Is IELTS mandatory for going to Ireland or the UK, and is it required only for visa purposes?

It depends. IELTS is generally required for both university admission and student visa applications in the UK and Ireland, but it's not always mandatory.

Most universities in both countries expect an IELTS Academic score to prove English proficiency. Typical requirements range from 6.0 to 7.5 overall, but some universities may waive IELTS if your previous education was entirely in English or if you can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. Alternatives like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test are sometimes accepted.

For visas, both countries require proof of English ability that usually matches university admission standards. In the UK, you may need IELTS for UKVI unless you hold a degree taught in English. In Ireland, visa requirements generally follow university criteria.