As an EU citizen, you benefit from the Free Fees Initiative: the Irish state pays your tuition for your first bachelor's degree, and you pay only the student contribution of approximately EUR 2,500 per year. For comparison, a non-EU student pays between EUR 16,000 and EUR 27,000 per year, depending on the programme. To this you add the cost of living in Galway, estimated at EUR 1,000-EUR 1,500 per month (accommodation, food, transport). In total, a year of studies for a Romanian student costs approximately EUR 12,000-EUR 17,000 all-in, drastically less than in the UK or the USA.

Applying for a bachelor's degree in Ireland is done through CAO (Central Applications Office), the national system. Grades from the Romanian Baccalaureate are converted into CAO points, with the Irish scale going up to 625 points. The conversion takes into account the overall average and the grades in subjects relevant to the chosen programme. Each course has a points requirement set annually by supply and demand. When applying, you tick "Other School Exams" for a qualification obtained outside Ireland. Recommendation: ask the university or a mentor for an estimate of your points before choosing programmes.

Yes. All programmes at University of Galway are taught in English, which is the official and native language of Ireland. This is a huge advantage for Romanian students: you do not need to learn a new foreign language (such as Spanish, German or Dutch for other European destinations). You only need proof of language proficiency, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. You study in English, live in an English-speaking country and earn a degree recognised worldwide.

Galway requires proof of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English. The standard threshold is around IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5-6.0 per component), or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English (C1 Advanced) or Duolingo. Some high-demand programmes, such as medicine or nursing, may require higher scores. Check the exact threshold on each course page before applying and book the test in good time, results take a few weeks.

University of Galway is recognised for medicine and health sciences (College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences), science and engineering, humanities and social sciences (College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, including strong Celtic studies), law and public policy and business (College of Business, Public Policy and Law). In total it offers 66 undergraduate programmes and 146 postgraduate programmes. The graduate employment rate is 95.7 percent, a solid indicator of how the degree is recognised in the job market.

No. As a Romanian (EU) citizen you do not need a study visa for Ireland. You can move freely and have the right to study and work. After arrival you obtain your PPS number (Personal Public Service Number), the Irish equivalent of a personal identification number, required for a bank account, part-time work and public services. You register with your Romanian passport or national ID card and proof of an address in Ireland. Note: Ireland is not part of the Schengen area, but free movement for EU citizens remains in place.

Yes. As an EU citizen you have the automatic right to work in Ireland without a visa or work permit, unlike non-EU students who depend on special schemes. Ireland has a strong economy, with the European headquarters of many large technology and pharma companies, plus a solid financial and medical services sector. The degree from Galway is recognised throughout the European Union, so you can later work anywhere in the EU without a visa. Galway's graduate employment rate is 95.7 percent.

Galway is considered the cultural capital of Ireland, a young city on the west coast, on the shore of the ocean and the River Corrib. It has a friendly atmosphere, a vibrant music and festival scene and is small enough to get around easily on foot or by bike. The 105-hectare campus is right in the city. The international community is large: 21 percent of students come from outside Ireland, from 120 countries, so you integrate easily. There are numerous student clubs and societies, plus dedicated support for international students.