University of Galway

University of Galway has been inspiring minds since 1845 as a research-led university and is one of the oldest and largest universities in Ireland. We are an international university with global ambition, but with deep roots in Galway City and West of Ireland, renowned for its unique culture, creative industries, medical technologies, marine ecology and economy, and  innovation. From this unique location, we are passionate about leading the transition to a more sustainable future. Located on the edge of the Atlantic, in a global hub for medical technology, data and IT, and in a city renowned for culture and creativity, we are committed to using our talents and skills to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals from multiple perspectives.

Named as The Sunday Times University of the Year 2022, our impact and achievements include being ranked 289 by QS, in the top 2% of higher education institutions worldwide, according to 2023 QS World University Rankings, and was ranked among the best universities globally in the study of 23 subjects . Ranked 34th globally in the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals World Ranking , University of Galway continues to excel with successes within individual SDGs including 5th in the world in SDG 12: Responsible Production & Consumption, 21st in SDG 14: Life Under Water, 23rd in SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy, 43rd in SDG 3-Good Health & Wellbeing, 47th in SDG 17: Partnership for Goals and 50th in SDG 16: Peace Justice & Strong Institutions. We are also recipients of the Gold STARS Award for Sustainability from ASSHE, along with eleven Bronze and one Silver Athena SWAN School Awards.

With over 19,000 students, 3,300 international students and 480 international staff from 122 countries, University of Galway contributes greatly to the diversity and dynamism of Galway City and the West of Ireland as a region. We are Ireland’s leading University for student volunteering and for Graduate Employability,  with a Graduate Employment rate of 98% over the past number of years.  

University of Galway has a long-established world leading reputation of teaching and research excellence. With an academic community of world-leading researchers working at the forefront of their fields, we offer our students opportunities to collaborate internationally through its programmes, delivered through our four Colleges (Colleges of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies; Business, Public Policy & Law; Engineering & Science;  and Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences)  and five Research Institutes ( Data Science Institute (DSI), Ryan Institute , Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), Institute for Clinical Trials).

The University's main Galway campus sits at the heart of the city, covering over 105 hectares of land along the River Corrib. Our regional footprint is the largest in Ireland, spanning the Atlantic seaboard with over 2,770 staff and 110,000 alumni network worldwide. As one of the largest employers in Galway, the university makes a significant contribution to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the city.

We are passionate about leading the transition to a more sustainable future for our students and wider community, through our shared values of Respect, Openness, Sustainability and Excellence . From our home on the edge of the Atlantic – a global hub for medical technology, data and IT, and a city renowned for culture – we are committed to providing our students with the best student experience whilst preparing them for the future. Our University Strategy 2020–2025 Shared Vision, Shaped by Values outlines our vision for University of Galway, formed by Sustainable Development Goals.