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

Qualification / Test / Exam

Foundation Programme

Bachelor Degree

Higher Diploma and Master Degree

Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English

n/a

Grade C

Grade B

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

n/a

n/a

Grade C

Cambridge 1119 – as part of SPM in Malaysia

Grade D

Grade C

N/A

Duolingo English Test (DET)

80

90 – all sub-sections

100 – all sub-sections

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

n/a

B2+

C1

GCE O-Level English

Grade D

Grade C

n/a

IELTS

4.5

5.5 – all bands

6.0 – all bands

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)

23

50 – 57

58-64

Test of Interactive English (TIE)

A2

B2

C1

TOEFL Computer Based Test

97- 103

213

232

TOEFL Internet Based test (iBT)

32- 34

79

90

TOEFL Paper Based Test

400 - 413

550

575

TOEIC

345 - 355

700

730

Please note that the university can confirm that all the exams listed above are accepted by the Department of Justice for visa application purposes
*other ELR may be accepted on a case by case basis