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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.