- Visa minimum
- PTE 30
- Trinity College Dublin
- 69 (59 each)
- UCC
- 63 (59 each)
- Fee
- EUR 220
Study visa: the immigration minimum
| Test | 2nd level, foundation or preparatory English course | All other courses |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (or IELTS UKVI) | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 30 | 30 |
| TOEFL iBT | 47 | 61 |
| Duolingo English Test | 55 | 75 |
These are the Irish Immigration Service's minimums for visa purposes only. The service says the minimum set by your college may be different, and in practice universities ask far more. The certificate must be issued within two years of the expected course start, and you submit the test provider's certificate with the visa application. Applicants for an English language course do not need a test certificate, though a visa officer may ask for other evidence of basic English.
What universities ask in PTE
| University (own admissions page) | Standard entry | Higher-entry courses |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin (UG and PG) | PTE Academic 69, 59 in each section | 75, 69 in each section |
| University College Cork (UG and PG) | 63, no communicative skill below 59 | 72 for some programmes |
Trinity says most undergraduate and postgraduate courses accept its standard band and results must be issued within two years before the course starts. UCC also applies a two-year limit. Check the course page, because higher-entry courses ask more.
Working in Ireland
The Critical Skills Employment Permit page from the Department of Enterprise sets no English test. It sets pay: €40,904 a year for listed strategically important occupations (€36,848 if you qualified in the last 12 months), or over €68,911 for most other occupations.
PTE fees in Ireland
| Test | Fee (Pearson price finder, 30 Sep 2026) |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic | EUR 220 |
| PTE Academic UKVI | EUR 220 |
| PTE Core | EUR 220 |
Pearson lists two test centres in Ireland, in Dublin and Cork. IELTS on computer at the Exam Centre of Ireland in Dublin is also EUR 220.
BandLadder pricing in EUR for Ireland
BandLadder in EUR
One-time access, no automatic renewal. Free practice needs no card. Prices are shown in your currency at checkout as well.
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Pass | 7 days | EUR 5.99 |
| Quick Pass | 15 days | EUR 9.99 |
| Boost | 30 days | EUR 16.99 |
| Ascent | 60 days | EUR 28.99 |
| Elite | 90 days | EUR 36.99 |
Start preparing for Ireland
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Practice PTE Academic →Frequently asked questions
What PTE score is required for an Ireland study visa?+
PTE Academic 30 is the Irish Immigration Service minimum for visa purposes. Your college sets its own, higher score: Trinity 69 (59 each), UCC 63 (59 each).
Do I need PTE for an Irish work permit?+
The Critical Skills Employment Permit page sets no English test; it sets salary thresholds.
Does Ireland accept PTE?+
Yes, for the study visa and at Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
IELTS or PTE for Ireland?+
Both cost EUR 220 in Ireland. Trinity asks PTE 69 or IELTS 6.5; UCC asks PTE 63 or IELTS 6.5. Take a timed mock of each and book the one you clear more comfortably.
How much does PTE cost in Ireland?+
EUR 220 for PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Core, per Pearson's price finder on 30 September 2026.
Official sources
Reviewed 30 September 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
- Irish Immigration Service: English language requirements for study visas
- Irish Immigration Service: how to apply for a long term study visa
- Department of Enterprise: Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Trinity College Dublin: English language requirements
- University College Cork: undergraduate English requirements
- University College Cork: postgraduate English requirements
- IDP IELTS Ireland: Exam Centre of Ireland sessions and fee
- Pearson: test centres and fees (price finder)
- IELTS for Ireland compared
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- IELTS band score calculator
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