Ireland Entrance Exams 2026

Planning to study in Ireland? Home to some of the world's oldest universities dating back to the 16th century, the Emerald Isle offers a unique blend of historical legacy and modern education. For international students, the first step in this academic journey is successfully navigating the required entrance exams. Understanding which test you need—whether for English proficiency, graduate admission, or a specialised field like medicine—is crucial for a successful application.

This article provides detailed insights into the key entrance exams for Ireland. We cover everything from English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic to graduate-level exams such as the GMAT Focus Edition and the shorter GRE. We also explain the specific exams for medical programmes, like GAMSAT and HPAT. This article is updated for 2026 with the latest test formats, durations, and official fees to help you prepare.

What Exams Are Required to Study in Ireland?

When planning for entrance exams to study in Ireland, international students must take various standardised tests. Here are the key exams:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Pearson English Test (PET)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test)
• Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised standardised test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is commonly required for admission to universities and colleges in English-speaking countries.

Candidates can self-register themselves on their websites by choosing a date and location where they would like to sit. Using either the official website of the British Council or IDP, candidates fill out an online form and pay the registration fees, one of the steps of registering for the process. After registration, candidates will receive a confirmation email with all the relevant details about the test, such as guidelines and preparation materials, as well as the chosen test centre.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a widely recognised standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is primarily used for admission to universities and colleges in English-speaking countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK and Ireland.

To register for the TOEFL, candidates can visit the official Educational Testing Service (ETS) website. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and completing an online application form.

After completing the registration and payment, candidates will receive a confirmation email with important information regarding their test centre, preparation materials, and guidelines for test day.

Pearson English Test (PTE)

The PTE Academic is an English language proficiency exam designed to assess the skills of non-native speakers in real-life contexts. It evaluates the four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

To register for the PTE Academic, candidates can visit the official Pearson website. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and filling out an online application form. Once registered, candidates will receive a confirmation email with details about their test and preparation resources.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an innovative and convenient online English language proficiency exam designed for non-native speakers. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a variety of interactive tasks, making it a flexible option for students applying to universities and colleges in English-speaking countries.

Candidates can access the official Duolingo website, where they can enrol for the test. Registration is fairly straightforward – a candidate needs to go through a process of creating an account, scheduling a date for the test, and paying an examination fee.

Once registered, candidates can take the test at their ease from any place they find comfortable, having an internet connection. Scores get released usually within 48 hours after finishing the test, and this then becomes quite easily shared with respective universities and colleges by the candidate.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used for admission to graduate schools and business programmes worldwide. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The current test format includes one "Analyse an Issue" essay task, with the "Analyse an Argument" task no longer part of the exam.

To register for the GRE, candidates can visit the official Educational Testing Service (ETS) website. The registration process includes creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and completing the online application form.

After registration and payment, candidates will receive a confirmation email containing essential details about the test, including preparation resources and guidelines for test day.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The GMAT Focus Edition is a standardised exam used to assess the qualifications of candidates for admission to graduate business programmes, particularly MBA programmes. The test has 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is no longer part of the exam.

To register for the GMAT, candidates can visit the official Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and completing the online application form. Once registered, candidates will receive a confirmation email with important information regarding their test, preparation resources, and instructions for test day.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardised college admission test widely used in Ireland for undergraduate admissions. It is now a digital-only test for international students, assessing proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.

To register for the SAT, the candidate has to visit the official website of the College Board. This process involves the creation of an account, selection of the test date and location, and filling out the online application form. After this, the candidate will receive email confirmation details on how he can prepare himself for the test and related test-day instructions.

Occupational English Test (OET)

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency exam specifically designed for healthcare professionals. It assesses the communication skills of candidates in a medical context, focusing on four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The test can be registered for online through the official OET website. The steps for doing this include setting up an account, provision of a choice test date and venue, and completion of the online application form.

Confirmation by the administration, payment, and return mail includes details such as the confirmation email containing essential information about the test, along with materials to help prepare for the test and day guidelines at the test venue.

GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test)

The GAMSAT is an admissions test used for entry into graduate-entry medical programmes in Australia and Ireland. It evaluates candidates' problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and knowledge of biological and physical sciences.

The official website of GAMSAT offers an accessible way of applying. With this, after filling out the registration form that involves creating an account, selecting a date and venue for the test, and completing an online application, the candidate receives confirmation via email showing his or her test, along with other recommended study materials to be used.

Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT)

The Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) is a standardised test used in Ireland for admission to undergraduate medicine and health science programmes. It is designed to assess logical reasoning, problem-solving, and interpersonal understanding.

To register, they then open an account, select a test date and location, and fill in an online application. Once they are registered, candidates will automatically receive an email with their necessary information regarding test dates, available study materials, and guidelines for test day.

Understanding the required entrance exams is a critical first step for any international student aiming to study in Ireland. As this guide shows, the right test depends entirely on your goals. Most students will need an English proficiency exam like IELTS or TOEFL. However, specific postgraduate courses may require the GMAT Focus Edition or GRE, while aspiring medical students must prepare for the specialised HPAT or GAMSAT.

With this updated information, your next step is to create a focused preparation plan. Identify the exact requirements for your chosen courses and begin studying. This will build your confidence and significantly enhance your chances of admission. Once you have your target scores, you can focus on the rest of your application. If you're ready to turn your dream of studying in Ireland into a reality, AECC counsellors are here to guide your entire journey, from test selection to enrolment.