shopping centers are very close to these accommodation facilities and transportation facilities are also readily available. Students can also check out some of the heritage sites in the city while occupying one of these accommodation facilities.

The accommodation units offered by the National University of Ireland have all the modern facilities and amenities students could need while living abroad independently. Students get access to a Wi-Fi network, a kitchen, and a bathroom, along with a neat and clean environment.

National University of Ireland Scholarships

An international student planning to study at the National University of Ireland gets to apply for different scholarships. While the government institutionalizes some of these scholarships, some are provided by the university. While applying for a course the National University of Ireland offers, international students should check their scholarship options.

Regardless of the course or program a student pursues, they will have various scholarship options. The Masters Academic Merit Scholarship can be applied to those planning to pursue a master's program at the National University of Ireland. After getting this scholarship, the student will have a part of their fee waived. Those pursuing a postgraduate degree can apply for the Entrepreneurship Scholarship. 

To know about the Ireland study visa requirements, click here.

National University of Ireland Placements

The National University of Ireland strongly associates with several companies or organizations based in Ireland. These companies visit the campus during the placement season and recruit students after interviewing them and reviewing their profiles. Many students get good placement opportunities every year through the university. 

The company's official website dedicated a career section for students to apply for jobs and internships. This initiative by the university has made it much easier for students to land professional opportunities while or after pursuing their courses. 

You might also interested in Other Universities for Studying in Ireland:

• Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin
• University College Dublin
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• University College Cork
• Dublin City University
• Maynooth University
• Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Cork Institute of Technology
• Athlone Institute of Technology