How to Study in Ireland without IELTS
Ireland is a rapidly growing study-abroad destination for international students. In 2023-24, the country has seen record-breaking enrollment since 2020, with around 40,400 students.Â
Being an English-speaking country, Irish universities may expect international students to meet the English language proficiency requirements. It can be attained by taking proficiency tests or fulfilling conditions such as submitting an MOI certificate or enrolling in pathway courses.Â
This blog will highlight how to study in Ireland without IELTS.
Reasons for Seeking an IELTS Waiver
The IELTS exam is a popular and widely recognised test to demonstrate English language proficiency for admission into Irish universities. However, there may be various personal reasons why an individual might choose not to take the IELTS exam or submit their IELTS score.
- The IELTS exam may take around 3-6 months of exhaustive preparation which can seem heavily burdened for some individuals.
- Poor and underperformance in the IELTS exam due to weak English language proficiency.
- For some applicants, the IELTS fees of Rs. 17,000 may be daunting and costly.
How to Study in Ireland without IELTS?
Below, we have discussed how you can apply for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Ireland without requiring IELTS.
Other English Language Proficiency Tests
Studying in Irish universities without IELTS can be made possible with the help of one of the following English language proficiency tests.
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE
- Duolingo
- Cambridge English Test
- Oxford Test of English
- Language CERT ESOL
- Occupational English Test
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- Apart from English language proficiency tests as discussed above, non-native English speakers (from non-EU countries, including India) can demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by submitting an MOI certificate.Â
- However, this condition will be applied to those applicants who have completed at least 2 years of study in academic settings where English was the primary language of instruction.
Pre-Sessional English Language Courses
- Various Irish universities, such as University College Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Cork, National College of Ireland, etc., conduct pre-sessional English courses.Â
- The duration of such courses ranges from 2-3 months, which begins before the commencement of the main study program.
List of Irish Universities without IELTS
The following is a list of Irish universities that accept applications without submitting an IELTS score through other mediums, as discussed above.
- University College Dublin
- Limerick University
- National College of Ireland
- University of Galway
- Maynooth University
- Trinity College Dublin
- Dublin City University
- Technological University of Dublin
- Royal College of Surgeons
Applying for a Student Visa for Ireland without IELTS
Similar to the university application process, you can take the alternative path to prove your English language skills while applying for an Irish student visa (D study visa). These include
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE
- Duolingo
- Cambridge English Test
- Oxford Test of English
- Language CERT ESOL
- Occupational English Test
- MOI Certificate
- Pre-sessional English language courses
Important Note
- If you need to complete a pre-sessional English language course before you start a main course, then the following rules will apply.
- The pre-sessional English language course should not exceed more than 6 months.
- You must submit a detailed study plan with the visa application process, including:
- Duration and dates of preparatory English language course
- Details and dates of main study course
- Full payment for the preparatory course and the first year of the main study program fees.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
It is entirely possible to study in Ireland without submitting an IELTS score. Universities such as UCD, Trinity College Dublin, Limerick University, National College of Ireland, Technological University of Dublin, etc., provide alternative ways through which applicants can demonstrate their English language proficiency.
FAQs
How can I study in Ireland without IELTS?
You can pursue higher education in Ireland without IELTS through alternative mediums such as submitting other English language proficiency test scores, MOI certificate, or enrolling in a pre-sessional English language course.
Can I pursue undergraduate courses in Ireland without submitting an IELTS score?
You can enroll in an undergraduate course in Ireland by submitting other English language proficiency test scores or by enrolling in a pre-sessional English language course.
What are the popular courses in Ireland?
The popular courses in Ireland are engineering and technology, computer science, information technology, finance, business management, and nursing.
How much CGPA is required to study in Ireland?
Depending on the course and university, a minimum academic grade of 60-70% or CGPA of 6.0-7.0 is required to study in Ireland.
Do Irish universities provide scholarships without IELTS?
Yes, depending on the university, you can apply for scholarships in Ireland if you have received an offer letter from the institute and have been granted an IELTS waiver.
