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The Minimum IELTS Scores For Ireland Universities
So, you have decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a new journey studying in Ireland.
There are several things to prepare to ensure a successful application, one of which is meeting IELTS requirements set by your university of choice. Score requirements aren’t static, they vary according to the university and type of course you.
Score requirements aren’t static, they vary according to the university and type of course you seek to enter!
To read a subject in English, students are required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language.
The IELTS (Academic) is required to obtain an Irish visa for studies, and for admission to an Irish University.
For long-term study in Ireland, the minimum score requirements for various language tests set by INIS are as follows:
Long-Term Study Language Test Scores
Language Test | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | 5.0 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Computer-based: 173 Paper-based: 500 Internet-based: 61 |
English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | B2 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 30 |
First Certificate in English (FCE) | Pass |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Pass |
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | Pass |
Business English Certificate (BEC) (Higher or Vantage) | Pass |
However, the university you have chosen may have more stringent requirements depending on your preferred subject of study and programme.
Irish Universities IELTS Score Requirements
University | Score Requirements |
|---|---|
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 Dental and medical courses: 7 overall and no individual band below 7 |
University College Dublin (UCD) | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 |
University College Cork (UCC) | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 5.5 Architecture courses: 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 |
College Limerick (UCL) | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 |
Dublin City University (DCU) | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 |
NUI Galway (NUIG) | Arts/Business/Law/Medicine courses: 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 Science/Engineering courses: 6 overall with no individual band below 6 |
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) | Engineering/Health Sciences/Science courses: 5.5 overall and no individual band below 5 Business/ Education & Humanities: 6 overall and no individual band below 5 |
National College Of Ireland (NCI) | UG Computing courses: 5.5 overall UG Business: 6.0 overall PG Computing: 6.0 overall PG Business: 6.5 overall |
Dublin Business School (DBS) | UG Business: 6.0 overall PG Business: 6.5 overall |
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 |
Maynooth University (MU) | 6.5 overall score |
Irish university National College of Arts and Design | 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6 |
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland | CEFR Level1: 6.5 overall CEFR Level2: 7 overalls |
Shannon College Of Hotel Management | 6.0 overall |
St. Angela’s College Sligo | 6.5/7 overall |
Cork Institute of Technology | 6.0 overall |
Athlone Institute of Technology | UG programs: 5.5 overall and no individual band below 5 PG programs: 6.0 overall and no individual band below 5 |
Dundalk Institute of Technology | Foundation Courses: 4.5 overall UG programs: 6.0 overall Masters programs: 6.5 overall |
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) | UG programs: 5.5 overall Masters /PG programs: 6.0 overall |
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown | 5.5 overall |
Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT) | 6.0 to 6.5 overall and no individual band below 6.0 |
Institute of Technology Carlow (IT Carlow) | UG programs: 5.5 overall Masters /PG programs: 6.0 overall |
Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo) | UG programs: 5.5 overall Masters /PG programs: 6.0 overall |
Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT Dublin) | 6.0 overall |
Institute of Technology Tralee (IT Tralee) | Foundation courses: 4.5 overall UG programs: 5.5 overall Masters programs: 6.5 overall |
Limerick Institute of Technology | 6.0 overall |
Griffith College | 6.0 overall |
Independent College Dublin | UG programs: 6.0 overall Masters programs: 6.5 overall |
IBAT College Dublin | 6.0 overall and no individual band below 5.5 |
ICD Business School | 6.0 overall |
To ensure that all students can cope with English-medium instruction, language test score requirements are rigorous but purposeful.
But don’t worry, even if you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can opt to take other tests!
Top universities such as University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) also recognize alternative English tests such as PTE, TOEFL, and UCLS. For a more specific breakdown of these score requirements, you may refer to the websites of individual universities.
English Language Test Equivalency Table
Exam | IELTS 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
A Level English | D | D | C | C | B | B |
GCSE English | D | D | C | C | B | B |
IB** | grade 3 in A or B HL or SL | grade 4 in A or B HL or SL | IB B SL grade 6 IB B HL -grade 4 IB A1/A2 HL/ SL grade 4 | IB B SL grade 6 IB B HL -grade 5 IB A1/A2 HL/ SL- grade 5 | IB B SL grade 7 IB B HL -grade 5 IB A1/A2 HL/ SL grade 5 | IB B HL -grade 6 IB A1/A2 HL/ SL grade 6 |
TOEFL ibt | 60 (10, 10, 13, 16) | 70 (13, 13, 13, 16) | 80 (17, 18, 17, 20) | 90 (17, 18, 17, 20) | 100 (20, 20, 20, 20) | 110 (22, 22, 22, 22) |
Ready To Take The IELTS Test?
Taking the IELTS test is the first step in opening doors to your university aspirations!
Looking to book your IELTS Test? IDP is a co-owner of IELTS, and all our test centers are UKVI approved.
Sign-up at IDP today for a paper written test or a computer-delivered one!
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