The National University of Ireland Galway, commonly known as University of Galway or simply NUI Galway, is a public research university located in Galway, Ireland. It was founded in 1845 as Queen's College Galway and became a university in 1908. NUI Galway is one of Ireland's leading universities, with a strong focus on research and innovation, and a reputation for excellence in teaching and learning. The university has five colleges - Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies; Business, Public Policy and Law; Engineering and Informatics; Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; and Science. NUI Galway offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, science and technology, medicine, nursing, and business. NUI Galway is known for its research excellence, with particular strengths in areas such as biomedical science, environmental science, humanities and social sciences, and information technology. The university has several research institutes and centers focused on these areas, and has established partnerships with leading research institutions around the world. The university is located on a beautiful campus on the banks of the River Corrib, just a short walk from the vibrant city center of Galway. With its lively cultural scene, excellent restaurants and pubs, and easy access to the stunning natural beauty of the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a popular destination for students from around the world.