University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for National College of Ireland?

National College of Ireland (NCI) asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 105 with no less than 95 in each skill for business and computing undergraduate programmes and most computing master's. Business and social sciences master's and the MSc in AI for Business need 120 with no less than 105 in each skill. Certificates must be issued within two years of your start date.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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 programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Business and Social Sciences undergraduate (except Early Childhood Education and Care)105No less than 95 in each skill
BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care120120 in speaking, no less than 105 in each skill
Computing undergraduate (including Higher Diploma)105No less than 95 in each skill
Business and Social Sciences master's120No less than 105 in each skill
Computing master's (except MSc in AI for Business)105No less than 95 in each skill
MSc in AI for Business120No 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

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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