IELTS Score for Ireland: Minimum Requirements, Top Universities

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

7 mins read
Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Sep 23, 2024 15:30 IST

International students who are opting for Ireland for their higher studies have to submit their IELTS score for demonstrating their English proficiency. If you are planning to study in Irish universities you can aim for an overall IELTS band score of 6.0 & above. The article has all details on minimum IELTS score requirements for top universities in Ireland, along with the course-wise requirements.

IELTS Score for Ireland Ireland has become a top destination for international students seeking quality education and a welcoming environment. As English is the primary language of instruction in Ireland, applicants can consider taking the IELTS exam. An IELTS score for Ireland is equally essential to get admission in Irish universities

The minimum IELTS score requirements in Ireland can vary significantly based on the level of study and the university you opt for. Generally, Ireland IELTS requirements for a Bachelor's Degree will be around 6.0 to 6.5. On the other hand, Ireland IELTS requirements for Masters will be around 6.5 to 7.0.

One who is planning to study in Ireland and wants to know about the IELTS score requirement in Irish universities can read the article below. The articles include IELTS requirements in Ireland for both undergraduate and postgraduate university programmes in Irish top institutions.

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IELTS requirement for Ireland Universities 

The degree wise general IELTS score for Ireland is mentioned below. 

Type of Degree

IELTS Score Requirement

Bachelor's Degree

Overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5

Postgraduate Degree

Overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0

Foundation Courses

Overall IELTS score of 4.5 to 7.0

Note: The aforementioned minimum Ireland IELTS requirements are the general data and are subject to change. It will depend upon the university and course you are applying to.








IELTS Score Requirement for Top Universities in Ireland

Ireland offers the best education with 8 top-level universities ranked in QS World University Ranking 2025. Every student has a dream of getting admission to top Ireland university. One can check the minimum IELTS score for Ireland's top universities from the table below. 







QS Rank

University

Minimum IELTS Score

81

Trinity College Dublin

6.5 & Above

171

University College Dublin

6.5 & Above

292

University College Cork

6.5 & Above

289

University of Galway

6.5 & Above

436

Dublin City University

6.5 & Above

426

University of Limerick

6.5 & Above

801-850

Maynooth University

6.5 & Above

851-900

Technological University Dublin

6.0 & Above

The top universitis in Ireland requires a IELTS band score between 6.0-6.5, and above. So, students planning to study in Ireland should aim IELTS band score higher than 6.0.

IELTS Score Requirements for Popular Degrees in Ireland

MBA, MS, BE/B.Tech are some of the popular degrees offered in Ireland universities. Knowing the IELTS requirements to study BE/B.Tech, MS, MBA in Ireland will help students in getting admissions. The degree-wise IELTS scores in Ireland are mentioned below.

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IELTS Score Requirement for MBA in Ireland

One can check the MBA IELTS requirements in Ireland for the top universities from the below mentioned table. 

Ireland Universities for MBA

Minimum IELTS Score

Trinity College Dublin 

6.5 

University College Dublin

6.5 - 7

University College Cork

6.5 & Above

University of Galway

6.5 & Above

Dublin City University

6.5 & Above

University of Limerick

6.5 & Above

Maynooth University

6.5 & Above

Technological University Dublin

6.0 & Above

Also Read:

IELTS Score Requirement for MS in Ireland

Students can check the Ireland IELTS requirement for Masters, specifically MS courses from the table below. 

University

Minimum IELTS Score

Trinity College Dublin

6.5 & Above

University College Dublin

6.5 - 7

University College Cork

6.5 - 7

University of Galway

6.5 & Above

Dublin City University

6.5 & Above

University of Limerick

6.5 & Above

Maynooth University

6.5 & Above

Technological University Dublin

6.5 - 7

Check Also:

IELTS Score Requirement for BE/B.Tech in Ireland

The IELTS score for BE/B.Tech in Ireland can be checked from the table below. 

University

Minimum IELTS Score

Trinity College Dublin

6.5 & Above

University College Dublin

6.5 & Above

University College Cork

6.5 & Above

University of Galway

6.5 & Above

Dublin City University

6.5 & Above

University of Limerick

6.5 & Above

Maynooth University

6.5 & Above

Technological University Dublin

6.0 & Above

Minimum Score Requirement for Ireland Student Visa

When applying for a student visa to Ireland, understanding the English language proficiency requirements is crucial. The minimum IELTS score required for an Ireland student visa is 5.0 overall.

It is mandatory for one to apply for an Ireland Study Visa up to 3 months before the date of travel to Ireland. In order to apply for a long-stay D Study Visa in Ireland one needs to pay €60 for a single entry and that will be valid for 90 days. You have to pay €100 for a long-stay D Visa with multiple entries. 

Factors Influencing Ireland IELTS Score Requirements

The specific IELTS score requirements in IELTS are depend upon several factors:

  • Course Type: The IELTS score requirements will depend upon which course you are opting for during the admission. 
  • University Policies: Each Irish university sets its own standards based on academic criteria and program demands.
  • Competitive Programs: Programs with limited spots or high demand may have high language proficiency standards.

Alternative English Tests that Are Accepted in Ireland

In addition to IELTS, other tests are accepted for demonstrating English proficiency:

  • TOEFL: Minimum scores typically range from 47 to 61.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score of around 30 to 65.
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum scores of 55 for foundation courses and 75 for other courses.

How to score a good IELTS score for Ireland?

Scoring a good IELTS score requires a deep understanding of the IELTS exam syllabus, pattern and proper preparation strategies. One needs to practice more and more for a better IELTS score. Shiksha Study Abroad has introduced a new, 1-month free online IELTS course, one can opt for this free course and get benefitted.

Check the IELTS prep tips to aim for a higher score for admission at top Ireland universities.

