Living costs Galway

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation costs can vary significantly. Below is a breakdown based on accommodation types:

• Student Residence: €900 – €1,200/month
• Private Rental (Shared): €600 – €800/month
• Private Rental (Single Occupancy): €900 – €1,400/month

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
• You can view School Residential Accommodation information here
• You can view School Host Family Accommodation information here
• Learners arranging accommodation independently should budget higher during peak periods
• Independent Accommodation Search Platforms

You can view Independent Accommodation Search Platforms below. Students are advised to consider the distance from Galway city centre or their place of study, and to check public transport links, walking times, and travel costs when reviewing listings.

Daft.ie - Ireland’s largest private rental platform, widely used by students and international learners in Galway to search for rooms, shared accommodation, and private rentals.

FindaHome.ie - Alternative accommodation platforms offering room rentals and host-family style living arrangements, which can be suitable for international students seeking supported or short-term housing options.

Galway Advertiser – Classifieds - A local Galway newspaper classifieds service where private landlords and homeowners advertise rooms and rental properties.

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.