Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
NCI PTE minimums by programme
From NCI's English language requirements page, which says requirements are subject to change from intake to intake.
| Programme or band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| School of Business master's programmes | 66 | No less than 58 in each skill |
| MSc in AI for Business | 66 | No less than 58 in each skill |
| BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care | 66 | 66 in speaking, no less than 58 in each skill |
| Business undergraduate programmes (other) | 58 | No less than 47 in each skill |
| Computing undergraduate (including Higher Diploma) | 58 | No less than 47 in each skill |
| Computing master's (except AI for Business) | 58 | No less than 47 in each skill |
Validity and the IELTS level
The page says the English language certificate must have been issued within two years of the expected start date of your NCI programme. It lists PTE Academic without a note on online testing or a Pearson institution code.
Pearson's own PTE Core FAQ describes PTE Core as a general English test that is initially suitable only for work and migration routes to Canada, and says PTE Academic is the test accepted for university study.
For comparison, the same page asks IELTS Academic 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each skill where PTE is 58 (47), and 6.5 with no less than 6.0 where PTE is 66 (58). NCI also accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake.
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If your PTE score falls short
The page exempts students taught and examined in English for their full degree in Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. You may still need a recognised English certificate for an Irish visa.
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 PTE score does NCI need for a master's?+
66 with 58 in each skill for business master's and the MSc in AI for Business; 58 with 47 in each for other computing master's.
What PTE does NCI need for undergraduate?+
58 with no less than 47 in each skill, except Early Childhood Education and Care, which needs 66 with 66 in speaking.
How long is PTE valid for NCI?+
The certificate must be issued within two years of your expected start date.
Do Nigerian graduates need PTE for NCI?+
NCI exempts students taught and examined in English for their full degree in Nigeria, but a visa may still need a certificate.
Keep reading
Related
- National College of Ireland IELTS requirement
- Dublin Business School PTE requirement
- PTE for Ireland compared
- PTE score calculator
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 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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