Other examination systems

This webpage gives an indication of the examinations acceptable from the various EU countries and the standards required for entry.

(Entrance requirements for Non-EU countries is provided on the International Admissions & Study Abroad website).

In order to gain entry to Trinity College Dublin applicants must meet:

1. minimum entry requirements: See details on the matriculation requirement from your country by clicking on the country specific links below.
2. English language requirement: All applicants must provide evidence of proficiency in English.
3. specific course requirements (where applicable): See information on the specific course requirements for undergraduate programmes on the basis of the Irish leaving Certificate and compare these with the equivalent grades for your country below.
4. points requirements for the course: Points for the current year will not be known until the Leaving Certificate results are issued in mid-August. However, there is information on the points requirements for  undergraduate programmes at Trinity College  in previous years. 
   

Only recognised subjects will be taken into consideration when calculating averages. In some cases averages may be weighted according to the spread of grades in that examination. The information on this page is subject to frequent change as new data becomes available.
Check to see if you are an EU or a non-EU applicant.

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Scotland
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• European Baccalaureate
• International Baccalaureate

Austria

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Reifeprüfung/Matura (from Allgemeinbildende höhere Schulen)
• Reifezeugnis/Maturezeugnis (from Allgemeinbildende höhere Schulen)

Minimum Matriculation
3 subjects at grade 3 and 3 subjects at grade 4 to include English, mathematics and another language.

English Language Competence:
Please see list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades

This table shows what is required in terms of the Austrian Examinations to meet specific subject requirements for entry to the various programmes.

Irish Leaving Certificate	Austrian Examinations
OD3	4
HD3/OB3	3.8
HC3	3.5
HC1	3.0
HB3	2.5
HB1	2.0

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 1.5 is required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 2 is required, and for 360 points an average of 3 is required.
[Average mark = average score based on 6 best subjects taken (excluding PE and Religion)]

Belgium

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Certificat d Enseignement Secondaire Superieur
• Diplôme de l’Examen d’Admission
• Diplôme d’Acces à l'Enseignment Supérieur
• Diplôme van Secundaire Onderwijs
• Abschluszeugnis der Oberstuffe des Sekundarunterrichts

Minimum Matriculation
Minimum score of 5 in 3 subjects and a minimum of 7 in three subjects, to include English, Mathematics, and another language.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Belgian Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes.  See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence

As a guide for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 9 is required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 8 is required, and for 360 points an average of 6 is required.

Bulgaria

As a guide, applicants from Bulgaria should have an average score in excess of 4 in the Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie in order to be eligible for consideration for admission to undergraduate programmes.

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with Matriculation [from Professionalni utchilichta schools] - Acceptable for programmes up to 500 points. For programmes over 500 points, applicants must also present satisfactory results in a cognate subject at end 1st year in a recognised 3rd level institution of equivalent standing to Trinity College Dublin.

Minimum Matriculation
Pass in 5 subjects which must include both profile subjects and 3 subjects at grade 5 or better to include English, mathematics and a language other than English.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Bulgarian Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 480 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 5.8 is required. For those requiring 360 points an average of 4.3 is required.
Average six subjects (which must include compulsory examination subjects and only subjects > 144 hours)

Cyprus

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications       

Apolytirion of Lykeion

From 2010: Is considered comparable to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level / Scottish Higher standard. ( Every subject passed may be considered at least comparable to GCSE grades A*-C; including English, provided a mark of 15 has been obtained). Acceptable for programmes up to 500 points. For programmes over 500 points, applicants must also present satisfactory results in a cognate subject at end 1st year in a recognised 3rd level institution of equivalent standing to Trinity College Dublin.
Prior to 2010: Between GCSE Level equivalent (O level) and AS level. Does not meet entry and matriculation requirements.

Minimum Entry Requirements/Matriculation:
Overall minimum of 17 in Apolytirion, with English, Mathematics and a language other than English. 

Competence in English Language:
Please see list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample Subject Grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Apolytirion examinations to meet specific course requirements. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Guideline Indicative equivalence with Irish Leaving Certificate points
As a guide for courses requiring 480 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate in 2010 an average of 19.8 is required. For those requiring 460 points an average of 19.5 is required, and for 380 points an average of 18.5 is required.

Czech Republic

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Maturitni Zkouška / Maturita

Minimum Matriculation
Average of 3.5 in best 4 subjects to include English, mathematics and another language.

For programmes with LC points requirement of 500 and over, applicants will be required to present with a minimum of 5 subjects.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Czech examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence

As a guide for courses requiring 550 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 1.4 is required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 1.8 is required (i.e. four subjects at grade 1 or four subjects at grade 2 and one subject at grade 1), and for 350 points an average of 3 is required. (averaged over 5 subjects).

