Teaching in UCD is through the medium of English; therefore you must demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language to be admitted. UCD's minimum English language requirements are approved by the University Programmes Board and apply to all applicants and all levels of study.
Undergraduate Applicants:
If you are
- presenting the Irish school leaving certificate you are required to have attained a H7/O6 in English.
- presenting other examinations through English, you are required to have the (opens in a new window)specified equivalent.
- studying in another education system you are required to show equivalent competency in English either through your school recognised leaving examination or by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined below.
Graduate Applicants:
The qualifications shown below are minimum requirements for graduate taught and graduate research degrees. However, for some graduate courses the requirements may be higher. In some cases, other evidence may also be taken into account at the discretion of the school/Graduate Research Board, for example a degree taken through English or in an English-speaking country may be taken as proof of proficiency. Please contact the school to which you are applying if you need further information.
Currency of results:For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within the last two years (i.e. for entry in September 2025, results must have been attained since 1 February 2023).
Single Sitting Rule:Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only - this means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.
Please note an interview may also be required in addition to the minimum standards above, at the discretion of the Programme Board.
Generally tests of English are evaluated against the CEFR framework and must be at C1/C2 band level on an academic rather than vocational certificate. Requests for recognition of new tests are considered jointly by the Irish HEIs.