IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is essential to demonstrate the English language proficiency of students seeking to pursue education at Irish universities. Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (NIS) establishes the minimum IELTS score for Ireland to be 6.5 on the band scale of 9 in IELTS Academic Test. To seek admission to a university in Ireland, you must obtain an IELTS certification to obtain an Irish study visa.

IELTS is the world’s most renowned English language test for work, study, and migration. Over 12,000 organisations trust IELTS as a reliable indicator of true-to-life ability to communicate in English. IELTS assesses a test taker’s English language proficiency based on four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Book your IELTS test today

Why choose IELTS for studying and working in Ireland?

IELTS has always been popular for candidates, who want to study and work in Ireland. Here’s why:

• Two format options: IELTS is offered in two formats - IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer. You can opt for the format that suits you the most.

• Face-to-face speaking test with an examiner: This is a more efficient way of evaluating as a real-life trained examiner is there to talk to you than a machine.

• More test dates available: IELTS is offered up to 4 times a month for IELTS on Paper and up to 7 days a week and 3 times a day for IELTS on Computer format.

• Quicker results: Results for the IELTS on computer exam are out within 2 days.

IELTS score for Ireland based on type of degrees

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

Minimum IELTS score needed for Ireland top universities

Here is the IELTS requirement for Ireland oldest and best universities:

*Minimum IELTS score accepted, the requirement varies with the course, hence do check when applying

IELTS score for Ireland student visa

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

IELTS score needed 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.Upon successful completion of your degree program, you become eligible to apply for a post-study work permit, allowing you to engage in employment within Ireland for a duration of up to 2 years and explore potential career opportunities.Alternatively, another viable pathway involves either securing a General Employment Permit (Stamp 1) or a Critical Skills Employment Permit (Stamp 4) in order to lay the groundwork for your journey towards permanent residency.

IELTS for Ireland Work Visa

IELTS score for Ireland 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:

1. Trinity College Dublin: A minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.5.

2. Cork Institute of Technology: A minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.0.

3. University of Limerick: A minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.5.

Additional Read: Know How to Calculate IELTS Band Score

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.Nevertheless, there are additional eligibility prerequisites 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.Read More: All About IELTS Work Visa

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.

IELTS fees

For more information: Fees for IELTS for Ireland

What to do if the IELTS band score for Ireland 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 IDP, we have a range of free materials available to help you prepare for your IELTS exam better.

Book my test