IELTS for Studying in Ireland

The IELTS score requirement for studying in Ireland varies depending on the type of degree.

Minimum IELTS Requirements of the Top Universities in Ireland

Here is the IELTS requirement of some of the oldest and best universities in Ireland:

Most of the colleges and universities in Ireland have set a basic requirement for students to get into their choice of course. For Ireland, you must be eligible for a band score of 6.5 to get a student visa.

IELTS Score for Working in Ireland

Applicants for Ireland work visas from non-English speaking countries need IELTS scores for a successful application. Most organisations in Ireland accept an IELTS band score of 5.0.

How to Obtain a PR in Ireland?

There exist several pathways leading to acquiring Permanent Residency (PR) in Ireland. However, regardless of the specific approach chosen to attain this status, a prerequisite is legal residence within the Irish borders for a minimum period of 5 years or 60 months.

One way involves pursuing higher education as an international student at an Irish university. This process necessitates obtaining a Stamp 2 visa endorsement within your passport.

Alternatively, another pathway involves either securing a General Employment Permit (Stamp 1) or a Critical Skills Employment Permit (Stamp 4) in order to move towards your journey towards permanent residency.

IELTS for Ireland Work Visa

Study Visa

To embark on the path towards obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) through study, you’ll need to secure a study visa by fulfilling the minimum English language criteria.

This entails achieving an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 on the academic test. However, some colleges may accept 5.5 (varies from course to course)

For instance:

• Trinity College Dublin: A minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.5.
• Cork Institute of Technology: A minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.0.
• University of Limerick: A minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.5.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Including roles demanding critical expertise, such as ICT professionals, professional engineers, and technologists, the Critical Skills Employment Permit does not explicitly specify the requisite IELTS band score needed to validate your English proficiency.

There are additional eligibility prerequisites that are worth noting, and your employer might stipulate an IELTS examination.

These include:

• A minimum annual salary of €32,000 for select occupations, coupled with a pertinent degree qualification.
• All vocations with an annual compensation exceeding €64,000 are not on the ineligible list.
• Securing a two-year employment commitment.

Although an IELTS score is not obligatory, it is still advisable to undertake the test and achieve a commendable band score for the general assessment as part of your application. This can enhance your prospects by demonstrating your English proficiency suitable for everyday life, work, and interactions in Ireland.

General Employment Work Permit

While there are no restrictions to what job you need to be in to qualify for this permit, it would be an advantage to be in a role on the critical skills occupation list that includes ICT and engineering professionals.

The General Employment Permit doesn’t explicitly state the necessary IELTS band score you have to attain to prove your English proficiency.

However, there are other eligibility criteria that you must note, of which your employer might require an IELTS test.

These include:

• A minimum annual salary of €30,000. However, if you are a non-EEA international student who graduated from an Irish university in the last 12 months, you will just need a salary of €27,000
• Being employed in a job category that is not under the ineligible list
• While an IELTS score isn’t a requirement, it is still recommended to sit for the test and attain a high band score for the general test as part of the application.

This could help to boost your chances by proving your level of English is suitable for general living, working and daily interaction in Ireland.

Sports and Cultural Employment Permit

This permit is specifically tailored to enable foreign nationals possessing pertinent qualifications, skills, and experience in sports and cultural activities to engage in work within Ireland’s borders.

Although the Sport and Cultural Employment Permit does not impose explicit language proficiency prerequisites, there are still additional criteria necessitating your attention.

These include:

• Earning a salary at the national minimum wage rate or higher.
• Being employed by an entity registered with the revenue commissioners.
• Possess the requisite skills, qualifications, and experience pertinent to your designated role.

While undergoing the IELTS test is not obligatory, it is strongly advised to consider taking the test and achieving an exemplary band score. Doing so can substantially enhance your prospects during the application process.

What to do if the IELTS Band Score is not High Enough?

If your English skills are still not at par with what is required to score a good band, then it may be worth investing some extra time to prepare better.

At Entri, we have a wide range of free materials and courses available to help you prepare for your IELTS exam better.