English Language Requirements for Non-Native Speakers of English | Registry
English language requirements for non-native speakers of English
In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in DCU.
Undergraduate Applicants
Minimum English Standards
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):
The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to undergraduate programmes in DCU.
| EXAMINATION | Level Required |
|---|---|
| Irish Leaving Certificate English | O6/H7 |
| GCE A-Level English Language | Grade D |
| GSCE | Grade C |
| IELTS ACADEMIC |
Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component. *Scores must be achieved in one sitting. |
| TOEFL | 237 (computer-based), 580 (paper-based test) |
| TOEFL iBT | Total Score of 92 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP) | Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | C1 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | 63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components) |
| Duolingo | Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU. |
Additional Information
Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.
In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.
Post Graduate
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language in a recognised English language test, as specified below.
Faculty of Science and health
In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the Faculty of Science and Health.
| EXAMINATION | MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
| IELTS ACADEMIC |
Overall score 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. *Scores must be achieved in one sitting. |
| TOEFL | Overall score 580. |
| CBTOEFL | Overall score 237. |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score 92. |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | C1 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | 63 with a minimum of 59 in all components. |
| Duolingo | Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU. |
Additional Notes:
1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
3. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.
DCU Institute of Education
In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the DCU Institute of Education.
| EXAMINATION | MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
| IELTS ACADEMIC |
Overall score 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. *Scores must be achieved in one sitting. |
| TOEFL | Overall score 580. |
| CBTOEFL | Overall score 237. |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score 92 or above. |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | C1 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | 63 with a minimum of 59 in all components. |
| Duolingo | Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU. |
Additional Notes:
1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
3. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Science
In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science.
*Please note the School of Communications programmes will have different requirements as outlined below.
| EXAMINATION | MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
| IELTS ACADEMIC |
Overall score 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. *School of Communications: Overall score 6.5 or above and 6.5 in writing and speaking. Other sections scores 6.0 or above. *Scores must be achieved in one sitting. |
| TOEFL |
Overall score 580. *School of Communications: Overall score 580 or above and all sections scores 55 or above. |
| CBTOEFL |
Overall score 237. *School of Communications: or above and all section scores 21 or above. |
| TOEFL iBT |
Overall score 92 or above. *School of Communications: or above and all section scores 21 or above. |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | C1 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP) |
Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. *School of Communications: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 176 in Speaking and Writing and 169 in Listening, Reading. |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) |
Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. *School of Communications: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 176 in Speaking and Writing and 169 in Listening, Reading. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) |
63 with a minimum of 59 in all components. *School of Communications: 63 (with a minimum of 63 in speaking and writing and 59 in listening and reading). |
| Duolingo | Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence. |
Additional Notes:
1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
3. For the MA in Translation Studies and the MA in Translation Technologies:
- Non-native speakers should have a degree in English or advanced English skills (e.g. IELTS 7.0 points, Cambridge Proficiency Pass or TOEFL 600/250 points, Duolingo minimum score of 130 and a score of at least 120 in each subscore). Applicants may be called for interview, and their levels of English tested.
4. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.
DCU Business School
In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in DCU Business School.
| Postgraduate Business Courses | |
| Examination | Minimum entry requirements |
| IELTS ACADEMIC |
Overall score 6.5 or above and 6.5 in writing and speaking. Other sections scores 6.0 or above. *Scores must be achieved in one sitting. |
| TOEFL | Overall score 580 or above and all sections scores 55 or above. |
| CBTOEFL | Overall score 237 or above and all section scores 21 or above. |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score 92 or above and all section scores 21 or above. |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | C1 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 176 in Speaking and Writing and 169 in Listening, Reading. |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 176 in Speaking and Writing and 169 in Listening, Reading. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | 63 (with a minimum of 63 in speaking and writing and 59 in listening and reading). |
| Duolingo | Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU. |
Additional Notes:
1. English language certificate must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
2. Students with a composite IELTS 6.5 score or equivalent need a score of at least IELTS 6.5 in writing and speaking.
3. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
4. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.
In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing.
| EXAMINATION | MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
| IELTS ACADEMIC |
Overall score 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. *Scores must be achieved in one sitting. |
| TOEFL | Overall score 580. |
| CBTOEFL | Overall score 237. |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score 92 or above. |
| English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) | C1 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | Postgraduate: Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | 63 with a minimum of 59 in all components. |
| Duolingo | Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU. |
Additional Notes:
1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
3. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.
Please note: In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.
Foundation Applicants
DCU International Academy (DCUIA), based in Dublin City University, offers English Language Courses which may be of interest to international applicants. For further information, please refer to their website at www.english.dcu.ie