Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Summary
Applied learning, regional development, industry engagement and flexible study are the building blocks of ATU's identity. Its campuses are in areas known for technology, engineering, tourism, marine activity, creative industries, health services, business, food, sustainability and community development. This allows students to study in regional campuses and smaller cities and still earn qualifications at university level. ATU is a good option for students who are looking for a practical education model, smaller learning environments and strong links to local employers.
ATU offers undergraduate programs for students who apply to the university after high school or equivalent qualifications. Undergraduate study areas include business, accounting, marketing, finance, tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, event management, computer science, software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electronic engineering, biomedical engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, architecture-related study, design, animation, film, creative media, art, music, science, agriculture, environmental science, marine science, food science, nursing, health science, social care, sport and exercise science, outdoor education and education-related fields. These programs are applied and often involve practical projects, labs, work experience or professional preparation.
ATU offers postgraduate taught master’s, postgraduate diplomas, higher diplamas and professional programs. Fields include business, leadership, management, data science, cyber security, computing, engineering, education, health promotion, social care, environmental science, marine and freshwater resources, food, tourism, creative practice and applied research. The current full-time postgraduate course fee for non-EU students is €14,000 for 2025/26 and non-EU undergraduate fees are listed at €12,000 per year for September 2025 intake onwards, according to ATU’s official fee information.
ATU offers research degrees including PhD study in applied and regional research areas at doctoral level. Research topics may be in engineering, computing, data, cybersecurity, environmental science, marine research, food systems, business, tourism, health, social care, education, creative practice and regional innovation. Doctoral students typically require a strong academic background, research proposal and supervisor fit. ATU’s applied research model is relevant for students looking for research that is linked to practical problems, communities, technology and regional development.
The fees are published in euro. ATU’s international fee policy outlines annual international tuition fees for September 2025 intake onwards with undergraduate courses at €12,000 per year. Its postgraduate fee guidance shows the full-time non-EU postgraduate course fee as €14,000 for 2025/26. ATU's international fee and refund policy explains that there is no charge for undergraduate applications. Please note that fees are subject to change for each intake, program and policy and students should check the fees for the exact entry year when applying.
Overall, Atlantic Technological University is best for students looking for affordable, applied Irish university education outside Dublin, with strong options in business, computing, engineering, tourism, creative arts, science, marine, health, agriculture and regional innovation. It is especially relevant to students looking for a practical learning environment in Galway, Sligo, Donegal, Mayo or the wider Atlantic region.
About Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
"ATU is a great fit for students seeking hands-on learning. Many programmes incorporate labs, fieldwork, studios, applied projects, placements, professional practice or industry-related assignments. This makes the university useful for students who want to gain employment skills as they complete an Irish qualification that is internationally recognized.
The university offers a wide range of subjects. Students of business can specialize in accounting, marketing, management and tourism and hospitality. Computing students can specialise in software, cyber security, data and AI. Engineering students can choose to study civil, mechanical, electronic, biomedical or construction related disciplines. Creative students can select design, animation, film, art, media or music. Students of science can take up career in the environmental, marine, food, agriculture and laboratory based fields. Health and social care students can prepare for jobs in the community, in clinics or in public service.
One of the strengths of ATU is its regional location. Galway has a vibrant student and cultural scene, Sligo and Donegal provide strong regional learning environments and Mayo connects students with local communities and employers. The university is a good choice for students who want Ireland study with less living pressure than larger city centers.
ATU is the perfect choice for students who want practical education, affordable international fees, regional campus options and career-focused programmes in the west and north-west of Ireland.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) History
Atlantic Technological University was established in 2022.
It was formed through the merger of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
The predecessor institutions had long experience in applied higher education.
ATU became one of Ireland’s technological universities.
The university developed a large regional footprint across the west and north-west.
ATU inherited strengths in business, engineering, computing, tourism, science and creative fields.
It expanded flexible learning and online study options.
The university strengthened applied research activity across regional industries.
ATU became connected with Atlantic-region development, sustainability and innovation.
It continued to grow international student recruitment.
The university supports employers, communities and students across multiple counties.
