Teaching in LIC is conducted in English, thus requiring a high level of English proficiency for admission. The minimum English language requirements at LIC are established by the University Programmes Board and are applicable to all applicants across all study levels.

For undergraduate applicants:

• If presenting the Irish school leaving certificate, a minimum of H7/O6 in English is required.

• For applicants presenting other examinations in English, an equivalent standard is expected.

• Candidates from other education systems must demonstrate equivalent English competency either through their school-recognized leaving examination or by achieving the minimum standard in a recognized English language test.

For graduate applicants: Minimum requirements for graduate taught and research degrees are specified below, although some courses may have higher requirements. In certain cases, additional evidence may be considered, such as a degree completed in English or in an English-speaking country, as proof of proficiency. Further information can be obtained by contacting the relevant school.

Currency of results: Results of proficiency tests are typically required to have been obtained within the last two years (i.e., for entry in September 2024, results must be attained after 1 February 2022).

Single Sitting Rule: Applicants are evaluated based on the results of a single sitting only. This means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic
An average score of 6.5 across all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. Note: IELTS indicator will be accepted in 2024, with recognition beyond that date contingent upon a review.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
iBT: 90 (with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in each other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Note: TOEFL Home Edition will be accepted in 2024, with recognition beyond that date contingent upon a review.

University of Cambridge
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).

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (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.

LIC English Language Pathway Programmes
LIC Pre-Sessional Programmes: Overall grade C+ with at least grade C- in all components. LIC Pre-Masters Programmes: Overall grade C+ with at least grade C- in all components. For further information, visit the LIC Applied Language Centre page.

UK Examining Boards/Bodies
GCE O Level English Language at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE English Literature at Grade C/4 or above. CSE Grade 1 Pass in English. ETAPP English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP): Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).

Pearson English Language Test (Academic)
Minimum of 63 with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.

Trinity ISE
Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category.

QQI FET ESL
Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or “Communications” (level 5).

Duolingo English Test (DET)
Minimum DET score of 120 with at least 110 in each subscore.

Oxford Test of English
Minimum overall score of 140 with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.

Language Cert ESOL
B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 33 in each skill taken within a 3-month period.

Language Cert Academic
Overall score of 70 with 65 in each skill.

IELCA Academic
Minimum score of 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band.

Skills for English UKBI B2 (4 Component Test)
Pass with Merit in all components.

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. Candidates may be required to take a proficiency test if the examination was taken more than 2 years previously. If an English proficiency test scored on the CEFR is presented as part of a school-leaving qualification, the grade must be C1/C2.

An equivalent level of English
Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted, such as a degree completed in English. For further advice, please contact.