English Language Requirements (For Non-Irish EU Applicants)

Policy Owner: Director Of Recruitment and Admissions, and Head of Access and Participation
Policy Operator: UCC Admissions Offices
Date Last Reviewed: 11 March 2026

Purpose

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only).

Recognaised Tests

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test. A list of recognised English language test is detailed below:

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic Cambridge Linguaskill

LanguageCert Academic (LCA) University of Cambridge

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) UK Examining Boards/Bodies

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)

Pearson English language text (PTE Academic) and PTE Academic Online Trinity ISE

Oxford English Test Language Cert IELCA Acadmic

Skills for English QQI FET ESL

Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or “Communications” (level 5) Applicants must achieve the minimum standard, which is outlined here.

EU Countries’ Matriculation Examination

Matriculation Examinations from European Countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved. Where the examination has been taken more than 2 years previously candidates may be required to take a proficiency test.
Where an English proficiency test which is scored on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is presented as part of a school-leaving qualification, grade must be C1/C2.

Or an equivalent level of English in a recognised examination

Proficiency tests are used to meet entry requirements but do not count towards points scores. For all proficiency tests the results must normally have issued within two years prior to the start of your course (i.e. for entry in September 2026, only results attained since 1 February 2024 will be accepted).

Note: Where an applicant shows evidence of hearing impairment which meets the requirements for access, the English language requirements can be met without the hearing and speaking components.