Admission Requirements

 

How to Qualify for Admission to Trinity College Dublin

1) Meet the minimum matriculation requirements.

2) Meet the age requirement.

3) Meet English language requirements.

Students whose first language is not English, or who do not have a pass in English in their recognized school system, must display a high level of competence in the English language. Details on accepted English language qualifications are provided further down this page.

4) Satisfy course specific requirements
Some courses will have additional requirements for admission.
They will be detailed on the relevant course page at www.tcd.ie/courses as well as below.

5) Satisfy any additional requirements or restrictions as detailed in the sections below.
 

6) Meet competitive standards for admission to the course.

Please note that posted scores are minimum entrance requirements only and do not guarantee admission. Where places are competitive, a student must have excellent examination results to qualify for a place on their preferred course.

For applicants applying through the CAO you must meet the minimum "CAO Points" requirement for the course. Information on this is available at the bottom of this page.

Minimum matriculation requirements

 

The minimum matriculation requirements refer to the basic standard of application you must meet to be considered. Anything less than this will be unsuccessful outright - however meeting the matriculation requirements does not guarantee admission.

The standard matriculation requirements are pass grades in English, Mathematics, a language other than English, and a full set of valid subjects for your examination system.

Full details of the specific matriculation requirements for the country you're applying from are available on your country's admission page.

Age Requirement

Applicants seeking admission in 2021 must have a date of birth before 15 January 2005.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must present an English language qualification. Accepted/Permitted English language qualifications are:

1. Irish Leaving Certificate: a grade 6 or better in Ordinary level English.
   Candidates presenting the Irish Leaving Certificate are  expected to complete English as part of their examination programme.
   
   
2. GCSE: 
   a grade C or better in English Language.
   
   
3. European Baccalaureate:
   English: 6 in 1st Language, or in 1st or 2nd Foreign language.
   
   
4. French Baccalaureate:
   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. All students taking other streams of the French Baccalaureate must present an English Language qualification such as TOEFL, IELTS etc.
   
   
5. International Baccalaureate:
   English A1, A2 or B: 5 at Higher Level (4 at either Level if presenting IB through English).
   
   
6. US High School:
   A grade C in English taken in final year.
   
   
7. TOEFL:

Internet based 90 (with a written score of 21).

8. University of Cambridge:
   
180+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 175 in each skill and use of English i.e.

• Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
• Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
  
• First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1)
  
  
9. IELTS:
   (Academic version) 6.5 (no individual band below 6)
• For Dental courses: IELTS (academic version) 7 (no individual band below 7).
• For Clinical speech and language studies: IELTS (academic version) 7 (no individual band below 7)

10. Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE Academic:
    a minimum score of 63 (with no section score below 59).
11. Duolingo:

Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 110/160 with no section score below 100, dated since January 2020. For Dental courses and for Clinical Speech and Language Studies: overall score of 120/160 with no section score below 100, dated since January 2020.

(Note: Trinity will continue to accept the Duolingo English test for 2021 entry.)

12. Trinity PMPP: An award certificate with a minimum II.1 overall score from Trinity's Centre for English Language Learning and Teaching's PMPP

    For Dental courses and Clinical speech and language studies: An award certificate with a 1st class overall score from Trinity's Centre for English Language Learning and Teaching's PMPP

13. QQI/FETAC: Pass in Communications module (5N0690).

Additional Notes

1. Please also note that existing IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge and PET scores up to three years old (rather than two) will be accepted for 2021/22 applications in light of test centre closures.

Course Specific Requirements

Irish Leaving Certificate

The minimum matriculation requirements for students presenting the Irish Leaving Certificate are:

1. six subjects, three of which must be at grade 5 or above on higher Leaving Certificate papers or at least grade 5 in the University Matriculation examination
   
2. These six subjects must include:

A pass in English

AND

A pass in mathematics (or foundation-level mathematics (see note 2)) and a pass in a language other than English.

OR

A pass in Latin and a pass in a subject other than a language.

Additional Notes and Restrictions

1. A pass means grade O6/H7 or above on ordinary or higher papers in the Leaving Certificate and grade 7 or above in the University Matriculation examination.
   
