Minimum English Language Requirements
Source: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/
Teaching in UCD is through the medium of English; therefore you must demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language to be admitted. UCD's minimum English language requirements are approved by the University Programmes Board and apply to all applicants and all levels of study.
Undergraduate Applicants: \ If you are
- presenting the Irish school leaving certificate you are required to have attained a H7/O6 in English.
- presenting other examinations through English, you are required to have the specified equivalent.
- studying in another education system you are required to show equivalent competency in English either through your school recognised leaving examination or by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined below.
Graduate Applicants: \ The qualifications shown below are minimum requirements for graduate taught and graduate research degrees. However, for some graduate courses the requirements may be higher. In some cases, other evidence may be taken into account at the discretion of the relevant Governance Board. For example, a degree taken through English or in an English-speaking country may be taken as proof of proficiency. Please contact the school to which you are applying if you need further information.
Currency of results:For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within the last two years (i.e. for entry in September 2026, results must have been attained since 1 February 2024).
Single Sitting Rule:Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only - this means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.
| Examining Body | Requirements |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic | An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. Retake scores are not accepted. Note: In 2026 we will accept IELTS indicator. It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review. |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | iBT: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) For tests taken from January 2026 using the new scoring scale 1-6: Minimum overall score of 4.5, with no less than 4.5 in each section Note: In 2026 we will accept TOEFL Home Edition . It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review. |
| University of Cambridge | English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper) Acceptable Examinations: - Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2). - Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2) - First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1) - Linguaskill (CEFR Level C1 or C2) |
| University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) | University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES): English at grade C or above (incorporating the Oxford Examining Body's English as a Foreign Language (Higher Paper) (Malaysia) Cambridge English Language (1119) conducted overseas by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate: B4 or better. |
| UCD English Language Pathway Programmes | UCD Pre-Sessional Programmes Overall grade C+ with at least grade C- in all components. UCD Pre-Masters Programmes Overall grade C+ with at least grade C- in all components. For further information please visit the Centre for English and Global Languages page. |
| UK Examining Boards/Bodies | - GCE O Level English Language at Grade C/4 or above - GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above - GCSE English Literature at Grade C/4 or above - CSE Grade 1 Pass in English - English as a second language GCSE grades 7-9 |
| ETAPP English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2) |
| Pearson English Language Test (Academic) | Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section. |
| Trinity ISE | Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category. |
| QQI FET ESL | Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or “Communications” (level 5) |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each individual subscore. |
| Oxford Test of English | Minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill. |
| Language Cert ESOL | B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 33 in each skill taken with no more than 3 months between components. |
| Language Cert Academic | 70 overall will 65 in each skill |
| IELCA Academic | Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band |
| Skills for English UKBI B2 (4 Component Test) | Pass with Merit in all components |
| School Leaving Examinations | Matriculation/school-leaving examinations from most European Countries and many non-EU countries will meet the requirements where English is presented as a subject at an acceptable level. Where the examination has been taken more than 2 years previously candidates may be required to take a proficiency test. Where an English proficiency test which is scored on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is presented as part of a school-leaving qualification, grade must be C1/C2. |
| An equivalent level of English | Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted, e.g. degree through English. For further advice please contact: - EU undergraduate applicants: UCD Admissions - EU graduate applicants: contact the school to which you are applying. - Non-EU applicants: UCD Global |
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Please note an interview may also be required in addition to the minimum standards above, at the discretion of the Programme Board.
Generally tests of English are evaluated against the CEFR framework and must be at C1/C2 band level on an academic rather than vocational certificates Requests for recognition of new tests may be made by the examining body. These are considered jointly by the Irish HEIs. This process may take several months to complete.
The full policy is available on the policy website.
Entry Requirements
Contact UCD Registry
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