Aim High Medicine Scholarship

The Aim High Medicine Scholarships were established in 2012 by RCSI Alumni to provide scholarships for Irish Leaving Certificate students who excel academically and are passionate about developing a lifelong career in medicine.

The scholarships are offered to students who are Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) eligible. In addition to the normal supports provided through the Government Free Fees Initiative and SUSI Grant, these scholarships offer additional financial support of €25,000 in total, for the duration of the Undergraduate Medicine programme.

The objective of the scholarships are to lessen the financial burden of attending the University and therefore allow the student to fully focus on their academic coursework.

Ireland Healthcare Aim High Scholarship

The Ireland Healthcare Aim High Scholarship is delivered at RCSI in partnership with the UnitedHealth Foundation and Optum Ireland, as part of its Ireland Healthcare Scholarship Programme. This programme was established to enhance the performance of the health system and improve the overall health and well-being of the people within our local community. It seeks to grow the healthcare workforce within communities in Ireland and focuses on underserved students seeking to pursue a career in medicine and healthcare.

Application for the Ireland Healthcare Aim High Scholarship should be made as part of the standard Aim High scholarship application, however the following additional criteria apply:

  • Applicants must have resided in Dublin for at least three of the last five years preceding admission.
  • Immediate family members of any UHC, Optum Ireland, or Foundation senior employees or executives are not eligible for this scholarship.
  • As part of the scholarship application, RCSI and Optum Ireland may request to meet with applicants.

How to apply

All Aim High applicants must:

  • Be eligible for admission to RCSI's Medicine programme through the CAO (course code: RC001).
  • Be eligible and apply for HEAR, and indicate in their CAO application that they wish to apply via the HEAR scheme.
  • Submit a CAO application listing Medicine (RC001) as a course choice.
  • Present HPAT in the same year as applying to the CAO.
  • Have resided in Ireland for at least three of the last five years preceding admission.
  • Present a minimum of six recognised subjects (2 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7) in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a third language and a science subject from the following group: Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science.
  • Achieve a minimum of 480 points and meet the minimum subject grade requirements for five or six-year entry to the Medicine programme in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate.
  • Complete the online Aim High Medicine Scholarship Application Form by the closing date of 1 July. Early application is encouraged.
  • Provide a personal statement as part of your application, including your motivation and commitment to study medicine and pursue a career as a healthcare professional.
  • Arrange for a confidential academic referee to complete the Aim High Medicine Scholarship Confidential Academic Reference Form in advance of the closing date of 1 July.