With an endless scenic landscape and a world-class education system, Ireland makes it one of the top countries in all of Europe for higher education. You’d be surprised to know that the number of Indian students in Ireland has increased tenfold over the past decade, rising from approximately 700 in 2013 to over 7,000 in 2023, with expectations to reach 10,000 soon!
If you also aspire to study at the top universities in Ireland, you must meet English proficiency requirements, such as taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS test assesses proficiency across four skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing, and is graded on a band scale from 0 to 9.
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Moreover, IELTS proficiency is also crucial if you intend to work in Ireland or to secure an Irish study visa. Now that IELTS is widely recognised in Ireland, it’s time to help you learn the specifics about the minimum IELTS score for Ireland universities.
Dive in for details!
Key Highlights
The table below summarises all the information you need about the IELTS score for Ireland.
| Particulars | Details |
| IELTS Score for Ireland’s Top Universities | Bachelor’s Degree: 6.5 Master’s Degree: 6 to 7 |
| IELTS Score for Nurses in Ireland | 7 |
| IELTS Score for Ireland Student Visa | 6.5 |
| English Proficiency Exams to Study in Ireland without IELTS | TOEFL PTE Duolingo |
Why do Students Choose IELTS for Studying in Ireland?
Did you know that there are over 12,000 organisations that trust IELTS to measure the ability to communicate in English reliably. This widespread trust indicates that IELTS is recognised globally as a reliable assessment of English proficiency.
Here are a few reasons why students choose IELTS to study in Ireland.
- Accepted by Most Universities in Ireland: IELTS scores are widely recognised and accepted by the majority of universities in Ireland as proof of English language proficiency for admission purposes. Hence, understanding the IELTS score for Ireland is essential for prospective students planning to study there.
- Two Test Formats Available: You can choose between pen and paper or computer-delivered tests based on your preference. This flexibility allows you to choose the format that best suits your comfort and preference.
- Face-to-face Speaking Test: You’ll have a real-life examiner to assess your speaking skills, which can be more effective than automated systems.
- Flexible Test Dates: IELTS offers paper-based tests up to 4 times a month and computer-delivered tests available 7 days a week with 3 sessions per day. This allows you to select a time that fits your preparation schedule.
- Quick Results: If you take the IELTS on the computer, you can receive your results within 3-5 days after taking the exam. This quick turnaround time provides you with timely feedback on your English language proficiency, helping you to plan your next steps for studying or working in Ireland efficiently.
IELTS Band Requirement for Education
Wondering how many bands are required for Ireland? Well, the required IELTS score for Ireland universities varies depending on the type of degree.
Furthermore, students applying for various study programs in Ireland must fulfil the specific English language requirements established by the university and as per the chosen course.
Here is a list of the different education programs and IELTS band requirements to study in Ireland.
| Type of Degree | IELTS Band Score Requirement |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 6.5 |
| Post Graduation Degree | 6 to 7 |
| Foundation Course | 4.5 |
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Ireland Band Requirement for Undergraduate Courses
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Ireland is an excellent decision. Here’s why!
- Ireland is a modern and safe country with many top universities and technology institutes. It ranks third among the safest countries in the world.
- Ireland’s economy is projected to expand by 1.2% in 2024 and 3.6% in 2025, driven by improvements in global trade, declining inflation rates, and a robust labour market. This economic strength makes Ireland an attractive destination for graduates worldwide.
Bachelor’s degrees in Ireland usually take 3 or 4 years to complete, and you have the opportunity to choose from over 1,500 Bachelor’s programs entirely taught in English. Most undergraduate programs award the following degrees.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
- For 4-year programs, they may include an “Honours” designation, like B.A. Hons or B.Sc. Hons.
Students applying to undergraduate courses must fulfil the specific IELTS Ireland band requirement.
Here is a list of the top 5 universities according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 and their required IELTS score for Ireland undergraduate courses.
| University | Ireland IELTS Score for Students Pursuing Undergraduate Courses |
| Trinity College Dublin | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University College Dublin | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University College Cork | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University of Galway | 6.5 (No individual band below 5.5) |
| Dublin City University | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
Ireland Band Requirement for Postgraduate Courses
In Ireland, there are more than 1,000 Master’s programs taught entirely in English. Most Master’s degrees here typically last one year if pursued full-time and longer if taken part-time. Some of the popular courses you can pursue here are as follows.
- Art, Design and Media
- Business and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Humanities
To be eligible for a postgraduate program, you generally need to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. Additionally, many top universities in Ireland require proof of English language proficiency through a test result such as IELTS.
Students applying for master’s courses should take note of the following required IELTS score for Ireland.
| University | Ireland IELTS Score for Students Pursuing Postgraduate Courses |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University College Dublin | 7.0 (No individual band below 6) |
| University College Cork | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University of Galway | 6.5 (No less than 6.5 in writing and no less than 6 in any other one component) |
| Dublin City University | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
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IELTS Band Requirement for Foundation Courses
Foundation courses in Ireland are customised for international students seeking to pursue undergraduate degrees at Irish universities but need additional preparation to meet eligibility requirements. These courses cover subjects such as business, finance, management, computing, law, art and design, and engineering.