Denmark

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Bevis for Studentereksamen
• Bevis for Højere Forberedelseseksamen

Minimum Matriculation
3 subjects with grade 7 and 3 subjects with grade 2 to include English, mathematics and another language.
Prior to 2007: 3 subjects with grade 9 and 3 subjects grade 6 to include English, mathematics and another language plus specific programme requirements.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Danish Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 520 points in the Irish leaving certificate an overall mark of 10 is required. For those requiring 480 points an overall mark of 9 is required, and for 360 points an overall mark of 6 was required.

Pre 2007 examinations: As a guide for courses requiring 500 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an overall mark of 11 is required. For those requiring 480 points an overall mark of 11 is required, and for 350 points an overall mark of 8 is required.

Estonia

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus [Recognised from 2007 only. Acceptable for programmes up to 500 points. For programmes over 500 points, applicants must also present satisfactory results in a cognate subject at end 1st year in a recognised 3rd level institution of equivalent standing to Trinity College Dublin.

Minimum Matriculation
Pass in 6 subjects including minimum 3 at State level and all with minimum 6 courses. Subjects must include English, mathematics and a language other than English.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Estonian Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 480 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 4.8 is required (i.e. five subjects at grade 5 and one subject at grade 4), and for  450 points an average of 4.5 is required. For those requiring 360 points an average of 3.6 is required. (average of best six subjects, including at least three state examined subjects and all subjects included must have covered at least six courses).

Finland

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Ylioppilastutkinotodistus/Studentexamen
• Lukion Päästötodistus/Studentexamsbetyg

Minimum Matriculation
Minimum of 6 subjects with Grade 5 and 3 subjects at Advanced Level in the Ylioppilastukinotodistus with grade 5 to include English, Mathematics and another language.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Finnish Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 6.4 in the Ylioppilastutkinotodistus is required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 5.5 is required, and for 360 points an average of 3.8 in the Ylioppilastutkinotodistus is required. (average of 5 or 6 recognised subjects).

France

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Baccalauréat
• Baccalauréat avec Option Internationale

Minimum Matriculation
Overall 10 in a minimum of six acceptable subjects, to include English, mathematics and another language.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Note: Students presenting the OIB or International Option of the French Baccalaureate may satisfy the English language requirement by achieving a minimum of 12 (where the coefficient is greater than 5) in English Language and Literature. In cases where the coefficient is less than 5, a minimum result of 14 will be required.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the French Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence

As a guide it is anticipated that for courses requiring 560 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 16.8 will be required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 14.7 will be required, and for 360 points an average of 12.2 will be required.

Germany

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Abitur
• Zeugnis der Allgemein Hochschulreife

Minimum Matriculation
Overall minimum of 3.0 in the Durchschnittsnote. Six subjects with an average of 9 to include English, mathematics and another language. Three subjects at Higher level grade 10 must also be presented.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Specific course requirements
Present a minimum result of 10 in the written examination(s) to satisfy course requirements where stated at higher level. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
Points for entry to TCD are calculated by the following equation:
Total points gained (Abitur) / 823 or 883 × 600

Greece

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Apolytirion of Lykeio

Is considered comparable to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level. Acceptable for programmes up to 500 points. For programmes over 500 points, applicants must also present satisfactory results in a cognate subject at end 1st year in a recognised 3rd level institution of equivalent standing to Trinity College Dublin.

Minimum Matriculation
Overall minimum of 17 in Apolytirion, with English, Mathematics and a language other than English. 

English Language Competence
Please see list of acceptable English Language qualifications

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Greek Examinations to meet specific subject requirements for entry to the various programmes as shown in the course specific requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 480 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate in 2011 an average of 19.8 was required. For those requiring 460 points an average of 19.5 was required, and for 380 points an average of 18.5 was required.

Italy

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Diploma di Maturità: (up until 1999)
• Esame di Stato (from 1999)

Must be from a Liceo of one of the following types: Classica/Scientifica/Tecnica/ Linguistica/Magistrale/Artistica.
Please note that for Science, Medicine programmes a science based matriculation is generally required.

Minimum Matriculation
Overall 70%, with 6 recognised subjects taken in the final two years at secondary school to include English, mathematics and a language other than English.
 Please note that a certified copy of school reports for the final two years at secondary school showing subjects and results achieved must be submitted with application.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Italian Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 480 points an average of 88% is required, and for 350 points an average of 75% is required.
NOTE:  For programmes over 500 points applicants must also present satisfactory results in the entrance exam, in a cognate subject, of a university of comparable standing to Trinity College Dublin.

