Medicine

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects (2 x H4 and 4 x O6/H7) in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include a minimum of an O6/H7 in Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics and a third language, plus a minimum of a H4 in Chemistry and a H4 in either Physics or Biology.

Applicants must meet the above subject requirements and a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination.

Six-year track

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects (2 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7) in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and one other recognised subject.

Applicants must meet the above subject requirements and a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination.

• H indicates minimum grade at Higher Level Leaving Certificate
• O indicates minimum grade at Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate

Eligible applicants are awarded Irish Leaving Certificate points on the basis of their best six recognised subjects, from a single Irish Leaving Certificate sitting, as follows:

Note:

• Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics have 25 points added to their score for Mathematics. The six highest subject scores will be counted to achieve a cumulative points score. The bonus points for Mathematics will only be relevant in cases where the subject Higher Level Mathematics is scored as one of the applicant's six best subjects for points scoring purposes.

If you are an EU A-Level applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

• Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C or above) and four passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)] to include a minimum Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a second language and one laboratory science subject from Chemistry, Physics or Biology, to be considered for the six-year track.
• A minimum grade C in A-Level Chemistry and either Physics or Biology is required to be considered for the five-year track.

AND

2. Achieve a minimum of 480 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points in the same sitting of the A-Level examinations, calculated on the basis of the following:

• The best three A-Level subjects from one academic year and one AS in a different subject from the same or preceding academic year; or
• The best four A-Level subjects from one academic year. If four A-Level subjects are presented, the fourth subject is scored at a lower rate.
• Only A-Level grades awarded at the same date can be considered for computation.
• A maximum of four distinct recognised subjects will be counted.
• Applicants are scored on the basis of their best four A-Levels, or three A-Levels and an AS Level in a different subject from the same or preceding year (note one A-Level grade from the previous year may be substituted for an AS grade but will only be scored as an AS).
• Grades in the same subject in A-Level and AS Level cannot be combined.

As a guide, Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points are calculated using the following conversion table (please note that GCE A Level scoring is currently under review for entry via CAO from 2025 onwards):

AND

3. Sit the HPAT-Ireland in the same year of admission to the programme.

Note:

• Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade E or above in A-Level Mathematics will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. This will only apply to one Mathematics subject out of the following: Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics and is only where that subject is used as one of the subjects for points scoring purposes. (N.B. Mathematics and Pure Mathematics cannot be combined for points purposes).
• A-Level applicants must satisfy minimum entry requirements (as outlined above) within three consecutive years, i.e. GCSE (2022), AS Levels (2023) and A-Levels (2024).
• Combined entry points range 2023: As a guide, in 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate points (for students who successfully entered the RCSI Medicine programme) ranged from 542 to 625 (which is approximately equivalent to a range of between 2 x A* and 1 x A in your three best A-Levels plus a C in a fourth AS Level, and 4 x A*s at A-Level). HPAT-Ireland scores ranged from 168 to 229. The combined HPAT and points score required for admission to the Undergraduate Medicine programme in 2023 was 733*.

*If the minimum points have an asterisk (*), this indicates that all applicants with a combined score greater than that score (e.g. 734 and higher) were offered a place. In 2023, all applicants who achieved a combined score of exactly 733 were not guaranteed an offer however and random selection was applied instead.

If you are an EU International Baccalaureate (IB) applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

• Present three subjects at Higher Level (minimum Grade 5) and three subjects at Standard Level (minimum Grade 4) to include English, Mathematics, one laboratory science and a second language to be considered for entry to the six-year track. A minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level Chemistry and either Physics or Biology is required to be considered for entry to the five-year track.
• Applicants presenting IB through English must achieve a minimum Grade 4 in Standard Level English (either English A1, A2 or B). Applicants not presenting IB through English must achieve a minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level English (either English A1, A2 or B). Alternatively, applicants must meet the English language requirements as outlined in the minimum English language requirements below.
• Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable for entry.

AND

2. Achieve a minimum of 480 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points, the calculation of which is outlined below:

AND

3. Sit the HPAT-Ireland in the same year of admission to the programme.

Note:

• Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade 4 or above in Higher Level Mathematics only will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. The subject Mathematics Studies is not acceptable for bonus points purposes.
• Combined entry points range 2023: As a guide, in 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate points (for students who successfully entered the RCSI Medicine programme) ranged from 542 to 625 (which is approximately equivalent to a range of between 40 and 45 IB points). HPAT-Ireland scores ranged from 168 to 229. The combined HPAT and points score required for admission to the Undergraduate Medicine programme in 2023 was 733*.

*If the minimum points have an asterisk (*), this indicates that all applicants with a combined score greater than that score (e.g. 734 and higher) were offered a place. In 2023, all applicants who achieved a combined score of exactly 733 were not guaranteed an offer however and random selection was applied instead.

