In This Section
Introduction
The minimum standards on this page are for visa purposes. The minimum English language standard for your course, as set down by the college concerned, may be different.
English language course applicants are not required to provide evidence from a test provider when submitting their application. However, you may be asked by the Visa Officer to provide alternative evidence of a basic level of English before coming to Ireland.
The certificate of your English language standard must have been issued within 2 years of the expected start date of your course.
In addition, to address problems being experienced accessing supervised tests because of Covid-19, we will also accept the results of online tests from the Test Providers.
Current minimum English language standards
| Test Provider | 2nd level* and foundation level** or preparatory English course*** | All other courses (not 2nd level and not preparatory English) |
| Cambridge English Language Assessments (CELA) |
Pass in Preliminary English Test | Pass in
|
| Duolingo English Test | 55 | 75 |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) |
B1 | B2 |
| International English Language Competency Assessment (IELCA) | B1 | B2 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| International English Language Testing System UKVI IELTS | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 30 | 30 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet base test (TOEFL iBT), and TOEFL iBT At Home Edition | 47 | 61 |
| Oxford Test of English | 81 | 100 |
| Skills for English Four Facet Test | B1 | B2 |
| Language Cert International ESOL | B1 | B2 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 40 | 60 |
| Trinity College London | Integrated Skills in English ISE I (B1) | Integrated Skills in English ISE II (B2) |
The table above refers to language requirements for immigration purposes only. The onus is also on each student to ensure that they meet the language requirements of their intended college/educational institution.
* 2nd level education courses may only be undertaken in a private, fee-paying school or college.
** Foundation level refers to Level 5 courses on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
*** If you need to complete a preparatory English course before you start the main course (for example, you want to do a degree course and your English language needs to be improved before you can do the degree course) then the following additional rules apply.
- The preparatory English course must not exceed 6 months in duration
- You must submit a detailed study plan with your visa application, including:
(a) the duration and dates of your preparatory English course; and
(b) details and dates of your main course of study. - Fees must be paid in full to the college(s) for both the preparatory English course and the first year of your main course. Evidence of the payments must accompany your visa application.