English Language Requirement

Programmes are taught through English in the National College of Art and Design, therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in English language to be admitted. Applicants who have not passed English as a subject in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English language through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English language test.

Undergraduate Applicants: 

If you are presenting the Irish school Leaving Certificate you are required to have attained a H7/O6 in English.
If you are studying in another education system, you are required to show equivalent competency in English either through your school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English Language Test, as outlined below.


Postraduate Applicants:
The qualifications shown below are minimum entry requirements for graduate taught and graduate research degrees. However, for some graduate courses the requirements may be higher.
In some cases, other evidence may also be taken into account, such as a degree taken through English, in an English-speaking country. Please contact the Admissions Office if you need further information: postgraduate@ncad.ie

Recognised English Language Tests

Currency of results:
For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course.

 

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 with at least 110 in each subscore. 
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version.

Note: In 2024 we will accept IELTS indicator. It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 

A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section.

Note: In 2024 we will accept TOEFL Home Edition . It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review.
Pearson Test of English - Academic Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Oxford Test of English Minimum score of 130 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill. 
Cambridge Examinations
 

English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper)

Acceptable Examinations:

Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)
UCLES

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES): English at grade C or above (incorporating the Oxford Examining Body's English as a Foreign Language (Higher Paper)

(Malaysia) Cambridge English Language (1119) conducted overseas by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate: B4 or better.
UK Examining Boards/Bodies • GCE O-Level English Language at Grade C or above
• GCSE English Language at Grade C or above
• GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP) Grade C1 (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
Trinity ISE Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category. The "At Home" version will be accepted in 2024. It may not be recognised after that depending on the outcome of a review.
LanguageCert B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 33 in each skill taken with no more than 3 months between components.
QQI FET ESL Distinction in the module "English as a Second Language" or "Communications"
School Leaving Examinations
 

Matriculation/school-leaving examinations from most European Countries and many non-EU countries will meet the requirements where English is presented as a subject at an acceptable level. 

Where the examination has been taken more than 2 years previously candidates may be required to take a proficiency test.

Where an English proficiency test which is scored on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is presented as part of a school-leaving qualification, grade must be C1/C2.