PSI Medium of Instruction Letter Change From June 2026

From 1 June 2026, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) no longer accepts a university medium-of-instruction letter as evidence of English language competence for first-time overseas-trained pharmacist registration. Only pre-approved English language tests are now valid, and applicants must meet all published requirements. This change affects all new applications received on or after that date.

Key takeaways

• From 1 June 2026 PSI no longer accepts a university letter saying a pharmacy course was conducted through English.
• Pre-approved tests are IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET Pharmacy.
• PSI publishes section scores, base scores and overall conditions at CEFR C1 level.
• Test results are valid for two years and all components normally come from the same sitting.
• PSI rejects one-skill retakes but permits defined super-scoring across two same-format tests within six months.

In this guide: Decision table: PSI medium of instruction letter change | Why PSI changed the medium of instruction letter rule | Who is affected by the PSI medium of instruction letter change | Accepted English evidence routes for PSI | Scenario: What if you planned to use a medium-of-instruction letter? | Checklist: Next steps after the medium-of-instruction letter change | How we researched | Sources

Decision table: PSI medium of instruction letter change

Why PSI changed the medium of instruction letter rule

The PSI's decision to stop accepting medium-of-instruction letters from 1 June 2026 is documented in its official language requirements. The regulator now requires all overseas-trained first-time pharmacist applicants to demonstrate English or Irish language competence through a pre-approved test route. This change aims to standardise evidence and ensure all applicants meet the same language proficiency standards, as defined at CEFR C1 level.

Who is affected by the PSI medium of instruction letter change

This change applies to all overseas-trained pharmacists applying for first-time registration with PSI from 1 June 2026. If you planned to use a university letter confirming your pharmacy degree was taught in English, this route is no longer available. Applicants must now use one of the accepted English language tests and achieve the required scores. The change does not affect those who already completed registration before this date or those applying through other evidence routes not involving a medium-of-instruction letter.

Accepted English evidence routes for PSI

From June 2026, the only accepted evidence for English language competence for overseas-trained pharmacists is a qualifying score in one of the following tests:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• OET Pharmacy

PSI publishes specific section and overall scores, all at CEFR C1 level. Test results are valid for two years, and all components must usually be from the same sitting. PSI does not accept one-skill retakes but allows defined super-scoring across two same-format tests within six months. For full details, see the PSI language requirements and PSI Accepted English Tests and Scores for Pharmacists.

Scenario: What if you planned to use a medium-of-instruction letter?

Suppose you completed a pharmacy degree taught in English and intended to use a university letter as your English evidence. If you apply to PSI on or after 1 June 2026, this letter will not be accepted. Instead, you must:

• Choose one of the four accepted English tests (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET Pharmacy)
• Book and take the test, ensuring all components are completed in the same sitting (unless using the defined super-scoring rule)
• Achieve the required section and overall scores at CEFR C1 level
• Submit your official test results to PSI within two years of the test date

If your application is already in progress before 1 June 2026 and you have submitted a medium-of-instruction letter, check directly with PSI to confirm whether your evidence will be accepted under the previous rules.

Checklist: Next steps after the medium-of-instruction letter change

1. Check your application date. If applying on or after 1 June 2026, a medium-of-instruction letter is not valid.
2. Select an accepted English test. Choose from IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET Pharmacy.
3. Review PSI's published score requirements. Confirm the required section and overall scores at CEFR C1 level.
4. Book your test early. Allow time for booking, identity checks, result delivery, and any corrections.
5. Plan for result delivery. Ensure your results are sent directly to PSI and match the required format.
6. Keep all documentation. Save your test booking, result, and confirmation of receipt by PSI.
7. Contact PSI if unsure. If your situation is unusual or you have already started an application, confirm your evidence route with PSI before proceeding.

Related guides

• PSI Ireland Pharmacist English Requirements 2026
• PSI Accepted English Tests and Scores for Pharmacists

How we researched

This article is based strictly on the official PSI language requirements, first registration guidance, and OET Ready information as checked in September 2026. All claims are supported by these sources, and no additional facts, dates, or outcomes have been added. SpeakShark provides communication practice but does not issue official evidence or guarantee registration outcomes. For official requirements and updates, always refer directly to PSI.

Sources

1. PSI language requirements, checked 2026-09-06.
2. PSI first registration, checked 2026-09-06.
3. OET Ready, checked 2026-09-06.
4. Council of Europe CEFR, checked 2026-09-06.

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