Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (CMLOG) successfully proposed and passed a motion on helping international students with renting at the 2026 Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ) Comhdháil.
The motion, entitled ‘Guarantor for International Students,’ addresses the issue of international students often needing to provide an Irish-based guarantor to secure accommodation. It notes that this is often not possible, and that such an obstacle “creates a significant barrier for students attempting to access private rental accommodation.”
It also instructs AMLÉ’s Vice President for Equality and Citizenship to advocate for the development of a National Student Guarantor Scheme, which would “act as a free guarantor for students who cannot provide one.”
The motion was overwhelmingly passed by Comhdháil, and will be one of the duties of newly-elected VP for Equality and Citizenship Karl Ormsby.
Sonya Naumova, incoming International Officer with CMLOG for 2026/27, was proud to introduce the motion on behalf of her delegation.
“I’m delighted to see that this motion has been passed,” Ms. Naumova told SIN. “I proposed it because, through speaking with international students, it became very obvious to me that access to housing is not equal. Many international students are facing guarantor requirements that are just not realistic when you’ve arrived in the country.
“The level of engagement, energy, clicks in the room: it was brilliant,” she continued. “It shows how important it is, not just for international students, but for all the students that we represent in general.”
Ms. Naumova assured that she will work within the AMLÉ mandates within her capacity as International Officer to best tackle the issue with University of Galway students.
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