 

Lithuania

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Brandos Atestatas / Maturity Certificate, at State exam level. Acceptable for courses up to 500 points. For courses over 500 points, applicants must also present satisfactory results in a cognate subject at end 1st year in a recognised 3rd level institution of equivalent standing to the Trinity College Dublin

Minimum Matriculation
Minimum grade 5 in 6 subjects, to include English, Mathematics and another language, with minimum grade 8 in 3 subjects, plus specific programme requirements. Subjects presented must include a minimum of 3 examined at State level.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Lithuanian Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 480 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate in 2012 an average of 9.7 was required.

Bonus Points for Maths from 2012 for 4 year period
From 2010 an Advanced level option in Mathematics has been available. A pass in this will gain bonus points for Maths.

 

Luxembourg

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaire

Minimum Matriculation
3 subjects at coefficient 3 and minimum grade of 35, plus 3 subjects @ minimum grade of 30, to include English, mathematics and a language other than English

English Language Competence
Please see list of acceptable English Language qualifications at www.tcd.ie/Admissions/undergraduate/requirements/english

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Luxembourg Examinations to meet specific subject requirements for entry to the various programmes which may be found at www.tcd.ie/Admissions/undergraduate/requirements/specific/honors
 

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 550 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate in 2011 an overall weighted mark of 54 was required. For those requiring 480 points an over all wighted mark of 46 was required, and for 350 points an overall weighted mark of 30 was required.

Bonus Points for Maths from 2012 for 4 year period
Bonus points of 25 will be awarded for Co-efficient 3 Maths grade 30/satisfactory or better

 

Netherlands

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)

Minimum Matriculation
3 subjects grade 8 and 3 subjects grade 6 to include English, mathematics and another language.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Dutch examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of 9 is required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 8 is required, and for 360 points an average of 6 is required.

Norway

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Vitnemål fra den Videregående

Minimum Matriculation
Six subjects (At least 4 examined subjects and 2 non-examined).  Three of these should be at grade 3 and Three at grade 4 including English, Mathematics and a language other than English.

English Language Competence
Please see list of acceptable English Language qualifications

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Norwegian examinations to meet specific subject requirements for entry to the various programmes as shown in the course specific requirements.

Note: Where there is a specific course requirement at Higher Leaving Certificate  level the subject should have been taken in Year 2 and Year 3 of the Vitnemal programme.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate in 2011 an average of 5.2 is required. For those requiring 480 points an average of 4.6 is required, and for 360 points an average of 3.6 is required.
Note: Average will be based on best 6 distinct subjects to include at least 3 examined subjects and 3 other recognised subjects. Subjects repeated after the issue of the certificate will not be included.

Poland

Since 2005
Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Matura/Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci

Minimum Matriculation
Applicants must present a minimum of grade 3 distinct subjects at advanced level > 55% and 2 other distinct subjects to include English, mathematics and a language other than English.  In addition some courses have specific requirements. See the full details of specific course requirements.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Scotland

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Scottish Highers
• Scottish Advanced Highers

Minimum Matriculation
5 subjects at Higher level grade C and 1 subject at Standard/Intermediate Level grade 3 (National Level 5) to include English, Mathematics and another language. In addition applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Higher level subjects at grade C.
Single Sitting: Advanced Highers and Higher are considered over 2 consecutive years only.  Highers may not be combined over 2 years but may be taken in the same year as Advanced Highers.

English Language Competence
Standard/Intermediate Level grade 3 or see list of acceptable English Language qualifications

Specific course requirements
Where a Leaving Certificate HC is required this is satisfied by a Grade C at Advanced Higher Level. Full details of specific course requirements. 

Indicative Points Equivalence
Points are calculated on the basis of the best five subjects at Higher Level and up to three subjects at Advanced Higher level.

As a guide, for courses requiring 550 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate grades AAAAA as Higher-level and 2 of these subjects at A at advanced higher level are required. For those requiring 480 points grades AAABB at Higher-level and BB at advanced level, and for 360 points grades BBCCC as Higher-level and 1 of these subjects at B at advanced higher level is required.

 

Spain

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications
Curso de Orientacion (COU)/ Titulo de Bachillerato Selectividad provided an average of 6 has been obtained

Minimum Matriculation
3 subjects grade 7 and 3 subjects grade 5 to include English, mathematics and another language.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Spanish Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
As a guide for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate a Calificacion Definitiva of 9 is required. For those requiring 480 points a Calification Definitive of 8 is required, and for 360 points a Calificacion Definitiva of 6 is required.

Sweden

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Avgangsbetyg
• Slutybetg fran Gymnasreskolan

Minimum Matriculation
A minimum of 6 subjects required to include English, mathematics and a language other than English. Generally, Natural Sciences or Arts programmes will be considered only.  Only subjects at Level B or better count for points.  Additional points can be awarded for up to 3 subjects a Level C or higher and these will be required in order to attain more than 480 points.

