Programmes are taught through English at SETU (with the exception of some language-specific modules) therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language.
In addition to programme entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, as outlined below.
English language test results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of a programme.
| Examining Body/Framework | Minimum standard |
| IELTS | 6 IELTS |
| TOEFL – Computer Based Test | 213 |
| TOEFL – Internet Based Test | 80 |
| TOEFL – Paper Based Test | 575 |
| TIE | 660 |
| Trinity College London | Trinity GESE 9 or ISE II |
| Cambridge Exams | FCE (Grade B) |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English | Grade C |
| Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English | Grade B |
| CEFR | Low C1 |
| ETAPP | C1 |
| PTE (Academic) | 55 |
| QQI FET | Merit |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
| Oxford Test of English | 125 (with a minimum of 100 in each component) |
| Language Cert | B2 Communicator (with a minimum average of 33) |
| Examining Body/Framework | Minimum standard |
| IELTS | 5.5 IELTS (minimum of 5 IELTS in each component) |
| TOEFL – Computer Based Test | 196 (min score of 15 in each component) |
| TOEFL – Internet Based Test | 70 (min score of 15 in each component) |
| TOEFL – Paper Based Test | 550 |
| GCE O-Level English Language | Grade C |
| GCSE English | Grade C |
TIE | B2+ |
| TOEIC | 605 |
| Trinity College London | Trinity GESE 8 or ISE II |
| Cambridge Exams | FCE (High Grade C) |
| Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English | Grade C |
| South East Technological University (Certificate in English for Academic Study or the Certificate in Academic English) | Overall Pass |
| CEFR | B2 |
| ETAPP | B2+ |
| PTE (Academic) | 50 |
| QQI FET | Pass |
| Duolingo English Test | 90 |
| Oxford Test of English | 111 (with a minimum of 100 in each component) |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | Ordinary Level O6 |
| Language Cert | B2 Communicator (with a minimum average of 25) |
| Examining Body/Framework | Minimum standard |
| IELTS | 4.5 IELTS |
| TOEFL – Internet Based Test | 50 |
| TOEFL – Paper Based Test | 475 |
| TOEIC | 480 |
| Cambridge Exams | PET (Pass with Merit) |
| CEFR | B1 |
| Duolingo English Test | 70 |
| IELTS Indicator | 4.5 IELTS |
| Oxford Test of English | 90 |