Two medical students in white coats walk along corridor)

Medicine

MB, BCh, BAO (Hons)
School of Medicine

How to apply

Applications

Please note that you can apply to study with RCSI via the following websites:
  • Irish/EU applicants should apply through the CAO website.
  • Applicants residing in North America should apply through Atlantic Bridge website. 
  • All other Non-EU applicants may apply directly to RCSI between 1 November and 15 January (in the year of admission to the programme).

All applicants to RCSI Undergraduate programmes are categorised as either EU or Non-EU, depending on whether or not they meet the EU applicant criteria (which includes nationality and residency criteria). If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for EU applicant status, you will be deemed a Non-EU student for fees and application purposes.

To ensure you complete the application process correctly, you will need to confirm your status as an EU applicant or a Non-EU applicant.

If you are not sure whether you are an EU or Non-EU applicant, please consult RCSI’s EU vs Non-EU policy.   

Under the Common Travel Area (CTA) between Ireland and the UK, UK citizens will continue to enjoy the same fee status that they have to date, post-Brexit. For the purposes of determining fee status, the UK should continue to be considered an EU Member State when completing the EU Nationality test.

If you have any questions, please contact the RCSI Admissions Office who can assist in verifying your status.

Please note:

The information below should be used as a guide only, regarding your EU or Non-EU applicant status. If, after working through the guide, you are still unsure of your EU or Non-EU status, you should refer to this policy for further guidance.

Alternatively, you may contact the RCSI Admissions Office who can assist in verifying your status.

 

Zingtree

Irish and EU applicants

Apply now for Medicine

Irish and EU School Leaver applicants must:

  • Be EU applicants.
  • Be in their final year of school or have completed their Leaving Certificate (or an equivalent EU secondary school exit examination) prior to the year of admission to the programme.
  • Meet the minimum entry (matriculation) requirements.
  • Apply to the programme through the Central Applications Office (CAO) website (RC001 – Undergraduate Medicine) from 5 November to 1 February.
  • Sit the HPAT Ireland test (in February) in the year of admission to the programme.
Apply now for Medicine

Irish and EU Mature Entry applicants must:

  • Be EU applicants.
  • Be 23 years of age or older on 1 January of the year of admission to the programme.
  • Meet the minimum entry (matriculation) requirements.
  • Apply to the programme through the Central Applications Office (CAO) website (RC001 – Undergraduate Medicine) from 5 November to 1 February.
  • Sit the HPAT Ireland test (in February) in the year of admission to the programme.

Please note:

  • Given the large number of Mature Entry applications for Undergraduate Medicine each year, applicants’ HPAT scores assist in the shortlisting of Mature Entry applicants.
  • HPAT scores are valid for one year only and must be presented in the year of admission to the programme.
  • There is no minimum HPAT score. The minimum HPAT score is determined each year by the group of Mature Entry applicants who apply for Undergraduate Medicine (RC001).
  • Once available, RCSI reviews all Mature Entry Medicine applicant HPAT scores and invites a number of applicants to submit a CV, personal statement and references to RCSI to support their application.
  • A review of the supplementary documentation also takes place and further shortlisting for interviews commences.
  • Shortlisted candidates are called for a structured interview which takes place in May of each year.
  • Mature Entry Medicine first round offers are released to successful candidates in June of each year with a two-week acceptance turnaround to include return of deposit payment to secure places.
  • CAO offers (Round A) follow in July. Candidates must accept both the RCSI offer in June, as well as the CAO offer in July.

Non-EU applicants – School Leaver

Non-EU students (excluding those residing in the USA/Canada) apply directly to RCSI via our website. Applications open on 1 November and close on 15 January in the year of admission to the programme.

If you reside in the USA or Canada, please apply via our educational partner in North America, Atlantic Bridge. For more details on the correct application process, please see below.

Please note: Applicants must have attained the age of 18 by 1 December following entry to RCSI. If you do not meet this requirement we will not be able to consider your application.

Please ensure that you read the below information carefully before starting your application. 

There is an application fee of €75 payable by credit card.

Apply now for Medicine

Applicants must:

  • Meet the minimum academic eligibility criteria (including English language requirements) for entry to RCSI's Undergraduate Medicine programme, as outlined in the entry requirements.
  • Have attained the age of 18 by 1 December following entry to RCSI
  • Apply directly to RCSI between 1 November and 15 January (in the year of admission to the programme).
  • Upload the following documentation as part of their application:
    • Certified copies of academic transcripts including English language transcripts (IELTS) if applicable
    • Non-academic references
    • Copy of passport showing name, nationality and date of birth.
    • A passport style photograph
    • Confidential academic referee* contact details
    • A personal statement (guidance on preparing your statement can be found here).
    • Documents which reflect your life experience (such as work/life balance, extracurricular activities, relevant work/voluntary experience etc.)

*Academic references: Applicants are required to nominate an academic referee as part of the application process. The Admissions Office will contact the referee and request that they provide a 'confidential academic reference'. The full name, title, position and contact details of the referee are required as part of the online application (please do not begin your application without these details). It is advisable therefore to inform the referee and seek their permission to nominate them as a referee.

Please note: Kuwaiti, Saudi Arabian and Omani nationals who are under Government Scholarships must apply through their respective Ministries of Higher Education. Their files are then sent to RCSI for consideration by the relevant Cultural Offices in Dublin or London. For more information, please contact the RCSI Admissions Office.

If you have any queries regarding your application, please contact the RCSI Admissions Office.

Please note: Applicants must have attained the age of 18 by 1 December following entry to RCSI. I you do not meet this requirement we will not be able to consider you application.

All Non-EU applicants residing in the USA and Canada should apply to RCSI through our educational agent partner, Atlantic Bridge.

Apply now for Medicine

Applicants must:

  • Meet the minimum academic eligibility criteria for entry to RCSI's Undergraduate Medicine programme, as outlined in the entry requirements.
  • Have attained the age of 18 by 1 December following entry to RCSI.
  • Contact Atlantic Bridge for guidance in advance of applications opening on 1 August prior to the year of admission.
  • Complete and submit the Atlantic Bridge application within their deadline dates.
  • Submit all required documentation as outlined by Atlantic Bridge here.

A US$75 application fee is payable to Atlantic Bridge by credit card for applications made by 15 November. Applications made following this date will be subject to a late fee.