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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Group Life Plan
Group Life Plan
Group Life Plan Review 2023
The latest review of this Plan has taken place and will be in effect from 1st February 2023. The Plan is typically reviewed every three to five years, and here's what the 2023 review means for you:
- Increase in ceasing age
- More than just Life Cover
- Reduction in cost of membership
Please click here for the 2023 review
Reduction in cost of membership
The great news for members is that despite the additions to the Plan, the overall gross cost of membership will reduce from 0.36% to 0.30% of gross salary from 1st February 2023. Please see pages 8 and 9 of the review document above for more details.
Change of insurer
From 1st February 2023, the University of Galway has agreed to appoint Aviva as the new insurer of the Plan, as they provided the most competitive rate and benefits for members.
Aviva’s Data Privacy Notice is available on their website aviva.ie/about-and-support/privacy. This tells you what Aviva uses your personal information for and explains your rights around how they use it.
We're here to help you
Our Group Protection team is available to answer any queries you may have regarding your Plan. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about your cover, please don't hesitate to call us on (01) 408 6280 or email spsadmin@cornmarket.ie.
2018 Opt In All Staff
Great news for employees who are not yet members
As membership of the Plan is so vital, all pensionable University of Galway employees who are not currently members of the Plan, are under age 65 and are actively at work*** on the 26th September 2018, will be included as members of the Plan. It couldn’t be easier, as enrolment will happen without having to complete an application form or undergo medical underwriting. See below for definition of ‘actively at work’.
If you do not wish to enter into the Plan, you can opt out by completing an Opt-out Form which you can request from the University of Galway Pensions Department at pensions@universityofgalway.ie. It’s important to note that if you opt-out and want to re-join the Plan at a later date, you will need to complete an application form and undergo full medical underwriting. Members who are enrolled on the 1st of October 2018 who choose to opt out within 3 months of the 1st of October 2018 will receive a refund of premiums paid.
*As at September 2018. Premium is subject to periodic review and may change in the future.
**Subject to Revenue Maximum contribution limits for pensions.
***Actively at work means that you (a) are working your normal contracted number of hours, (b) have not received medical advice to refrain from work, and (c) are not restricted from fully performing the normal duties associated with your occupation. Those on paid and unpaid maternity leave are considered actively at work. Employees on paid leave/holidays are considered to be present at their place of work but must still meet the other requirements for ‘Actively at Work’. Staff who do not satisfy the above criteria on the 26th September 2018 may still apply to join the Plan at a later date on completion of an application form with specific eligibility requirements and which will contain medical questions criteria.
Retired Members Life Cover Plan
What is the cover and cost?
The Plan provides for the payment of a tax-free lump sum in the event of death after a member retires. Both the cost and level of cover for this Plan is based on your Full Time Equivalent Pensionable Salary (FTEPS).
| Age at Death | Cover | Cost |
| 50 - 59 | 180% x FTEPS | 0.5% x FTEPS |
| 60 - 64 | 120% x FTEPS | 0.5% x FTEPS |
| 65 - 69 | 90% x FTEPS | 0.5% x FTEPS |
| 70 - 74 | 60% x FTEPS | 0.5% x FTEPS |
| 75 - 84 | 24% x FTEPS | 0.5% x FTEPS |
| 85 | Premiums & cover cease | |
Example
Ann retires at age 61 on a pensionable salary of €60,000. The levels of cover and premiums payable under the Retired Members’ Life Cover Plan are:-
Cover : €72,000
Contribution : 0.5% x €60,000 = €25 per month
This example is for illustrative purposes. The actual level of benefit paid will depend on the age of the member at death.