   
2. Mathematics at foundation-level is acceptable for minimum entry requirements only, for all courses except nursing or midwifery courses. Irish at foundation-level is not acceptable for minimum entry requirements, course requirements or for scoring purposes.
   
   
3. Students may combine grades achieved in different sittings of their Leaving Certificate/Matriculation examinations for the purpose of satisfying minimum entry and/or course requirements, but not for the purposes of scoring. This is not permitted for Medicine.
   
   
4. Combinations of Leaving Certificate subjects not permitted:
   
   
   • Physics/Chemistry may not be presented with physics or chemistry.
   
   
   • Biology and agricultural science may not be presented as two of the six subjects required for minimum entry purposes, and they may not be presented together to satisfy course specific requirements. However, both may be used for scoring purposes.
   
   
   • Art and music may not be offered as two of the three higher Leaving Certificate grades for minimum entry requirements but both may be used for scoring purposes. This applies where only three higher level Leaving Certificate grades are being presented.

 

Leaving Certificate scoring system

Grade Level	Higher Level	Ordinary
1	100	56
2	88	46
3	77	37
4	66	28
5	56	20
6	46	12
7	37	n/a

Bonus points for higher level Mathematics
All students presenting H6 or above in higher level Mathematics will have 25 points added to their score for Mathematics. The bonus points will only be relevant where Mathematics is scored as one of a student's six best subjects for points purposes.

An applicant's six best results from one sitting of the Leaving Certificate will be counted for scoring purposes. Applicants may combine results from the Leaving Certificate and the Trinity Matriculation examination of the same year for scoring purposes.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Program Link Modules

These modules are accepted for scoring purposes only and are awarded the following points: Distinction 66, Merit 46, Pass 28.

GCE A Levels

 

To be considered for admission to the University you must:

1. Present six subjects at grade C or above on GCSE or Advanced Subsidiary GCE (AS) papers. Two of these subjects must be at grade C or above on Advanced GCE (A-Level) papers.


2. The six subjects above must include:

A pass in English

AND

A pass in mathematics and a pass in a language other than English

OR

a pass in Latin and a pass in a subject other than a language

Additional Notes and Restrictions

1. A pass means grade C or above on GCSE or Advanced Subsidiary GCE (AS) papers.


2. Students may combine grades achieved in different sittings of their Advanced GCE (A-Level) examinations for the purpose of satisfying minimum entry and/or course requirements, but not for the purposes of scoring. This is not permitted for Medicine.


3. Acceptable subjects:
   • Applied A-Level, Vocational Advanced Subsidiary, Vocational A-Level, National Vocational and Key Skills qualifications are not accepted for matriculation or scoring purposes.
   • GCSE/Advanced GCE (A-Level) subjects set by recognised examination boards are, in principle, acceptable for consideration with the following exceptions:
     • Physical education, General studies and Media studies are not acceptable.
   • Applicants who require advice about subject eligibility should contact the Academic Registry.
   
   
4. Combinations of A-Level subjects not permitted (for matriculation or scoring purposes, unless otherwise stated):
   • Art may not be presented with History of art.
   • Biology may not be presented with Botany or Zoology.
   • English literature may not be presented with English language.
   • Environmental science may not be presented with Biology or Geography.
   • Science may not be presented with Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
   • Not more than one specialised endorsed programme in art may be presented.
   
   
5. Art and music may not be offered as the two Advanced GCE (A-Level) grades for minimum entry requirements but both may be used for scoring purposes.

Advanced GCE (A-Level) scoring system

Grade	First 3 A Level subjects	4th A Level or AS
A*	185	45	31*
A	156	38	26
B	131	32	22
C	106	26	18
D	84	20	14
E	63	15	11

 

 

*Extended Project (EQP) is scored as an AS level and an A* is available in this

Bonus points for Mathematics:
All students presenting Grade E or above in one of A-Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Pure Mathematics will have 25 points added to their score for that subject. The bonus points will only be relevant where that subject is scored as one of a student’s four best subjects for points purposes.

An applicant's score will be calculated on the basis of either of the following:

1. their best 4 GCE Advanced level (A2) subjects from one academic year
   or
2. their best 3 GCE Advanced level (A2) subjects from one academic year plus one Advanced Subsidiary level (AS) in a different subject from the same or the preceding academic year only.