Today, ATU is recognized as a major public technological university in Ireland.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Highlights
Public technological university in Ireland
Established in 2022
Formed from GMIT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT
Multi-campus university across the west and north-west of Ireland
Offers UG, PG and PhD study separately
Strong for business, computing, engineering, tourism, creative arts, science, marine, agriculture, health and social care
Medium of instruction is English
Applied and career-focused learning model
Non-EU undergraduate tuition is €12,000 per year for September 2025 intake onward
Full-time non-EU postgraduate course fee for 2025/26 is €14,000
Undergraduate applications are free of charge
Good option for affordable international study in Ireland
Regional campus options across Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal
Strong focus on regional development and applied research
Suitable for students seeking practical education outside Dublin
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Courses Offered
| UG Courses Offered | PG Courses Offered | PhD Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
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Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Specialisations Offered
| UG Course Specialisations | PG Course Specialisations | PhD Specialisations |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Tourism and Hospitality
Computing and Digital Technology
Engineering and Built Environment
Creative Arts, Media and Design
Science, Marine, Health and Community
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Computing and Technology Master’s Programs
Business and Tourism Master’s Programs
Engineering, Science and Environment Master’s Programs
Health, Social Care and Creative Master’s Programs
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Doctoral Research Areas
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Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Admission Process
Select UG, PG or PhD study level.
Choose the exact ATU course and campus.
Check academic and English language requirements.
Prepare transcripts, certificates and passport documents.
Submit the official international application.
Upload supporting documents.
Submit portfolio, CV or references where required.
For PhD study, identify a supervisor and prepare a proposal.
Wait for application assessment.
Accept the offer if selected.
Complete tuition payment, visa, accommodation and registration steps.
Admission Details
ATU has separate admission routes for undergraduate, postgraduate and research applicants.
Undergraduate applications are free of charge.
Non-EU undergraduate tuition is listed at €12,000 per year for September 2025 intake onward.
Full-time non-EU postgraduate fee is listed at €14,000 for 2025/26.
Program availability varies by campus.
Students should confirm the correct campus before applying.
International students should prepare visa and financial documents early.
Final course and fee details should be verified before payment.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Courses Fees
UG Fees
All Non-EU Undergraduate Programs
Tuition Fee: €12,000 per year for September 2025 intake onward
Application Fee: Free for undergraduate applicants
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years depending on award level and program
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification or equivalent, English language proficiency and course-specific requirements
Admission Mode: ATU International Undergraduate Admission Route
PG Fees
Full-Time Non-EU Postgraduate Programs
Tuition Fee 2025/26: €14,000
Duration: Usually 1 Year full-time or flexible structure depending on course
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and English language proficiency
Admission Mode: ATU Postgraduate Admission Route
PhD Fees
Research Doctorates
Fee: Confirm with ATU for the exact research category, campus and academic year
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years full-time
Eligibility: Strong bachelor’s and/or master’s degree, research proposal, supervisor fit and English language proficiency
Admission Mode: ATU Doctoral Admission Route
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Scholarships
ATU offers international scholarship and funding information for eligible students.
Scholarship availability depends on nationality, course, academic merit and funding cycle.
Some awards may support international undergraduate or postgraduate students.
Some scholarships are campus-specific or discipline-specific.
Research students may apply for funded PhD projects where available.
Government of Ireland scholarships may support selected applicants.
Scholarship approval is not automatic after admission.
Students should check deadlines before applying.
Continuing eligibility may depend on academic progress.
A strong scholarship profile should show academic strength, motivation and course fit.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Carrer Outcomes
ATU graduates can build careers in Galway, Sligo, Donegal, Mayo, Dublin, Ireland, Europe and international markets.
Business graduates can work in accounting, finance, marketing, management, tourism, hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Computing graduates can enter software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, IT support and cloud systems.
Engineering graduates can work in construction, manufacturing, biomedical systems, electronics, infrastructure and technical services.
Tourism and hospitality graduates can work in hotels, restaurants, events, travel, destination management and food businesses.
Creative graduates can pursue careers in animation, film, design, art, media and creative production.
Science graduates can work in environmental monitoring, marine research, food science, agriculture, labs and sustainability.
Health and social care graduates can work in hospitals, community services, care organizations and public-service roles.
PhD graduates can pursue academia, applied research, industry innovation, consulting and specialist professional roles.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Important Links
Official Website: https://www.atu.ie
International Fee and Refund Policy: https://www.atu.ie/study/global/international-fee-and-refund-policy
Postgraduate Fees: https://www.atu.ie/study/fees-and-funding/fees/full-time-part-time-postgraduate-fees
Undergraduate Study: https://www.atu.ie/study/undergraduate
Postgraduate Study: https://www.atu.ie/study/postgraduate
Global Office: https://www.atu.ie/study/global
Scholarships: https://www.atu.ie/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships
Research: https://www.atu.ie/research
Contact ATU: https://www.atu.ie/contact