The duration of foundation courses varies, lasting from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the university and specific programme requirements.
International students aiming to enrol in a foundation course in Ireland need a minimum IELTS score of 4.5, with no individual score lower than 4.0. If you do not have formal English qualifications, you may be required to attend an English language course or college before beginning your foundation program.
Here are specific IELTS score requirements set by different universities in Ireland that you must be aware of before applying for foundation courses.
| University | Ireland IELTS Score for Students Pursuing Foundation Courses |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 5.0 (With 5 in writing and no band below 4.5) |
| University of Galway | 5 to 5.5 (No individual band below 4.5) |
| University of Limerick | 5.5 (No individual band below 5) |
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IELTS Requirement for the Top Universities in Ireland
Now that you know the minimum ielts score for Ireland for different programs, it’s time to get an idea of the IELTS requirements at the top universities in Ireland.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, 8 prestigious universities in Ireland rank among the top 1,000 globally, highlighting Ireland as an excellent study destination. For international students planning to study in Ireland, the minimum IELTS band requirement is 6.5 for admission to these top universities.
Read further to learn about the specific IELTS score needed for Ireland’s top-ranked universities.
| University | IELTS Score for Ireland (Undergraduate Programs) | IELTS Score for Ireland (Postgraduate Programs) |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University College Dublin | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) | 7.0 (No individual band below 6) |
| University College Cork | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University of Galway | 6.5 (No individual band below 5.5) | 6.5 (No less than 6.5 in writing and no less than 6 in any other one component) |
| Dublin City University | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| University of Limerick | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| Maynooth University | 6.5 | 6.5 (No individual band below 6) |
| Technological University Dublin | 6 (No individual band below 6) | 6 (No individual band below 6) |
Some of the various factors that can influence the IELTS score requirements for courses in Ireland are as follows.
- Each university sets its English proficiency standards based on academic criteria.
- Higher-level courses or specific literature programs may require advanced English speaking and writing abilities and higher IELTS scores.
For instance, admission to dental courses at Trinity College Dublin requires an academic IELTS overall score of 7, with at least 7 in each band.
IELTS Score for Ireland Student Visa
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (NIS) requires an overall IELTS Academic Test score of at least 6.5 out of 9. Getting an IELTS certificate is a must if you want to apply to a university in Ireland and get an Irish study visa. This certificate shows that you have good enough English skills to succeed academically and fit into university life in Ireland.
IELTS Score For Ireland Work Visa
Did you know in 2023, Ireland issued a total of 18,367 employment permits, with 6,868 permits granted to Indians across various industries?
Students applying for Ireland work visas from non-English speaking countries require IELTS scores for a successful application. Many organisations in Ireland accept an IELTS band score of 5.0. However, your specific IELTS score requirements may vary depending on your employer and the type of job you are applying for.
There are 4 pathways to acquiring Permanent Residency (PR) in Ireland, and the IELTS score requirements vary for each pathway.
Keep reading to learn more about the specific IELTS score requirements for each of these pathways.
| Pathways to Attain Ireland PR | IELTS Score for Ireland PR |
| Study Visa Route | 5* |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | No explicit IELTS requirement |
| General Employment Work Permit | No explicit IELTS requirement |
| Sport and Cultural Employment Permit | No explicit IELTS requirement |
IELTS Test Fee for Indian Students to Study in Ireland
Whether it’s for your student visa, emigration, professional development, or a UK visa, consider taking IELTS – the world’s foremost secure English language test for Ireland.
The IELTS exam fee in India is INR 17,000 for the IELTS Academic Test. This test is ideal if you plan to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or if you aim to work in a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.
Here are the details of all the fees Indian students will encounter when taking IELTS to study in Ireland.
| Particulars | Fees |
| IELTS on Computer | INR 17,000 (EUR 186) |
| Rescheduling Fee | INR 4,250 (EUR 46) |
| Rechecking Fee or Enquiry on Results Fee | INR 12,750 (EUR 140) |
Can You Study in Ireland Without IELTS?
One of the most common questions asked by students planning to study in Ireland is, “Can I study there without taking the IELTS test?” The straightforward answer is yes!
Students aiming to pursue higher education abroad in English-speaking countries like Ireland need to demonstrate their language proficiency. In the past, IELTS was the primary method for this. However, as of 2024, there are now more alternatives available to meet English language requirements.
Alternatives to IELTS
If you’re considering other English proficiency tests, explore other options like TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE.
That said, it is important to know that while these tests are gaining recognition, they may not be as widely accepted as IELTS by all universities. However, they offer certain advantages and can be beneficial if you encounter time constraints with IELTS.
