What IELTS score do you need for the University of Galway?

Galway publishes other tests in two columns: comparable to IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each component) and comparable to IELTS 7.0. All of these tests have a two-year validity period.

Duolingo is not listed on Galway's entry requirements page as read on 4 October 2026, so confirm with admissions before booking it. IELTS One Skill Retake is not mentioned: not stated by the University of Galway.

Completing one of Galway's Pre-Sessional or Pre-Masters programmes with at least 70% overall and 65% in each module also meets the requirement.

The English Language Centre's pre-sessional page is for students who already hold a Galway offer. For a degree needing IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each component, the 7-week course needs IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5. The 10-week course needs 5.5 in every component. The 2027 courses cost €2,500 (7 weeks) and €3,500 (10 weeks), online or on campus.

Galway itself reminds students who need a study visa to check that their English qualification also meets Irish immigration requirements.

This guide covers Galway's admission requirement. The study visa is a separate check: the Irish Immigration Service sets a visa minimum of IELTS Academic 5.0 (PTE Academic 30) for courses other than second-level, foundation or English language courses, and says your college's own minimum may be different. Meeting the visa minimum does not get you an offer; Galway's score is the one to aim for. Country-level detail is in our IELTS for Ireland guide.

Requirements are set per intake and can change. Check the University of Galway English language page and your course page before you book a test. Read on 4 October 2026.