Top 6 Reasons to Study Abroad in Galway

Sponsored by NUI Galway

From its position on the Atlantic edge of Europe, Galway combines the energy of a young and diverse population with the authenticity of a place steeped in history and tradition. Reputed as a safe, young and student-friendly city, Galway is Ireland’s fastest-growing city, especially in the high-tech sector…  Be charmed by its medieval streets or its jaw-dropping countryside. Whether you love the buzz of the city or prefer the great outdoors, Galway has something for everyone. Discover six reasons to move to Galway for your studies now.

1. Galway is the ‘friendliest’ and ‘most charming’ city.

The New York Times dubs Galway “Ireland’s most charming city”, as it is “compact, walkable and filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants”. The US Travel + Leisure Magazine has voted Galway the “world’s most friendly destination”  and The Condé Nast Traveler magazine has announced that Galway has been voted in the top six friendliest cities  in the world! These reviews probably won’t come as a surprise to many, given the thousands attracted to the city’s many festivals throughout the year, including the summer’s Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, the Galway Races, the Galway World Oyster Festival and many more!

2. Galway is changing the world!

Come to Galway and be inspired by what you can discover! From the depths of the ocean floor to outer space, the research taking place in Galway is changing the world. According to multinational media body Thomson Reuters, NUI Galway boasts more of the world’s most influential scientific minds than anywhere else in Ireland – with four of its professors earning the distinction.

NUI Galway’s reputation for impactful research is growing internationally, and the university has the highest success rate in Ireland for European Union research funding, through the Horizon 2020 program.

3. Galway has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2020.

Galway has long been renowned as a cultural hub, with world-class festivals and world-renowned artists calling the city home.

In recognition of its love of culture, Galway has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2020. Galway looks forward to welcoming the world to its city and exploring its shared creativity and culture. Don’t miss the biggest celebration of culture that Ireland has ever seen!

4. Galway is the most international city in Ireland.

From its location on the edge of Europe, Galway has always excelled at reaching out to the world. Today it’s Ireland’s most international city, with one-in-five Galwegians born outside Ireland. This adds energy and interest to the city streets throughout the year.

Galway’s biggest university attracts more international students than anywhere else – with over 3,000 students coming to study each year from overseas. NUI Galway has student exchange programs with over 200 international universities around the world, and a global community of staff – 35% are from overseas, coming from 45 countries worldwide.

5. Galway is a leader in med-tech and a global research hub.

Don’t let Galway’s medieval streets fool you – it is a global hub for the medical technology industry. Eight of the world’s top ten med-tech companies are based here, and the medical devices designed and made in Galway are saving lives all over the world.

NUI Galway’s new €30 million Biomedical Science Building is home to 300 scientists and researchers, working in areas such as regenerative medicine, stem cell research, cancer biology, and biomaterials.

6. Galway is the best micro-city in Europe.

Galway may not be Ireland’s biggest city, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to global business. The Financial Times has named Galway as Europe’s Micro City of the Year, and praised Galway’s business-friendliness.

While the city is big enough to have all of the services you need, Galway is small enough to feel intimate. It won’t take long before you’ve picked your favorite spots, and the city starts feeling like home.