Programs : Brochure

Academic Program

The University of Galway offers you the opportunity to study in Galway and earn credits towards your degree at your home institution. You can tailor your selection of classes from across the wide range of disciplines to your individual academic requirements. You will be in classes at the University of Galway that are delivered through lectures, which are also usually supplemented by smaller tutorial or seminar classes.
Please Note: As a Study Abroad Student (Called "Visiting Student" in Galway), you can only take classes offered for visiting students.

Course Descriptions and Syllabi

You are expected to register for a full-time course load while in Galway. At the University of Galway, each class is typically worth 5 ECTS credits (3 SUNY credits). To be considered a full-time student, you must be enrolled in between 12 and 19 SUNY credit equivalents (24-39 ECTS credits).
Review the University of Galway's website for more information regarding course offerings.
If you need help finding course offerings, please contact the UAlbany program advisor for assistance.
 

Course equivalency information for UAlbany Students

Credits earned on this program may be approved to satisfy the World History/International Perspectives or other UAlbany General Education requirements, if you earn appropriate credit in these areas and receive approval using the General Education Substitution Request form found here: General Education Waivers, Substitutions & Appeals | University at Albany. 

Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, with approval by the associated academic department(s). You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary. 

All courses successfully completed through this program abroad that are not assigned a specific UAlbany course equivalency will at least count as UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.

Housing

You will be living in CEA housing. You will be accommodated in shared apartments or a house within a short distance (5-20 minute walk) from all of the amenities and resources available through the University of Galway. 
Apartments may be co-ed and may be shared with other CEA students, international students, and Irish Students. Most students will be placed in a double room. A vacuum cleaner, an iron, and an ironing board will be provided. You will need to provide your own towel and linens. You will also have access to washers and dryers that they can use as needed. A single room may be available for an additional cost. 

Meals

Meals are not provided with housing. All apartments are equipped with a fully functional kitchen with basic appliances and utensils, including an oven, fridge, and microwave.

Estimate of Costs

Please review the correct cost estimate below. If you are taking 2 classes or more in a certain discipline, then you will use the applicable cost estimate:
Ireland: University of Galway NON-Exchange Estimate of Costs (Arts/Business/Law)
Ireland: University of Galway NON-Exchange Estimate of Costs (Science & Engineering)
The exchange option is NOT currently available. It is likely that the exchange program could be offered in future terms, so please check back in the future.

More Information

Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.

Eligibility Requirements

You can only apply to this program if you have finished three semesters of college/university by the time you submit your application. Applications are welcome from students in all majors. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA overall. If you do not meet the required GPA, please contact the advisor of this program.

Experiential Learning

As a student living in CEA Housing, you will be provided with a variety of social and cultural activities to help students learn more about the host culture. For example:

• Guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher or Connemara
• River Cruise on Lough Corrib
• Theater Performance
• Evening of Irish Music and Dance
• Day Trip to Aran Island
• Overnight Trip – South West Kerry/or Dublin

Student Clubs and Organizations

Funding Opportunities

Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.

Speak with an Advisor

About the City

Galway has a rich history and still retains the charming character of a medieval city. Both a university town and a vibrant, cosmopolitan city make Galway particularly attractive to students and tourists alike. Galway is also one of the few areas where you will still hear the native Celtic tongue. We encourage you to learn more about Ireland and the cultural capital of Galway!

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required to participate in this program. If you are a US citizen, as a study abroad student, you are not required to get a student visa, but you are required to register with Irish immigration authorities within 30 days of arrival in Ireland. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.

Program Dates

Fall 2026

Spring 2027 

Application Availability

• Spring programs: July
• Fall/Year programs: December

About the Program

Program Orientations

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare for the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted in late April/early May and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at the University of Galway, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the International Office of your host university.

Support Services

UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
The University of Galway's International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter while abroad.