Ireland is among the most preferred study abroad destinations in the world for international students. It is home to more than 32,000 international students representing countries like China, India, Malaysia, etc. Over 2,000 students from India are studying in Ireland. The language of instruction in Ireland is English which is why your IELTS scores are very important for immigration and admission. But how can one achieve higher IELTS scores to stand out in the competition and get into one of the top institutions in Ireland?
Firstly, one must understand the various IELTS requirements like no less than 5.5 band for undergraduate courses, 6.0 for postgraduate students, and above 7 for the top universities. If you have made up your mind to study in Ireland and wish to know in detail about the other Ireland IELTS requirements, get started with this blog!
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Minimum IELTS Band Required for Ireland Courses
Is IELTS required for Ireland to that extent? Yes, the IELTS score required for Ireland varies for different institutions, levels of study and choice of program. Usually, a minimum IELTS score for Ireland is 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent is expected for admission to universities in Ireland. Let us understand the minimum Ireland IELTS score required for various courses in Ireland:
1. Bachelor’s Degree
You can earn an ordinary bachelor’s degree in Ireland within 3 years, while you require up to 4 years to complete an honours bachelor degree. The former is classified at NFQ Level 7 while the latter at NFQ Level 8. The Ireland IELTS score requirement for a bachelor’s degree program is 6.0-6.5 and usually remains the same for all courses.
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IELTS Requirement |
6.0-6.5 |
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Other Requirements |
Pass Grade XII Examination Overall average of 70-80% |
2. Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in Ireland can be completed in 1-2 years duration and is classified as an NFQ Level 9 qualification. An IELTS score of 6.5 is ideally required for admission to master’s degree programs. However, universities may require an IELTS score of 7.0 for admission to some master’s degree programs.
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IELTS Requirement |
6.5-7.0 |
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Other Requirements |
Hold 2:1 or 2:2 bachelor’s degree (honors) Overall average of 50-55% for 2:2 equivalent or 65-70% for 2:1 equivalent |
3. Higher Diploma Programs
The higher diploma programs in Ireland are classified as NFQ Level 8, similar to honours bachelor’s degree. These programs can be completed within 1 year. You can apply for a higher diploma program only after completing a general or honours bachelor’s degree.
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IELTS Requirement |
6.0 |
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Other Requirements |
A general or honours bachelor’s degree Overall average of 50-55% |
4. Postgraduate Diploma
You can apply for a postgraduate diploma in Ireland after completing an honours bachelor’s degree. The standard course duration is 1 year. This qualification is classed as NFQ Level 9, similar to a master’s degree program.
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IELTS Requirement |
6.0-6.5 |
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Other Requirements |
A general or honours bachelor’s degree Overall average of 50-55% |
Suggested: Education System in Ireland
Now you know the Ireland IELTS requirement for various degrees. Next, let’s check out what is the IELTS required for Ireland top universities.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score for Top Universities in Ireland?
IELTS exam is scored on 4 categories: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Here you need to understand that there might be different minimum thresholds for the overall score and the score for any of the 4 components.
Take a look at the table below to learn more about the Ireland score for IELTS requirements for various levels of courses offered by some of the top-ranked institutions in Ireland:
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University |
IELTS Requirement |
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Undergraduate: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 Postgraduate: Overall 6.5 Dental and Medical courses: 7.0, no band less than 7.0 |
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All courses: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 |
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All courses: 6.5, no band less than 5.5 Medicine courses: 6.5, no band less than 6.5 |
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Undergraduate: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 Postgraduate: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 |
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All courses: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 Dublin Business School: 6.5 with 6.5 in speaking and writing |
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All courses: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 |
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All courses: Overall 6.5 Business degrees: 6.5 with 6.0 in reading and writing MSc in Immunology and Global Health: 7.0 with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in other components |
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All courses: 6.0, with no band less than 6.0 |
Suggested: IELTS Exam Preparation
Next, let’s explore minimum Ireland band requirement for student visa.
What are the Minimum Band Requirements for Ireland Student Visa?
You must check the minimum band requirements that satisfy English language requirements for an Ireland student visa. The minimum IELTS score for Ireland is 5.0, which is applicable for all courses except 2nd level or English preparatory courses. However, keep in mind that these minimum requirements are for immigration purposes only. The institution where you are seeking admission may have different score expectations.
Note that your English language certificate must be issued within the last 2 years from your expected course start date.
Suggested: PR in Ireland
Now you know how much IELTS scores required for Ireland. Next, let’s check the…
IELTS Score vs Alternative English Language Proficiency Scores to Study in Ireland?
Apart from IELTS, the most commonly accepted English language test scores for institutions in Ireland are TOEFL, Pearson, and Duolingo. Let us take a look at the other English language test scores equivalent to IELTS score for Ireland:
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IELTS Band |
Equivalent Scores |
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5 |
TOEFL: 45 Duolingo: 75 PTE: 55 |
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5.5 |
TOEFL: 60 Duolingo: 85 PTE: 60 |
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6 |
TOEFL: 80 Duolingo: 95 PTE: 65 |
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6.5 |
TOEFL: 92 Duolingo: 105 PTE: 70 |
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7 |
TOEFL: 100 Duolingo: 115 PTE: 75 |
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7.5 |
TOEFL: 105 Duolingo: 125 PTE: 80 |
Suggested: Cost of Studying in Ireland
Now you know how much IELTS score required for Ireland. However, to study in Ireland there are other alternatives to the IELTS as well. For example, if you happen to have completed higher secondary education in Ireland, your Irish leaving certificate, GCSE result, or GCE-O level results can be your alternatives to IELTS.
We hope you find this guide on IELTS and other language proficiency test options for Ireland helpful. For more information about part-time jobs, internships, accommodation, and other questions, you can check out our extensive page on studying in Ireland. Besides, to take guidance from expert counsellors at any step of your study abroad journey, subscribe to Yocket premium. Our service will surely make your dream a success!
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