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Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Programmes

The English Language Centre at University of Galway offers a variety of Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes programmes designed for students who want to strengthen their academic and language skills before starting an undergraduate or postgraduate course.

These Pre-Sessional Programmes are intended for students who already hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the University of Galway. A range of courses is available to support students at different English language levels. The programmes aim to help learners develop strong English for Academic Purposes skills so they can feel confident using English in a university setting.

Who is this programme for?

Students who are required to meet the language requirement of a conditional offer to study at University of Galway

Students who feel they do not have the academic or general English language skills necessary to succeed at the University

Course Aims

To progress students to their chosen degree programme by developing proficiency in the essential language and academic skills required for academic study.

Develop critical thinking, problem solving and multimedia presentation skills through collaborative projects

Improve English language and academic skills through units of study based on discipline-specific themes and genre-based assessments
Improve Life skills development for successful transition through coaching and orientation to life on campus.

Course Name	Duration	Dates	Fees
18-Week Pre-sessional Blended EAP Course	18 Weeks – 8 Weeks Online & 10 Weeks On-Campus	13th April 2026 – 14th August 2026	€6,350
10-Week Pre-sessional EAP Course Online	10 Weeks Online	20th April 2026 – 26th June 2026	€3,500
10 Week Pre-sessional On Campus	10 Weeks On-Campus	8th June 2026 – 14th August 2026	€3,500
7 Week Pre-sessional Online	7 Weeks Online	11th May 2026 – 26th June 2026	€2,500
7 Week Pre-sessional On Campus	7 Weeks On-Campus	29th June 2026 – 14th August 2026	€2,500

Pre-Sessional Entry Requirements

Direct Entry Requirement based on IELTS Scores	7 Week EAP Course	10 Week EAP Course	18 Week EAP Course
IELTS - 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0	IELTS - 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5	IELTS - 5.5 with no component less and 5.5	IELTS - 5.5 with no component lower than 5.0
IELTS - 6.5 with 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other components	IELTS - 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and no component lower than 5.5	IELTS - 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing and no component lower than 5.0	IELTS - 5.5 with no component lower than 5.0
IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any one component	IELTS - 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0	IELTS - 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5	IELTS - 5.5 with no component lower than 5.5

Alternative English Language Exams (compared against IELTS)

IELTS Entry Score	TOEFL iBT	Pearson	LanguageCert
5.5 with no component lower than 5.0	60 overall with minimum components of Writing 17, Speaking 15, Reading 8, Listening 7	51 overall with no component lower than 43	55 overall with 50 in each component
6.0 with no component lower than 5.5	70 overall with minimum components of Writing 20, Speaking 17, Reading 11, Listening 11	51 overall with no component lower than 51	60 overall with 55 in each component
6.0 with no component lower than 6.0	75 overall with minimum components of Writing 21, Speaking 19, Reading 16, Listening 15	59 overall with no component lower than 59	65 overall with 60 in each component