For specific information on points conversion of European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H4 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate to include a minimum of an O6/H7 (OD3) in Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics and a third language, plus a minimum of a H4 (HC3) in Chemistry and a H4 (HC3) in either Physics or Biology.

Six-year track

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and one other recognised subject.

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C or above) and four passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum of a Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a second language and one laboratory science subject from Chemistry, Physics or Biology, to be considered for the six-year track.

A minimum Grade C in A-Level Chemistry and either Physics or Biology is required to be considered for the five-year track.

Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) recognised Level 6 Access to Science awards are accepted in lieu of the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent secondary school examinations for Mature Entry routes only.

If you are undertaking (or considering joining) a particular Access to Science course, please contact the Admissions Office to confirm the specific entry requirements required for entry via the Mature Entry pathway.

For specific information on European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants must present a minimum of three A-Level subjects* with minimum grades of AAB, to include Chemistry, one additional laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics), plus one other from the following group: Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology.

All applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at GCSE level, which must include a minimum Grade 4 / C in English and Mathematics.

Six-year track

Applicants who have completed three A-Levels* and meet the grade requirements of the five-year track (AAB), but do not meet the above subject requirements may be considered for the six-year track. Applicants must present at least one subject from the following: Chemistry, Physics or Biology.

*All A Level subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 12 and 13). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants must present a minimum score of 36 IB Diploma points (inclusive of bonus points). The IB Diploma must comprise a minimum of six subjects* (three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level), which must include Chemistry at Higher Level (with a minimum score of 5) and another laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics) or Mathematics** at Higher Level.

If Mathematics is presented with Chemistry at Higher Level, another laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics) must also be presented at Standard Level.

Six-year track

Applicants must present a minimum score of 36 IB Diploma points (inclusive of bonus points).

The IB Diploma must comprise a minimum of six subjects* (three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level), which must include English, Mathematics** and at least one Higher Level laboratory science subject (Chemistry, Biology or Physics).

*All IB Diploma subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 11 and 12). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.
**Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable for application to RCSI.

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

• ATAR required: minimum 95%

Applicants must present a minimum of 80% in Chemistry and in two of the following three subjects: Physics, Biology or Mathematics in Year 12.

Six-year track

• ATAR required: 85%

Applicants must present Mathematics plus one subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry or Physics in Year 12.

Australian Foundation Programmes

The following foundation programmes are eligible for consideration for entry to the School of Medicine:

• Monash University Programme*
• Trinity College Foundation Programme at the University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland Foundation Programme
• University of New South Wales Foundation Programme

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants who have completed one of the above programmes presenting English, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Biology, and with a minimum overall score of 90%, will be eligible for consideration for entry to the five-year Undergraduate Medicine programme. Applicants must present a minimum score of 80% in Chemistry and no other individual module score should be less than 75%.

Six-year track

Applicants who have completed one of the above programmes presenting English, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Biology, and with a minimum overall score of 80%, will be eligible for consideration for entry to the six-year Undergraduate Medicine programme. No individual module score should be less than 70%.

Please note:
Other foundation programmes not listed above may be considered. Enquiries should be emailed to the RCSI Admissions Office.

*Both Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics will be accepted for those applying via the Monash University Programme.

Six-year track

Canadian High School Diploma: Applicants must present a minimum average score of 85% in their top six Grade 12 academic subjects, which must include minimum scores of 80% in Biology, Chemistry and either Physics, Mathematics or Calculus.

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants who meet the six-year track entry requirements and present three Advanced Placement (AP) examinations may be eligible for consideration for the five-year track. 

Applicants must present AP Chemistry, AP Biology and a third AP from the group; Calculus, Physics or Psychology. Applicants are required to present scores of 5, 5, 4 in their three AP examinations (in any combination).

Applicants who have completed one or two years of an undergraduate Science degree are welcome to apply. Applicants who are taking courses that include Organic Chemistry and Biology will be considered for the five-year track, while those without sufficient Organic Chemistry and Biology will be considered for the six-year track. Applicants are required to submit competitive GPAs for all years that they have completed within their chosen programme.

Applicants presenting the CAPE examinations must have achieved the following scores in unit 2:

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

CAPE Exam scores of I, I, II (subjects must include Chemistry and two from the following group: Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Environmental Sciences).

Six-year track

CAPE Exam scores of I, II, II (with at least two science subjects from the following group: Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Environmental Sciences).

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

All applicants will be expected to take the four core subjects plus three elective subjects. Applicants must present Chemistry with a minimum score of Level 5. In addition, they must achieve a minimum Level 5 score in two subjects from the following group: Biology, Physics and Mathematics. A minimum score of Level 3 must be achieved in all remaining subjects.

Applicants must also achieve a minimum score of Level 5 in HKDSE English Language or an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

Six-year track

All applicants will be expected to take the four core subjects plus three elective subjects and to achieve minimum scores of Levels 5, 5 and 4 from the following group: Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Minimum scores of Level 3 must be achieved in all remaining subjects.