Students may not combine grades achieved in different sittings of their GCE Advanced level (A2) examinations for the purpose of scoring. However, examinations taken in January and June of the same year are counted as a single sitting.

 

Cambridge Pre-U

Principle subjects will be accepted as alternatives to A-Levels in meeting general entry requirements. The scoring scheme for Principle Subjects, and Short Courses results is set out below.

Points Conversion Table
Cambridge Pre-U Grade	Main Subjects	4th Subject
		Main Subject	Short Courses
D1	185	45	31
D2	181	44	30
D3	164	40	27
M1	147	36	24
M2	130	32	21
M3	113	28	18
P1	96	24	15
P2	79	20	12
P3	62	16	9

Note: Global perspectives is scored at 5 points less than all other subjects in each case.

International Baccalaureate

Minimum Entry Requirements
3 subjects at grade 5 at Higher Level and 3 subjects at grade 4 at Standard Level, to include English, mathematics and another language.

NB  re Mathematics
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are both acceptable. However, for courses with a Higher Level Mathematics requirement we strongly recommend Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at HL as this is likely to be a mandatory requirement for those particular courses. Maths Studies only satisfies minimum entry requirements

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 above

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.

Irish Leaving Certificate	IB
H6/02	6 at Standard Level, 4 at Higher Level
H4	5 at Higher Level
H3	6 at Higher Level

Indicative Points Equivalence 
As a guideline it is anticipated that points will be awarded as follows based on the overall IB score assuming sufficient recognised subjects are presented:

IB Score	IPS
45	600
42	564
36	486
30	419
27	388
24	360

 

 

 

European Baccalaureate

Minimum Entry Requirements
Overall 60%, including grade 6 in six distinct recognised subjects including English, mathematics and another language.

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

Specific course requirements
If a course has a requirement of a grade H4 at higher Leaving Certificate  level, students presenting EB must present the subject at grade 7 or better. To satisfy a requirement of a grade H3 at higher Leaving Certificate  level students presenting EB must present the subject at grade 8 or better.

Indicative Points Equivalence 
Students are ranked on the basis of their six best distinct recognised 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.

Percentage Range	Grade	Points > 3hour subjects	Points 2 hour subjects
90  to 100	H1/O1	100	56
80 but less than 90	H2/O2	88	46
70  but less than 80	H3/O3	77	37
60 but less than 70	H4/O4	66	28

Bonus points for maths: 25 additional points will be awarded for a grade 6 or better on 3, 4 or 5 hour mathematics.

US High School Qualifications

Due to the ongoing challenges facing students seeking to sit standardized tests and the continued impact of COVID-19, Trinity admissions office will consider alternative evidence from students applying for entry in 2021/22. In lieu of standardised tests, the admissions office will consider criteria including: GPA, academic transcripts, two references, a personal statement for your application.

We will also consider other academic criteria such as Advanced Placement courses (APs), college and honors level classes with strong grades where relevant to the programme / major for which you are applying. You may submit any SAT/ACT test scores you have been able to take if you also wish them to be considered.

SAT Reasoning Test	A minimum score of 1290 on any two of the Critical Reading, Math and Writing sections and no score less than 500.

Or

ACT	A minimum composite score of 29. Some courses may admit with a composite score of 28

1. SAT College Board number 2494


2. ACT Reporting number 5230

High School Diploma

Minimum Entry Requirement:

English, Mathematics and a second language, as well as three further subjects. Some courses will have specific subjects requirements e.g. mathematics for Engineering. See course lists for details. A cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better (B+ average) unweighted.

QQI Qualifications

Students with the relevant and appropriate QQI-FET (formerly known as FETAC) Level 5/6 awards and modules, with a minimum of distinctions in five modules, may be admitted on a competitive basis to the courses listed below in Trinity College Dublin:
Students must apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO). Detailed information about the application process and important dates is available on the CAO website. 

