University of Galway Access Centre

11/09/2026

We’re heading to ! 🚜

Join University of Galway at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, where you’ll find us across four hubs:

1️⃣ Future Farming
2️⃣ Future of Health
3️⃣ Study with us
4️⃣ Engage with us

The Access Centre will be at the Study with us hub, where you can chat to our team about alternative entry routes to University of Galway.

📍 Come along and say hello – we’re looking forward to meeting you at !

11/09/2026

Ready to make real change?

University of Galway Students’ Union YouthBank applications are open!

⭐ 15 Students
⭐ €5,000 Grant Fund
⭐ Global YouthBank Network

Réidh le fíorathrú a dhéanamh?

Táthar ag glacadh le hiarratais anois ar YouthBank Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe!

⭐ 15 Mac Léinn
⭐ Ciste Deontais €5,000
⭐ Líonra Domhanda YouthBank

Applications Close 5pm Friday, 18 September | Spriocdháta: 5pm, Dé hAoine, an 18 Meán Fómhair Comhaltas na Mac Léinn OG | CMLOG for the link

09/09/2026

A 4-week transitions support group for Autistic first year students at University of Galway.
The aim of the group is to help you connect with other students and settle in to university life

No formal diagnosis needed, if you are a first year who identifies as Autistic you are welcome. Register at the link below to book your place or ask for more info.

Time: 2- 4pm
Dates: Wednesdays 16th September - 7th October

Spaces are limited. Sign up form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hrHjE0bEq0qcbZq5u3aBbFUJ2Ml1K1lPoarubIOxaQVUN0NLOFVZTE1ROVg1RVRTVkVDMTRVRU5UQS4u&route=shorturl

08/09/2026

We are delighted to collaborate with Intreo (Department of Social Protection) and the University of Galway to support students who have graduated from the Cumas programme. Cumas is an inclusive education programme at the University for students with intellectual disabilities. And, through our programme, we support projects that are focused on achieving improved employment outcomes for anyone with disabilities.

08/09/2026

UD26 Early Bird registration closes on 27 September 2026. Register now to access reduced conference rates.

Conference dates: 4-6 November 2026 in Galway, Ireland

Registered delegates can access preferential accommodation rates. The Galmont Hotel is the conference hotel.

Discounted rates are also available at selected hotels across Galway City and the wider region. Accommodation offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn.

Delegates are encouraged to register now and book accommodation early.

To find out more and register go to https://ud26.ie/ Clickable link in our bio.

University of Galway EDI Ollscoil na Gaillimhe | University of Galway

02/09/2026

A brilliant few days at the EAIR Forum 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania 🇱🇹, exploring this year’s theme, Strengthening trust between higher education and society.

We were delighted to present “Shared Futures: Collaborating with Irish Traveller and Roma Communities in Galway”, sharing the work of the Access Centre at University of Galway and our approach to building trust through long-term, relationship-based engagement.

Thank you to everyone who joined our session and contributed to such a valuable discussion. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from across Europe and beyond, and to hear different perspectives on building meaningful relationships between higher education and communities.

A fantastic few days of learning, sharing and connecting. 🌍

Ollscoil na Gaillimhe | University of Galway

28/08/2026

Leaving Certificate students have received their CAO offers and many are now getting ready to start university.

Beginning higher education is an exciting milestone, and for students with disabilities, knowing what supports are available can make the transition much easier.

Our colleague Catherine Dufficy, from our Disability Support Service, recently spoke to the Irish Farmers Journal about the supports available to students with disabilities at third level, including reasonable accommodations and assistive technology.

If you, a family member or someone you know is preparing to start college this autumn, we encourage you to have a read.

📖 Read the article here:

How to make the most of third level: supports, opportunities and campus life - 26 August 2026

27/08/2026

A mentor. A workplace. A chance to see what's possible. 💙

The Professional Engagement Module (PEM) is a six-week module within our Access Programmes at University of Galway, giving students the opportunity to experience professional workplaces while being supported by mentors from Medtronic and Grant Thornton.

From workplace visits and mentoring to workshops and reflection, PEM helps students build confidence, explore career pathways and gain valuable insights into the world of work.

A huge thank you to everyone at Medtronic and Grant Thornton for the time, encouragement and expertise you share with our students each year. 👏

Thinking about university? There's still time to apply for this year's Access Programmes. Applications close 1 September.

🔗 https://www.universityofgalway.ie/access/entryroutes/accessandfoundationprogrammes/

26/08/2026

📢 Please note: We are currently experiencing a technical issue affecting the control tablet in our Multi-Sensory Room in the Arts Millennium Building.

The room remains open and available to book as normal and can still be used as a quiet, calming space for students. However, some features, including the lighting and display screen controls, are temporarily unavailable while we work to resolve the issue.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

The Cubbie, located upstairs from the Access Centre in Áras Uí Chathail, is available to both students and staff on a call-in basis and does not require booking. Users can choose audio and visual programmes based on their preferences and needs.

Details of the Cubbie and Multi-Sensory Room are available here https://www.universityofgalway.ie/access/studentsupports/sensoryspaces/

19/08/2026

Every journey to university is different.

Over the past few months, we've had the privilege of sharing the stories of Access students and graduates who took different paths to higher education.

Their experiences are unique, but they all have something in common: they took that first step.

Whether it was returning to education after time away, overcoming self-doubt or pursuing a lifelong ambition, each story is a reminder that there is more than one route to university.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and inspired others to believe in what's possible.

If you're considering university but don't know where to start, our Access Programmes could be the first step in your own journey.

Applications are open until 1 September.

Find out more at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/access/entryroutes/accessandfoundationprogrammes/

University of Galway