Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
NCAD English test scores
From NCAD's English language requirements page. These are minimums for undergraduate and taught and research postgraduate degrees; some postgraduate courses ask for more. Results must normally be issued within two years before your course starts.
| Test | NCAD minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 average, 6.0 in each band (One Skill Retake not accepted) |
| Duolingo English Test | 120, with 110 in each subscore |
| PTE Academic | 63, with 59 in each Communicative Skill |
| TOEFL iBT | 90, Writing 21, 19 in every other section (new 1-6 scale: 4.5 in each) |
| Cambridge (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) | 176, no paper below 169 |
| Oxford Test of English | 130, with 125 in each skill |
| LanguageCert | B2 Communicator High Pass, 33 in each skill |
School English and degree routes
Undergraduates with the Irish Leaving Certificate need H7/O6 in English. Applicants from other systems can use English in their school-leaving or matriculation exam if it is at an acceptable level, but NCAD may ask for a test if that exam was taken more than two years ago. GCSE or O Level English at grade C and Trinity ISE III with Merit in each skill are also listed.
For postgraduates, NCAD says it may take other evidence into account in some cases, such as a degree taught through English in an English-speaking country. Contact postgraduate@ncad.ie before relying on that route.
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Applying and offers for international students
NCAD's international postgraduate page says all applications are made through its website, with a €55 application fee that is never waived. Successful international applicants pay a €500 non-refundable deposit within 10 working days of the offer. NCAD makes conditional offers in some cases, and issues the offer letter needed for an Irish study visa only once all programme requirements are met.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your NCAD course page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Dublin publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does NCAD need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each band.
Does NCAD accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
No. NCAD states that One Skill Retake scores are not accepted.
Does NCAD accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 120 with at least 110 in each subscore.
What PTE score does NCAD need?+
PTE Academic 63 with at least 59 in each Communicative Skill.
Keep reading
Related
- IADT IELTS requirement
- TU Dublin IELTS requirement
- ICD Business School IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- 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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