Here are the minimum English proficiency scores needed to study in Ireland for TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE.
| English Proficiency Exams | Minimum Scores |
| TOEFL | 90/120With no less than 21 in writing and 19 in all the other sections |
| PTE | 63/90, with 59 in each category |
| Duolingo | 105 to 120 |
Conclusion
Whether you’re pursuing studies or career opportunities, IELTS helps bridge the gap to your aspirations. Immigration authorities also acknowledge IELTS results as evidence of your English proficiency for visa applications.
With over 3.5 million tests taken annually and trusted by millions globally, IELTS is widely recognised. Every university, college, and professional association in Ireland accepts IELTS, making it the preferred option to embark on your educational journey in Ireland.
While LeapScholar experts have covered everything extensively in this guide on the required IELTS score for Ireland, if you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.
LeapScholar provides expert counselling with a team that has over 50 years of combined experience in assisting students with studying abroad. Ready to take the next step? Book a free counselling session today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are the minimum IELTS requirements for Ireland?
Ans. The minimum IELTS requirements for Ireland vary depending on the university, program of study, and sometimes even the specific course. However, for Bachelor’s degrees, the typical IELTS requirement is 6.5, while for Master’s degrees, the score requirement generally ranges from 6 to 7.
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Q. What is the minimum IELTS score for nurses in Ireland?
Ans. The minimum IELTS score required for nurses in Ireland, as mandated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), is as follows.
Overall Band Score: A minimum of 7.0
Individual Sections: A score of 7.0 in each module, with at least 6.5 in any one module -
Q. Can one go to Ireland with a 5.5 IELTS score?
Ans. In general, international students aiming to enter an Irish university typically need to achieve a minimum overall band score of at least 5.5 on the 9-band IELTS scale.
However, requirements may vary among universities, particularly for higher-ranked institutions, based on their specific criteria. -
Q. Do you need IELTS to go to Ireland?
Ans. If you have ambitions to study at prestigious universities in Ireland, meeting English proficiency requirements is essential. This often involves taking the IELTS, which evaluates proficiency in speaking, reading, listening, and writing on a scale from 0 to 9. Additionally, demonstrating proficiency in IELTS is crucial for those aiming to work in Ireland or obtain an Irish study visa.
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Q. What is the minimum IELTS score for Ireland student visa?
Ans. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (NIS) mandates an overall score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS Academic Test out of a maximum of 9. Obtaining an IELTS certificate is essential when applying to universities in Ireland and seeking an Irish study visa. This certificate verifies that you possess adequate English skills to excel academically and integrate into university life in Ireland.
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Q. Can one get PR in Ireland without IELTS?
Ans. There are four pathways to acquiring a Permanent Residency (PR) in Ireland, each with varying IELTS score requirements.
Study Visa Route: No explicit IELTS requirement
Critical Skills Employment Permit: No explicit IELTS requirement
General Employment Work Permit: No explicit IELTS requirement
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit: No explicit IELTS requirement -
Q. Is 6.5 IELTS low enough to study in Ireland?
Ans. A score of 6.5 in IELTS is generally considered adequate for studying in Ireland, especially for undergraduate and some postgraduate programs. However, it’s important to check the specific requirements of the university and program you are applying to. For instance, admission to dental courses at Trinity College Dublin requires an academic IELTS overall score of 7, with at least 7 in each band.
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Q. Which exam is required for Ireland?
Ans. The primary exam required for admission to universities and colleges in Ireland is the IELTS. This test assesses proficiency in English across four skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. It is widely recognized and accepted by most institutions in Ireland.
In addition to IELTS, some universities and colleges in Ireland also accept alternative English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English Test. These alternatives provide flexibility for applicants who may prefer or need to take a different test based on their circumstances. -
Q. Can I get a job in Ireland without IELTS?
Ans. A. Students applying for Ireland work visas from non-English speaking countries generally need IELTS scores for a successful application. Many organisations in Ireland accept an IELTS band score of 5.0. However, specific IELTS score requirements may vary based on your employer and the type of job you are applying for.
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Q. Is 8.0 IELTS good?
Ans. An IELTS score of 8.0 is considered excellent and demonstrates a very high level of English proficiency. This score typically indicates a strong command of the language across all four skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. It is often sufficient for admission to prestigious universities and institutions in Ireland.
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Q. Does Ireland accept PTE?
Ans. Yes, Ireland accepts PTE as an alternative English proficiency test for admission to universities and colleges. Alongside IELTS, PTE is recognised and accepted by many educational institutions in Ireland. However, it is advisable to check with the specific institution you are applying to for their accepted English proficiency tests and score requirements.
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Q. Which course is famous in Ireland?
Ans. Several courses are highly sought after in Ireland, reflecting the country’s strengths in various fields. Some of the popular courses are as follows.
Business and Management
Computer Science and Information Technology
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil)
Medicine and Healthcare
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