Applicants must also achieve a minimum score of Level 5 in HKDSE English Language or an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

Applicants must hold a bona-fide certificate of completion issued by the CBSE or CISCE.

Candidates applying with the IB Diploma or A Levels may be eligible for consideration for either the five or six-year track, depending on their final year subjects and grades (see IB Diploma and A Levels sections above).

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 90% or above across five subjects in Grade 12, to include minimum scores of 75% in Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Mathematics. 

Six-year track

Applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 80% or above across five subjects in Grade 12, to include minimum scores of 75% in Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Mathematics. 

Please note: Indian nationals undertaking a Medicine degree outside of India are advised to consult the National Medical Commission website (nmc.org.in) to understand the most up-to-date requirements for foreign medical graduates intending to practice in India.

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

S.T.P.M minimum grades of A, A, B, to include Chemistry and Biology, and one other subject from Mathematics or Physics.

Applicants presenting the Malaysian University Matriculation Exam must achieve a GPA of 3.5 in one sitting and have competitive grades in Mathematics, Physics, Biology and English. Grades obtained in more than one sitting will be considered provided that the proximity of the examinations is in less than one year.

Six-year track

Applicants who meet the S.T.P.M minimum grade requirements of the five-year track (A,A,B) but do not meet the above subject requirements may be considered for the six-year track.

Please note: Applicants to the five and six-year tracks must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at S.P.M level, which must include a minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics. 

Malaysian Foundation Programmes

The following foundation programmes are eligible for consideration for entry to six-year Medicine:

• Sunway Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST)
• Taylor's College Foundation in Science
• INTI Foundation in Science
• HELP University Foundation in Science

Applicants who have completed one of the above programmes must present English, Chemistry, Biology and/or Physics/Mathematics, with a minimum overall score of 80%. No individual module score should be less than 70%

Please note: Other foundation programmes not listed above may be considered. Enquiries should be emailed to the RCSI Admissions Office.

Choueifat International School graduates are eligible for consideration for either five or six-year entry to the Undergraduate Medicine programme, depending on their combination of subjects/education systems presented at the time of application.

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants eligible for the five-year track must present three subjects (in any combination) as follows:

• Chemistry (A Level, International Baccalaureate (HL) or Advanced Placement)
• Biology or Physics (A Level, International Baccalaureate (HL) or Advanced Placement)
• A third subject from Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology (A Level, International Baccalaureate (HL) or Advanced Placement)

Applicants must present minimum grades of AAB at A Level or equivalent (International Baccalaureate HL665 or AP 554). 

Six-year track

Applicants who achieve grades less than those outlined above, or who are missing a science subject may be considered for the six-year track. Such applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants must complete their Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement) and achieve minimum grades of ABBBB (76666), to include the following subjects: Mathematics (core), Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

Six-year track

American High School Diploma: Applicants must present a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 in Grade 12, including minimum GPA of 3.0 in Biology, Chemistry and either Physics, Mathematics or Calculus.

Five-year track (exempt from Foundation Year)

Applicants who meet the six-year entry requirements and present three Advanced Placement (AP) examinations may be eligible for consideration for the five-year track.

Applicants must present AP Chemistry, AP Biology and a third AP from the group; Calculus, Physics or Psychology. Applicants are required to present scores of 5, 5, 4 in their three AP examinations (in any combination).

Applicants who have completed one or two years of an undergraduate Science degree are welcome to apply. Applicants who are taking courses that include Organic Chemistry and Biology will be considered for the five-year track, while those without sufficient Organic Chemistry and Biology will be considered for the six-year track. Applicants are required to submit competitive GPAs for all years that they have completed within their chosen programme.

Students from the Middle East and Gulf countries who have taken internationally recognised high school programmes (such as A Level or International Baccalaureate) are eligible to apply directly to RCSI for the Medicine programme.

Students who graduate from government/public and bilingual high school programmes that are delivered throughout the Middle East cannot apply for direct entry to Medicine at RCSI. Such students must complete a recognised pre-university/foundation programme (see sample list below) prior to applying to RCSI.

Please note: Kuwaiti nationals applying to RCSI undergraduate degree programmes are required to apply via the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education only.

Students who graduate from high school systems that do not meet the National University of Ireland (NUI) regulations for direct entry to the Undergraduate programmes offered at RCSI may undertake a recognised pre-university/foundation programme and apply to RCSI on the basis of the results obtained in their selected programme. RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.

The following is a listing of pre-university/foundation programmes offered in a number of centres throughout Ireland, the UK and globally:

*Further information on the IFG Medical Foundation Programme is available on their website.
**In Ireland, the NCUK International Foundation Year is offered at DIFC. Further information on NCUK, including centres where the International Foundation Year is offered, is available on their website.

Below is a listing of UK-based pre-university/foundation programmes. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other foundation programmes not listed below may be considered. Enquiries should be directed to the RCSI Admissions Office. Again, RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.