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The Programme

The University Foundation Programme at Galway Business School (GBS) is a one-year full-time course designed to prepare international students for entry to an undergraduate degree in Ireland.

It combines structured IELTS preparation with foundation-level study in the Business stream so that by the end of the year you will have made the academic, linguistic and cultural transition to Irish third-level education in one go.

Student voice

I will never forget this year. All the team were very helpful and welcoming. Thanks to GBS, I discovered this beautiful city and this wonderful country.

— Olivier Coste, GBS Graduate
  • Price from: € 2,050
  • Duration: 1 academic year
  • Mode: Full-time day
  • Next start dates: 21 September 2026, 18 January 2027
  • Assessment: Continuous assessment and exam
  • Minimum English level: CEFR Level B2+ IELTS 5.5 overall, no component below 5.0
  • Accreditation: Non-award pathway programme (not on the NFQ)
  • See also: Short certificate courses, Full-time courses, Part-time courses, Springboard courses,

Course fees

  • Tuition: €XXX
  • Registration: €XX
  • Books and materials: €XX
  • Total fees: €XXXX

Qualification

  • The Foundation Programme is non-award pathway provision – a preparatory course, not a QQI award, and it does not sit on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
  • On successful completion you receive a GBS certificate of completion and conditional letters of offer for undergraduate entry at GBS.
  • You may also use your results to apply to other Irish higher education providers; the NFQ-aligned qualification comes when you start your degree.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the programme you’ll be able to:

  • Move into third-level study with confidence, knowing what’s expected of you as a degree student in an Irish institution.
  • Use academic study skills: note-taking, essay structure, referencing, critical reading, that will support you across your whole degree.
  • Demonstrate the level of English needed for undergraduate study and for professional life after it.
  • Understand how business and cultural differences interact across international contexts, and work effectively in mixed-nationality groups.

Programme Modules

  • Academic English
  • IELTS exam preparation
  • Learn to learn
  • Computer applications
  • Quantitative methods
  • Introduction to marketing
  • Business communications

How the Programme is Delivered

The programme runs full-time, Monday to Friday, over one academic year. Class sizes are small, and you’ll have close contact with the lecturers teaching both your English and your business modules. Additional tutorials and workshops run throughout the year to help you where you need it most whether that’s IELTS writing, academic referencing, or exam technique.

Entry Requirements

Academic: completed 12 years of secondary education with all pass grades (C or above), or an equivalent qualification.

English: a minimum IELTS 5.5 with no individual component below 5.0, from a recognised IELTS testing centre. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.

If you don’t yet meet the English requirement, you can join one of Galway Cultural Institute’s English programmes first and progress onto the Foundation Programme once you reach the required level.

How You Will be Assessed

You’ll be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-module examinations. Continuous assessment takes various forms, including written assignments, individual and group projects, mock interviews and presentations. The mix is intentional: it prepares you for the range of assessment types you’ll meet at degree level.

Academic Career and Progression Routes

On successful completion of the Foundation Programme at the required level, you’ll receive conditional letters of offer for undergraduate entry. GBS progression options include:

You may also use your Foundation results to apply directly to other Irish higher education providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concise Question of a Few Words?

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Longer Question Which is More Expansive and Wraps to More Than One Line?

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Third Question. No Limit in Principle to How Mnay Questions There Are

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