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: 18 February 2021

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, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):

Duolingo English Test (DET)

For 2021 a minimum score of 110 is required with at least 100 in each subscore. This test of English will be reviewed during 2021 and a decision taken as to whether it should continue to be acceptable.
Please note: Applicants scoring DET 110 or 115 will be required to sit a UCC Language Centre Skills Check before receiving an offer. Applicants presenting with one of these two scores should contact the UG EU Admissions Office directly by emailing admissions@ucc.ie.
englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Written test: A minimum score of 600 administered by Princeton University, with Test of Written English at 475+.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic

An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.00 in each band.

University of Cambridge:

176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English i.e.
roficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1)

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP):

With grade C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)

UK Examining Boards/Bodies

GCE O Level English Language at Grade C or above
GCSE English Language at Grade C or above
GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
CSE Grade 1 Pass in English

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)

with English at grade C or above (incorporating the Oxford Examining Body’s English as a Foreign Language (Higher
Paper)

EU Countries’ Matriculation Examinatio

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.

Pearson English language text (PTE Academic):

minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

Trinity ISE

Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

QQI FET ESL

Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or “Communications” (level 5)

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 2021, only results attained since 1 February 2019 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.