English Language Competence
Please list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Swedish Examinations to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence

As a guide it is anticipated that for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate an average of MVG in six subjects at level B and three subjects of VG at level C will be required. For those requiring 480 points an average of MVG in six subjects at level B will be required and for programmes requiring 390 points an average of VG was in six subjects at level B will be required.

Switzerland

Recognised School Leaving Qualifications

• Federal Maturity Certificate Maturitätszeugnis (German-speaking cantons)
• Certificat de Maturité (French-speaking cantons, except Vaud)
• Baccalauréat (Vaud)
• Attestato di Maturità (Italian-speaking canton of Ticino) - and the federally recognized Cantonal Maturity Certificate (Eidgenössisch anerkanntes kantonales Maturitätszeugnis Certificat de Maturité cantonal reconnu par la Confédération Attestato di Maturità cantonale riconosciuto dalla Confederazione):
• Cantonal Maturity Certificate (Kantonale Maturität/Maturité Cantonale/Maturità Cantonale) – may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Does not automatically satisfy entrance requirements.
• Berufsmaturität with passarellenprüfung

Minimum Matriculation
- 10 point scale: all 5 subjects at 6 with at least 3 at 8
-  6 point scale: all 5 subjects at 4 with at least 3 at 5
-  5 point scale: all 5 subjects at 3 with at least 3 at 2

 to include English, mathematics and another language and specific programme requirements

English Language Competence
Please see list of acceptable English Language qualifications at www.tcd.ie/Admissions/undergraduate/requirements/english

- Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the Austrian Examinations to meet specific subject requirements for entry to the various programmes which may be found at www.tcd.ie/Admissions/undergraduate/requirements/specific/honors

Irish Leaving Certificate	10 point scale / 6 point scale / 5 point scale
OD3	4               /    4                /     3
HD3/OB3	7               /    4                /     3
HC3	8               /    5                /     2
HC1	8               /     5               /     2
HB3	9               /     6               /     1
HB1	9               /     6               /     1

Indicative Points Equivalence
The following is guide based on entry requirements in 2011:

- 10 point scale: for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate 4 subjects at grade 9 and 1 subject at grade 8 is required. For those requiring 480 points 4 subjects at grade 8 and 1 subject at grade 6 is required and for those requiring 350 points 5 subjects at grade 7 is required

- 6 point scale: for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate 3 subjects at grade 6 and 2 subject at grade 5 is required. For those requiring 480 points 4 subjects at grade 5 and 1 subject at grade 6 is required and for those requiring 360 points 3 subjects at grade 4  and 2 at grade 5 is required.

- 5 point scale: for courses requiring 540 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate 3 subjects at grade 1 and 2 subject at grade 2 is required. For those requiring 480 points 4 subjects at grade 2 and 1 subject at grade 1 is required and for those requiring 360 points 3 subjects at grade 3  and 2 at grade 2 is required.

 

European Baccalaureate

Minimum Matriculation
Overall 60%, including a minimum of grade 6 in English, mathematics and another language, plus specific programme requirements

English Language Competence
6 in 1st Language, or in 1st or 2nd Foreign language or see full list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Specific course requirements
If a course has a requirement of a grade C at higher level, students presenting EB must present the subject at grade 6 or better. To satisfy a requirement of a grade B at higher level students presenting EB must present the subject at grade 7 or better.
See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
Students are ranked on the basis of their six best subjects from one sitting of the EB Exam. Points for each 3, 4 &5hr subject=the points awarded to the higher level Leaving Certificate grade in the same percentage range. Points for each 2hr subject=the points awarded to the ordinary level Leaving Certificate grade in the same percentage range.

International Baccalaureate

Minimum Matriculation
3 subjects at grade 5 at Higher Level and 3 subjects at grade 4 at Standard Level, to include English, mathematics and another language plus specific programme requirements.
NB: If a course has a maths requirement at ordinary level students must present maths at Standard Level. If a course has a maths requirement at higher level students must present Mathematics at Higher Level. Maths Studies satisfies matriculation requirements only.

English Language Competence
English A1, A2 or B: 5 at Higher Level (4 at Standard Level if presenting IB through English) or  see full list of acceptable English Language qualifications.

Sample subject grades
This table shows what is required in terms of the IB to meet specific course requirements for entry to the various programmes. See the full details of specific course requirements.

Indicative Points Equivalence
Points for entry to TCD are calculated by the following equation: (total IB points (including bonus points) / 45) x 600

Note: An applicant's six best subjects from one sitting of the IB examination will be counted for scoring purposes.