Minimum English Language Requirements

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. If you are presenting other examinations through English, you are required to have the specified equivalent. If you are studying in another education system you are required to show equivalent competency in English either through your school leaving examination or matriculation 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 also be taken into account at the discretion of the school/Graduate Research 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 2023, results must have been attained since 1 February 2021).

Single Sitting Rule: Applicants 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
IELTS	An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. In 2022 and 2023 we will accept IELTS indicator. It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review.
TOEFL	Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section. In 2022 and 2023 we will accept TOEFL Home Edition. . It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review.
Cambridge Examinations	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)
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 UCD Applied Language Centre page.
UK Examining Boards/Bodies	GCE O-Level English Language at Grade C or above GCSE English Language at Grade C or above GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
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 The "At Home" version will be accepted in 2022 and 2023. It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review.
QQI FET ESL	Merit or Distinction in the level 5 modules "English as a Second language" or "Communications"
Duolingo English Test (DET)	The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
Oxford Test of English	Minimum score of 130 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.
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 For EU undergraduate applicants: UCD Admissions For EU graduate applicants: contact the school to which you are applying For non-EU applicants: UCD Global

Please note an interview may also be required in addition to the minimum standards above, at the discretion of the Programme Board.

Entry Requirements

last edited October 2022