The University of Limerick operates under the aegis of the Universities Act, 1997 as amended by the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (referred to as the 1997 Act). Overall authority for the affairs of the University is vested by the State in the Governing Authority of the University of Limerick. The Governing Authority, a 19-member body, is appointed in accordance with the 1997 Act.
The current Governing Authority's term of office is from 1 October 2023. The Authority is chaired by Professor Brigid Laffan.