English Language Requirements
All students whose first language is not English must be able to provide evidence that their spoken and written level of English is adequate for the programme for which they have applied. The relevant certified documentation to support this shall be provided as part of the application process.
The required evidence may take the form of either:
- An approved English language qualification or test result (see below for list of approved qualifications and test results). The qualification or test result shall have been awarded no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment.
- Substantial education (minimum one academic year) or work experience (minimum eighteen months) conducted through English and undertaken no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. Satisfactory completion of an interview process for entry onto the programme.
- English Language Qualifications / Tests / Exams recognised and accepted by SETU.
English Language Qualifications / Tests / Exams recognised and accepted by SETU
- The scores listed below are the minimum entry requirements for entry.
- Some exams have specific component, band score or sub-section requirements; IELTS and DET.
- Some Bachelor Degree programmes in Business and Humanities have a higher English language entry requirement (IELTS 6.0) – applicants for these programmes will get notification of the higher requirement following the submission of their application.
- All English language certificates must be no more than 2 years old at the time of application
- All visa-required students must submit an English language certificate as part of their visa application
- English language qualifications not listed below may be accepted – please contact the International Office for more information – international.cw@setu.ie
- Undergraduate Programmes
- Postgraduate Programmes
- Foundation Programmes
Minimum Standard for Undergraduate entry
Examining Body/Framework |
Minimum Standard |
IELTS |
5.5 IELTS (minimum of 5 IELTS in each component) |
TOEFL – Computer Based Test | 196 (min score of 15 in each component) |
TOEFL – Internet Based Test | 70 (min score of 15 in each component) |
TOEFL – Paper Based Test | 550 |
GCE O-Level English Language | Grade C |
GCSE English | Grade C |
TIE | B2+ |
TOEIC | 605 |
Trinity College London | Trinity GESE 8 or ISE II |
Cambridge Exams | FCE (High Grade C) |
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English | Grade C |
South East Technological University (Certificate in English for Academic Study or the Certificate in Academic English) | Overall Pass |
CEFR | B2 |
ETAPP | B2+ |
PTE (Academic) | 50 |
QQI FET | Pass |
Duolingo English Test | 90 |
Oxford Test of English | 111 (with a minimum of 100 in each component) |
Irish Leaving Certificate | Ordinary Level O6 |
Language Cert | B2 Communicator (with a minimum average of 25) |
Please note: Other examinations and qualifications may be deemed equivalent and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If an applicant/student has completed a qualifying major award (e.g. Level 8 or Masters) in a country where the principal language is English, then they do not need to meet the English language requirements outlined above.
Minimum Standard for Postgraduate (taught and research) entry
Examining Body/Framework |
Minimum Standard |
IELTS
|
6 IELTS |
TOEFL - Computer Based Test | 213 |
TOEFL - Internet Based Test | 80 |
TOEFL - Paper Based Test | 575 |
TIE | C1 |
TOEIC | 660 |
Trinity College London | Trinity GESE 9 of ISE II |
Cambridge Exams | FCE (Grade B) |
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English | Grade C |
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English | Grade B |
CEFR | Low C1 |
ETAPP | C1 |
PTE (Academic) | 55 |
QQI FET | Merit |
Duolingo English Test | 100 |
Oxford Test of English | 125 (with a minimum of 100 in each component) |
Language Cert | B2 Communicator (with a minimum average of 33) |
Please note: Other examinations and qualifications may be deemed equivalent and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If an applicant/student has completed a qualifying major award (e.g. Level 8 or Masters) in a country where the principal language is English, then they do not need to meet the English language requirements outlined above.
Minimum Standard for Foundation entry
Examining Body/Framework |
Minimum Standard |
IELTS | 4.5 IELTS |
TOEFL – Internet Based Test | 50 |
TOEFL – Paper Based Test | 475 |
TOEIC | 480 |
Cambridge Exams | PET (Pass with Merit) |
CEFR | B1 |
Duolingo English Test | 70 |
IELTS Indicator | 4.5 IELTS |
Oxford Test of English | 90 |
Please note: Other examinations and qualifications may be deemed equivalent and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If an applicant/student has completed a qualifying major award (e.g. Level 8 or Masters) in a country where the principal language is English, then they do not need to meet the English language requirements outlined above.