English Language Requirement

Procedures for English Language Provision

Accepted English language proficiency tests

1. The following international English language proficiency tests are accepted by MIE for the purpose of admissions:

• Cambridge English Qualifications
• Duolingo English Test
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic)
• Pearson English International Certification
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

1. English language proficiency tests scores must be dated within two years at the time of application.
2. Minimum scores in these tests are benchmarked according to the descriptions of language proficiency contained in the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning. Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).
3. International learners are expected to demonstrate evidence that they have already achieved a minimum of a B2 proficiency level (Independent User) and are equipped to operate through the medium of English as a Proficient User at C1 or C2 level during their academically challenging studies.
4. Specified High School/Secondary Examinations are accepted in lieu of English language proficiency tests.

English language requirements for international learners for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions are:

• Cambridge English Qualifications Minimum overall score of 180 on the Cambridge English scale, i.e. minimum Grade C in Advanced or Proficiency Certificate (UG and PG) 

• Duolingo English Test Minimum overall score of 120, no individual sub-scores below 105 (UG and PG)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Minimum overall score of 6.5 (UG and PG), no individual band below 6 (UG only)

• Pearson English International Certification Minimum overall score of 63, no section scores below 59 (UG and PG)

• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) Minimum overall score of 90 with a minimum score in writing of 21 (UG) or 88 (PG).

1. Applicants who present any of the following High School/Secondary Examinations will not be asked to fulfil the English language requirements by a separate standardised English language proficiency test:

• Irish Leaving Certificate: a grade 6 or better in ordinary level English
• European Baccalaureate, English: 6 in your 1st language, or in 1st or 2nd Foreign Language
• French Baccalaureate, International Option: 12 with coefficient > 5, 14 with coefficient < 5
• GCSE: a grade C/5 or better in English
• US High School: a grade C in English taken in final year
• International Baccalaureate: English A1, A2 or B: SL4 if presenting IB through English, HL5 if presenting through French or Spanish
• Hong Kong, HKDSE: Level 4 or better in English Language
• Malaysia, SPM: Grade C or better in English 1119

7. An applicant can appeal a decision where the qualifications they are presenting for admissions purposes is not recognised by MIE. The appeal should be submitted to the Admissions Officer in the first instance and that outcome of the appeal can be escalated, if required, to the Registrar/ Vice President Academic Affairs.

International Foundation Programme

1. To be eligible for the IFP, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for admissions and present evidence of English language proficiency tests as follows:

• Duolingo English Test
  • Minimum score of 80, no individual sub-scores below 65, with a minimum sub-score of 80 in Literacy

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Minimum overall score of 5.0, no individual band under 4.5, with a minimum score of 5.0 in Writing

• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
  • Minimum score of 64, with a minimum of 16 in Writing.

1. Certain destination programmes require a higher level of English language proficiency, listed on the IFP’s website. The following minimum English language proficiency test scores are required for these programmes:

• Duolingo English Test
  • Minimum score of 105, no individual sub-scores below 95

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic)
  • Minimum overall score of 6.0, no individual band under 5.5

• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
  • Minimum score of 72, with a minimum of 20 in Writing