2021 Progression Pathways to Trinity

QQI-FETScoring Scheme
Modules that have a credit value of 1 receive the following points:

• Distinction        3 points
• Merit                 2 points
• Pass                 1 point

The scores for each of the best 8 modules taken at a single sitting are added up to give a total best 8 grade points tally. Only the best 8 modules will be counted. Places reserved for QQI -FET applicants are then offered in order of merit based on ranking. Due to the competitive nature of the Nursing Programmes, scores will only be calculated when the appropriate award is presented in a single sitting, together with all the required modules and grades.  Full details of the scoring scheme is available on the CAO website www.cao.ie

Entry Requirements

Full details of the entry requirements can be found here.
All students admitted to courses in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.

QQI-FET Entry Routes

Details of the courses with QQI-FET Entry Routes are listed below. Click on the links below to get further information about the courses.

CAO Course Code	Course name	Minimum Points	QQI/FETAC Quota in 2020
TR002	Music	n/a	1
TR003	History	n/a	2
TR004	Law	390*	5
TR005	Philosophy	New in 2020	1
TR006	Psychology	390	1
TR015	Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology	390	1
TR016	Deaf Studies	390	3
TR018	Law and French	n/a	1
TR019	Law and German	n/a	1
TR021	Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology	390	1
TR022	Early and Modern Irish	n/a	1
TR023	English Studies	n/a	2
TR024	European Studies	n/a	2
TR025	Drama and Theatre Studies	325	1
TR028	Ancient and Medieval History and Culture	390	2
TR040	Middle Eastern and European Languages and Culture	n/a	1
TR041	Religion	n/a	1
TR042	Film	390	1
TR060	Biological and Biomedical Sciences	390*	12
TR061	Chemical Sciences	390	5
TR062	Geography and Geoscience	390	5
TR063	Physical Sciences	374	5
TR080	Global Business	390*	1
TR081	BESS	325	12
TR085	Business Studies and French	n/a	1
TR086	Business Studies and German	n/a	1
TR087	Business Studies and Russian	n/a	1
TR089	Business Studies and Polish	n/a	1
TR090	Business Studies and Spanish	n/a	1
TR091	General Nursing (Meath & St. James’s)	390*	2
TR093	General Nursing (Adelaide)	390*	2
TR095	Mental Health Nursing	390*	4
TR097	Intellectual Disability Nursing	390*	4
TR913	Midwifery	390*	3
	QQI Entry Routes to Joints Honors/Modern Language
	Subject	Minimum Points	QQI/FETAC Quota in 2020
	Ancient History and Archaeology	n/a	2
	Classical Civilisation	390	2
	Classical Languages	n/a	2
	Drama Studies	n/a	1
	Economics	n/a	2
	English Literature	390	2
	Film	358	1
	Geography	390	2
	History	n/a	2
	History of Art and Architecture	n/a	2
	Middle Eastern, Jewish & Islamic Civilisations	n/a	2
	Modern Language (French, German, Irish, Italian, Russian, Spanish)	n/a	12
	Music	358	1
	Philosophy	n/a	2
	Religion	n/a	1
	Sociology	390	2

 

 

University Matriculation Examination

Please note that due to the current Covid-19 situation the format of the 2021 Trinity College Matriculation Examinations in Biblical Studies and Geolgoy is under discussion. Further information will be published here as soon as it is available.

Download the University Matriculation Application Form

The subjects of the matriculation examination are Biblical Studies and Geology. Students may take one or both of these subjects, but you should note that the range of university matriculation examination subjects available is not sufficient for the fulfilment of all matriculation requirements. The matriculation examination is an optional subject examination and is not mandatory for admission.

Results obtained in the university matriculation examination may be combined with Leaving Certificate results and use in the calculation of CAO points but only when both examinations are taken in the same year.

The closing date for application for the examination is 1 March each year.

Tel: +353 1 896 4500

Email: academic.registry@tcd.ie

Past Papers for Biblical Studies

2019

2018

2017

2015

2014

2013

2012

Past Papers for Geology

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Recommended reading for Geology Matriculation examination

If you would like further information about the Geology matriculation examination you may contact:

Dr. Patrick N. Wyse Jackson
Department of Geology
Trinity College
Dublin 2
IRELAND

Tel: +353 1 8961477
E-mail: wysjcknp@tcd.ie

 

Minimum CAO Points

Minimum CAO Points for courses in previous years will are available for download below.

Please note that due to changes in the CAO points and Leaving Certificate grading system, these points will be useful as broad indications only and cannot be considered as direct equivalents.

• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004