Can I submit a TOEFL score instead of IELTS for my master's application to some universities in Ireland and Singapore?
Yes, most universities in Ireland and Singapore accept TOEFL iBT instead of IELTS; Trinity College Dublin requires 90, NUS typically needs 85, and NTU sets its own program-specific minimums, though a fully English-taught bachelor's degree may also qualify you for a waiver.
Yes, most universities in Ireland and Singapore accept TOEFL iBT as an alternative to IELTS for master's applications, and some will waive the test entirely if your bachelor's degree was taught fully in English. The exact minimum score depends on both the university and the specific program.
TOEFL and IELTS Requirements by University
| University | Typical TOEFL iBT | Typical IELTS Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | 90 | Around 6.5 |
| NUS (coursework master's) | 85 | 6.0 |
| NTU | Varies by program | Varies by program |
When You Might Not Need Either Test
- Medium of Instruction certificate: If your bachelor's was taught entirely in English, some universities accept an MOI letter instead of a test score.
- Program-specific exemptions: Certain courses waive the requirement outright for applicants from English-medium undergraduate backgrounds.
- Always confirm directly: Exemption rules differ enough between departments that you should check your specific program page before skipping the test.
My Advice
Before you register for either exam, email the admissions office of your shortlisted program and ask specifically whether your English-medium bachelor's degree qualifies you for a waiver, since this can save you both the fee and the preparation time. If a waiver is not available, I would take whichever test, TOEFL or IELTS, you already have more practice material and comfort with, since neither one carries a meaningful admissions advantage over the other.
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