Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
NCI Duolingo minimums by programme
From NCI's English language requirements page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Social Sciences undergraduate (except Early Childhood Education and Care) | 105 | No less than 95 in each skill |
| BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care | 120 | 120 in speaking, no less than 105 in each skill |
| Computing undergraduate (including Higher Diploma) | 105 | No less than 95 in each skill |
| Business and Social Sciences master's | 120 | No less than 105 in each skill |
| Computing master's (except MSc in AI for Business) | 105 | No less than 95 in each skill |
| MSc in AI for Business | 120 | No less than 105 in each skill |
How NCI handles Duolingo scores
Your English certificate must be issued within two years of the expected start date. NCI says its requirements are subject to change from intake to intake.
For comparison, the same page asks for IELTS Academic 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each skill where Duolingo is 105, and 6.5 with no less than 6.0 where Duolingo is 120.
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If your Duolingo score is below the minimum
Students taught and examined through English for a full degree in Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, Nigeria or South Africa are exempt from NCI's English requirement, though they may still be asked for a recognised test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your NCI programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does NCI need?+
105 with 95 in each skill for most undergraduate and computing programmes.
Which NCI programmes need Duolingo 120?+
Business and social sciences master's, the MSc in AI for Business and the BA in Early Childhood Education and Care.
How recent must my Duolingo result be?+
Issued within two years of the expected start date.
What is NCI's IELTS equivalent?+
IELTS 6.0 (5.5) where Duolingo is 105, and 6.5 (6.0) where it is 120.
Keep reading
Related
- National College of Ireland IELTS requirement
- Dublin Business School Duolingo requirement
- Duolingo English Test score chart
- IELTS for Ireland: scores by university
- All 4750 guides
Guide updated on 1 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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