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Is it mandatory to appear for IELTS for Ireland and UK admissions, and can I apply without IELTS if I have more than 65% in 12th English or a medium of instruction letter?

19 Jun 2026 · Answered by Pallavi Attri · 1 min read
Pallavi Attri
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You may not need IELTS for some universities in the UK and Ireland if you have strong 12th-grade English marks or a medium of instruction letter, but policies vary by institution. Check the specific requirements of each university you’re interested in and contact their admissions office directly to confirm if your documents are acceptable before applying. This will help ensure a smooth application process.

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Rakshitha Muthukumar
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It depends. Some universities in Germany, Ireland, and the UK may waive the IELTS requirement if you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter confirming your previous degree was taught in English.

- UK: Many universities accept an MOI letter for Master's programs, especially for students from English-medium institutions in India.
- Ireland: Some universities are flexible and may accept MOI for postgraduate admissions, but this varies by institution.
- Germany: A few universities may accept MOI for English-taught programs, but most still prefer standardized tests like IELTS.

Policies are subject to change and depend on the specific university. If you want to explore IELTS waivers, discuss your options with your LeapScholar counsellor.

Pallavi Attri
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Yes, most international students, including those from India, are typically required to demonstrate English language proficiency - usually through tests like IELTS or TOEFL - when applying to study in Ireland or other countries.

- Ireland: Most universities require an English test score. For example, an overall IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) is a common minimum.
- Other countries: The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others have similar requirements.
- Some universities may accept alternatives, such as prior education in English or other tests (like PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test), or may offer conditional admission with English preparatory courses.

Requirements vary by university and program and are subject to change. If you need help understanding specific requirements or preparing for these tests, contact your LeapScholar counsellor.

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