Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
NCI TOEFL iBT minimums by programme
From NCI's English language requirements page for international students, which says requirements are subject to change from intake to intake.
| Programme group | TOEFL iBT taken in 2025 and before | TOEFL iBT taken from 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Social Sciences undergraduate (except Early Childhood) | 72, no less than 17 in each skill | 4.0 overall, 4.0 in each skill |
| BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care | 86, 86 in speaking, no less than 17 in each skill (as printed) | 4.5 overall, 4.5 in speaking, 4.0 in each skill |
| School of Computing undergraduate (including Higher Diploma) | 72, no less than 17 in each skill | 4.0 overall, 4.0 in each skill |
| Business and Social Sciences masters | 86, no less than 17 in each skill | 4.5 overall, 4.0 in each skill |
| School of Computing masters (except MSc AI for Business) | 72, no less than 17 in each skill | 4.0 overall, 4.0 in each skill |
| MSc in AI for Business | 86, no less than 17 in each skill | 4.5 overall, 4.0 in each skill |
Test rules at NCI
The English language certificate must have been issued within two years of the expected start date of your NCI programme. The page does not mention the Home Edition or MyBest scores. The Early Childhood row on the old scale prints a speaking score of 86, which cannot exist on a 0 to 30 section scale; ask NCI admissions what it means before you rely on it.
On the same page, IELTS Academic is 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each skill for undergraduate and most computing masters, and 6.5 with 6.0 for business masters.
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If your TOEFL score falls short
NCI exempts applicants who were taught and examined through English for their full degree in listed countries, including Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The page does not list a pre-sessional TOEFL level.
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 TOEFL score does National College of Ireland need?+
72 with 17 in each skill, or 4.0 in each skill, for undergraduate and most computing masters; 86 or 4.5 for business masters.
What TOEFL score does NCI need for the MSc in AI for Business?+
86 with no less than 17 in each skill, or 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each skill from 2026.
How long is TOEFL valid for NCI?+
It must be issued within two years of the expected start date of your programme.
Do NCI's TOEFL requirements change?+
NCI says its English requirements are subject to change from intake to intake.
Keep reading
Related
- National College of Ireland IELTS requirement
- Griffith College TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL for Ireland
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- All 4564 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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