  • Candidates should check out the IELTS exam format, section wise question structure, syllabus and related information. 
  • As, the IELTS exam asseses, English proficiency level of a candidate, so regular vocabulary building and reading is a must. 
  • One needs to understand the importance of time manamgement for IELTS exam and practice accordingly. 
  • An IELTS test-taking strategy needs to be developed to get a good IELTS score by priortising equal preparation time for all four sections of IELTS. 
  • Practice your skill for IELTS Listening Section by listening to different type of audios.
  • Improve your reading skills with regular practice to attempt IELTS Reading Section.
  • One also needs to focus on their writing preparation to get a high score on the IELTS Writing Section.
  • Improve your speaking skills by attempting communication on different types of topics to prepare for the IELTS Speaking Section.

Some important considerations students should make for IELTS before applying to Ireland universities is that, the IELTS certificate must be issued within two years of your expected course start date. Plus, note that different institutions may have varying requirements; hence, it is essential to verify the requirements of your chosen university or course before applying. Lastly, focus on your IELTS preparation, aiming for the required band score.

IELTS Score for Ireland FAQs

Q. Can I go Ireland with 5.5 IELTS score?

A. The minimum IELTS score required for Irish universities is 6.0 & above. So, it will be little difficult for one to get admission in an Irish university with an IELTS score of 5.5 and below. 

Q. Is 7.5 a good IELTS score for Ireland?

A. Top Ireland universities like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork require a IELTS score of 6.5 & above so, IELTS score of 7.5 is considered to be a good score for getting admission in IReland universities.  

Q. How much IELTS score is required for Ireland for nurses?

A. The minimum IELTS score required for Nurses in Ireland is an overall band of 7.0. Ireland NMBI is the respective authorities which specified the IELTS score for Ireland nurses 2024.

Q. Can I get a Ireland student visa on 5.5 band?

A. In order to apply for an Ireland student visa, the minimum IELTS score requirement will be around 5.0 overall. So, any IELTS score above 5.0 will make you eligible to apply for an Ireland student visa.  

Q:   Which countries require IELTS score for admission?

A:

In order to be eligible to study abroad, IELTS ecam scores will be required in majority of the English speaking countries. In total there are 140 countries which accept IELTS scores for admissions from international students. Some of these top countries are as follows:

Q:   What are the requirements for admission to Griffith College (Ireland)?

A:

International students can apply for Griffith College admission through the official website. We have mentioned below the Griffith College requirements for international undergraduate and graduate admissions:

Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:

  • Completion of secondary school comparable to Australian Year 12 or equivalent academic achievement
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit the additional test score for ACT/SAT  (if required)

Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:

  • Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent) from a recognised university
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit the additional test score of GMAT/ACT/

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?

A:

National College of Ireland is one of the best public research universities in the Ireland. The National College of Ireland is among the colleges that do not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources including EduRank, the National College of Ireland acceptance rate is 52%. This shows that NCI is moderately selective for admissions and international students may find it comparatively tougher to get into. Please note that, the data on the acceptance rate is taken from unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   How many IELTS test centres are there in India?

A:

Spread across 75+ Indian cities, there are approximately 78 IELTS test centres. Indian applicants planning to take IELTS exam, can choose from any 78 test centres and appear for the exam. Applicants should ideally choose the nearest IELTS exam centre for taking the exam. 

Q:   How can I apply for Dublin Business School Ireland admissions?

A:

Dublin Business School accepts international applications through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. Students can refer to the listings below for the steps to apply at DBS Ireland:

Step 1: Open the Application Portal and head to the form

Step 2: Select the student type and course

Step 3: Course selection:

  • Select a course type
  • Select a course
  • Select the year of entry as ‘Year 1’
  • Choose the batch commencement date

Step 4: Enter personal details:

  • Add details like name, date of birth, contact details, gender, nationality, etc
  • Address
  • Emergency contact details

Step 5: Keep filling the details and continue until the last step:

  • Insert previous education information
  • Input other details

Step 6: Submit the application form

Q:   In which US Universities is IELTS accepted for admissions?

A:

IELTS Band Scores are widely accepted across universities in USA, Canada and other English speaking countries. Check: IELTS Scores at the Best Universities in US IELTS scores across popular universities in the US:

S.no.UniversitiesRequired IELTS score
1Arizona State University6.0
2Washington University in State Louis6.5
3University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign6.5
4Colorado State University6.0
5Saint Louis University6.5
6The University of Texas at Arlington6.5
7Pace University7.0
8University of New Haven7.5
9Iowa State University6.0
10Northeastern University7.0

Q:   Which are the good countries I may get admission with 5.5 IELTS score?

A:

An IELTS band score between 5.0 and 5.5 is considered a modest score. And will not make you eligible to apply to Tier I universities abroad. Students should note that English language scores are university specific. So while your English language scores would be required as part of your student visa application, however, they are an integral part of your university admission requirements. An IELTS band score of 5.0 – 5.5 will not make you eligible for top-ranking universities. However, with an IELTS 5.5 band score, you will be eligible to select a few universities in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Singapore among others. Candidates can check out universities accepting a 5.5 band scale using our score filter here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-computer-science-engineering-from-abroad-ds11509277

Q:   How many US Universiies are accepting IELTS exam scores?

A:

The IELTS exam is widely popular in many English-speaking countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia and the USA. A majority of US universities accept IELTS scores. Candidates can check on the university's official website or connect with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors to learn about English language requirements for universities across the USA.

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Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content

Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio

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Chandra
MBA, MS & UG in Europe

Chandra has been mentoring students for the past seven years and has expertise in overseas counseling for those applying to Sweden, Germany, France, and Ireland. He is a people person and enjoys interacting with peo... Read Full Bio

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