About Galway Business School

Galway Business School (GBS) is an independent provider of higher education based in Salthill, Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. We have been welcoming learners, Irish, European and international, to study with us since 2000.

Who we are

We are a small, focused institution that offers honours degree programmes in business and related fields, alongside short certificate programmes and part-time options. Our scale is one of our strengths: classes are small, lecturers know their students, and decisions are made close to the people they affect.

GBS shares a campus and a leadership team with Galway Cultural Institute (GCI), our English language school. The two institutions operate side by side at GCI House in Salthill, with a shared commitment to quality, learner support and a genuinely international community.

Mission, vision and values

Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality higher education that prepares learners for working life, in Ireland and internationally, and that supports the communities and economies we are part of.

Our vision is to be recognised as a trusted, learner-centred independent provider known for the quality of our teaching, the integrity of our governance, and the welcome we extend to every student who comes through our doors.

Our values are:

• Quality in our programmes, our teaching and our administration
• Integrity in our governance, our communications and our dealings with learners and partners
• Learner-centredness in everything we do, from application through to graduation
• Inclusion in how we welcome learners from every background

Why study at GBS

• Small class sizes that allow for genuine engagement between learners and lecturers
• Practical, work-relevant programmes designed in dialogue with employers and updated regularly
• A diverse international community drawn from across Europe, Latin America, Asia and beyond
• Flexible study options including full-time, part-time and pathway routes
• A strong network of supports for academic, welfare and careers needs
• A beautiful place to study — Salthill is a coastal suburb of Galway with the Atlantic on one side and the city centre a short walk away

Our accreditation and quality assurance 

Galway Business School is a QQI-accredited higher education provider. Our programmes are validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and lead to awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

Galway Business School is authorised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to use the TrustEd Ireland international education mark. TrustEd Ireland is the statutory mark that signals to international learners that a provider has met rigorous national standards for quality, governance and learner protection. Our quality assurance system is set out in our Quality Assurance Handbook, which is reviewed regularly and approved by our governing structures. 

Our quality assurance system is set out in our Quality Assurance Handbook, which is reviewed regularly and approved by our governing structures.

Protection for enrolled learners

Galway Business School participates in the statutory arrangements for the protection of enrolled learners that apply to higher education in Ireland. These arrangements are designed to ensure that, in the unlikely event that the school were unable to continue providing a programme, enrolled learners would be supported either to complete their studies with another provider or, where this is not practicable, to receive a refund of fees most recently paid.

Galway Business School is a founding member of ELE Ireland established in 2021 to offer risk free benefits to learners and agents in relation to Protection for Enrolled Learners and protection and transparency in payments and refunds.

For information on Protection of Enrolled Learners, see QQI's published information.

English Language Policy

Galway Business School's entry requirements are based on NFQ-aligned academic prerequisites, including evidence of prior qualifications at the appropriate NFQ level, demonstrated English language proficiency (typically CEFR B2+ or equivalent IELTS or other applicable scores) for non-native speakers of English, and any programme-specific admission criteria set out in the relevant validated programme document.

International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications and English language proficiency. English language proficiency at CEFR B2+ is required, evidenced by IELTS 6.0+ or an equivalent score in another approved test. Conditional offers are available where applicants undertake the GCI Pre-Sessional English Programme to reach the required level prior to enrolment.

The policy sets out the School’s approach to: the assessment of English language proficiency entry requirements; the provision, support and development of English for Academic Purposes; pre-sessional and in-sessional English language supports and the arrangements for these supports.

ERASMUS

Galway Business School has been awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education for the 2021–2027 programme cycle. The Charter recognises that we meet the EU's quality standards for participation in Erasmus+, the EU programme that supports learning, training and exchange across European institutions.

Through Erasmus+ our students can spend part of their studies at a partner institution in another European country, and we welcome incoming students from our partners on the same basis. Staff exchanges are also supported. Erasmus+ is a chance to develop language and intercultural skills that employers value highly.

ECHE number: 101012766
OID: E10275297
Erasmus Code: IRLGALWAY03

You can read more about our approach in our Erasmus Policy Statement.

Working with agents and education partners 

We work with a network of educational agents/partners around the world, all of whom commit to the principles set out in our Statement of Principles for Agents. This sets clear expectations on ethical recruitment, fair representation of our programmes, and the standards of service learners can expect.

Read our Statement of Principles for Agents

Our team

Our lecturers bring experience from industry, professional practice and active research to their teaching. Administrative and student-facing colleagues provide the support that makes day-to-day life at GBS run smoothly.

Talk to us

If you would like to know more about GBS — about a programme, the application process, or what life is like at the school — please get in touch.

T: 00 353 91 529 000
E: info@galwaybusinessschool.ie
Address: Galway Business School, GCI House, Salthill, Galway, H91 CDW4, Ireland