Cost of living and budgeting in Galway
When planning to study in Ireland, learners should budget not only for tuition fees but also for general living expenses. The information below is provided as indicative guidance only to help learners plan realistically. Actual costs may vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Accommodation
Accommodation costs vary depending on the type selected.
- GCI-arranged accommodation fees and placement charges are published in the current Price List.
- Learners arranging accommodation independently should budget higher during peak periods.
Food and Daily Living
Learners should budget weekly for food and personal expenses such as toiletries and mobile phone credit. Costs will depend on individual lifestyle choices.
Transport
Galway has a local bus network and regional transport links.
- Discounted student fares are available.
- Up-to-date fare information is available from Transport for Ireland.
Medical Insurance and Healthcare
All non-EEA learners must hold private medical insurance for the duration of their stay.
Learners must also pay an immigration registration (IRP) fee to the Irish authorities, where applicable.
Immigration and Other Costs
In addition to tuition fees, learners may need to budget for:
- Immigration registration fees
- Examination or certification fees (if applicable)
- Optional airport transfers or social activities
Financial Requirements for Immigration
Irish immigration authorities require students to demonstrate access to sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Learners should consult the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website for the most up-to-date financial requirements.
GCI regularly reviews and updates this information to ensure it remains accurate, reliable and accessible to prospective and enrolled learners.
For the most accurate and current information, learners are encouraged to consult the following official sources:
- Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) – immigration registration fees and financial requirements
- Transport for Ireland – public transport fares and student discounts
- Health Service Executive (HSE) – healthcare services and guidance in Ireland
Links to these sources are provided throughout the GCI Student Guide.
| Expense Category | Indicative Cost / Guidance |
|---|---|
| Accommodation – GCI arranged | Costs and placements are published in GCI’s current Price List. Accommodation options and prices vary by room type and distance. |
| Accommodation – arranged independently | Private accommodation costs in Galway vary significantly. Learners should budget higher during peak periods and consult reputable rental platforms ( such as Daft.ie) and local listings. |
| Food and daily living | Learners should budget for groceries and personal expenses based on individual lifestyle. Costs will vary depending on shopping and dining choices. |
| Local transport | Galway has a local bus network and regional transport links. Discounted student fares may be available (for long stays 6+ months). Current fares are published by Transport for Ireland. |
| Medical insurance | Private medical insurance is mandatory for non-EEA learners. Typical annual costs vary by provider and level of cover. Medical insurance costs are published in GCI’s current Price List. |
| GP visits / healthcare | Fees for GP visits are set by individual practices. Learners can consult HSE guidance for information on healthcare services in Ireland. |
| Immigration registration (IRP) | A registration fee is payable to Irish immigration authorities. Current fees and requirements are published by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). |
| Examinations / certification | Examination or certification fees may apply for optional external exams and are published in GCI’s current Price List. |
| Optional extras | Optional services such as airport transfers, social activities or excursions are charged separately and published in GCI’s current Price List. |