FAQ’s

• Application Information
  • What are the entry requirements?

    • You can find the entry requirements for each discipline using the following links: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy. If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements, please note that it is unlikely that you will receive an offer.

  • What types of students prove to be successful applicants?

    • Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, you are expected to present high marks in science subjects, Chemistry, Biology, and Math or Physics, as the application process is competitive.

      The nature and demands of a medical degree programme mean that academic preparation is essential. The Irish universities expect candidates to demonstrate evidence of recent pre-med academic work at a high level to ensure they are properly prepared for the challenging medical curriculum.

      Successful applicants applying with high school-level qualifications usually have achieved these within the two-year period prior to the programme start date.

      Successful Graduate Entry applicants usually completed their undergraduate or post-graduate degree within the three-year period prior to the programme start date

  • Is there a minimum age requirement?

    • Students must be 17 years old by January 15th of their first year in the program with the exception of RCSI, which requires that students must be 18 years of age by December 31st of the year of entry (2026).

  • What tips do you have to offer before I submit my application?

    • Read your application packet and instructions thoroughly. The application packet you received has been personally tailored for you according to the information you provided when you requested an application from our website. Your friend’s application packet may not be the same as yours.

      Refer to the guide to letters of recommendation. Your letters of recommendation are an important part of your application. Make sure you read through the requirements thoroughly.

  • How do I know which schools I am eligible for?

    • Please refer to your Application Packet for specific guidelines regarding school selection and program eligibility. The email outlines each of the programs and the corresponding schools to which you are eligible to apply.

      Please make sure you only apply for schools you are eligible for as application fees are nonrefundable.

  • Can I submit transcripts and letters of recommendation before my application?

    • Yes. Your documents will be kept in a secure queue until you submit your online application.

      Due to the number of documents received at our office daily, it is not possible for us to acknowledge receipt of each document as it arrives. Once your documents have been received and processed, your admissions counselor will attach them to your application. Once attached, these documents will be visible on your portal.

  • What will happen after you receive my application?

    • Once your application form and payment have been received, we will provide you with an “application acknowledgment” email within two to three business days. This email will list the required documents and how to submit them.

      When all of your supporting documents have been received, your admissions counselor will process your application and send you an “application complete” email, which will have information on what to expect next. Once your application is considered complete, it will be made available to the universities’ admissions committees for review.

      Once the committees have made final decisions on your application – whether offer or regret – you will be notified via email.

  • What happens if some of my documents are received after the deadline?

    • Supporting documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) received after the deadline will be accepted. Please note that the later they are received, the later your application will be “complete” and considered by the admissions committees. The committees will not wait until your application is complete before making offers.

      We encourage applicants to complete their application as soon as possible.

      Applications that are not complete by March 1, 2026 are not guaranteed assessment. January 2026 MCAT test dates are the latest MCAT scores that will be considered for 2026 entry.

      An MCAT is not required for the five and six-year programs.

  • When will I hear from the admissions committees?

    • The admissions process is ongoing through the spring and summer months; there is no specific date by which final decisions will be made. First round offers are usually issued in late February/early March each year, and late offers can be issued as late as August. Applications completed after December 15th cannot be guaranteed to be reviewed for first round of offers. However, subsequent rounds of offers for each program, although not guaranteed, can be issued.

      Some applicants will be notified earlier than others. Some students who accept offers early in the admissions season may withdraw later in the year and leave a vacancy which may be filled by another applicant who is awaiting a decision. It is not uncommon for an applicant to receive an offer of admission less than one month before classes start as a result of a late withdrawal. Schools may also release additional places for international students and this often happens in late spring or early summer. If you haven’t received a decision by early summer, this does not mean that your application has been rejected or overlooked.

      We ask that you please be patient during the admissions season. If you do not hear from the admissions committees, it is not because they have forgotten you, but because they are giving thorough consideration to hundreds of applications.

      Your application remains active and able to be considered for an offer until you receive a response from all of the schools you have applied to.

  • What kind of notification will I receive from the schools?

    • The universities issue three types of letters. Offers, regrets and waitlist/reserve list. If on the waitlist/reserve list, your position will not be disclosed.

      The university admissions committees are solely responsible for admissions decisions.

      If you have not received an offer by early summer, your application is still active and can be considered for a late offer.

      You will receive an official email from each of the schools you have applied to regarding their final decision on your application. If you have not received a final decision, your application is still active. It is normal for offers to be issued throughout the summer months.

  • What happens if I receive an offer of admission?

    • If you receive an offer of admission, an official offer packet will be sent to you. Offer packets include an official offer letter, directions on how to accept the offer, and a deadline to respond. In order to secure your place, you will be asked to pay a non- refundable deposit to the university. Deposits range from 2,000 euro to 15,000 euros.

      Once an offer of admission has been accepted, additional information regarding student accommodation, immigration, term dates, etc. is distributed. Atlantic Bridge will also be available to liaise on a student’s behalf with the university.

  • Who may inquire about my application?

    • To ensure the confidentiality of your application, we will only correspond with you at the email and postal addresses you provide on your application.

      If you wish for us to correspond with another person (e.g. a parent or guardian), you must provide his/her email address on the application form.

      If you will be changing your email or postal address at any time during the admissions season, you must notify us of those changes by email.

      Atlantic Bridge will only engage with the candidate regarding their application with the exception of students who are under the age of 18.

  • How can I check on the status of my application?

    • Because your privacy is important to us, we will not provide information regarding your application status over the telephone. Please submit all inquiries by email to your admissions counselor.

      Please direct your inquiries to The Atlantic Bridge Program office rather than to the universities. Applying pressure to university staff or to the admissions committees will not increase your chances of selection.

      Atlantic Bridge will only engage with the candidate regarding their application with the exception of students who are under the age of 18.

• General Information
  • Will I have to undergo a health screening?

    • Yes. In the interests of the safety of both patients and students, Irish health care regulations require that a student entering a health care-related program undergo a health screening at the university’s health center after registration with the school. This is required to ensure that students are free of any infectious disease that may cause harm to patients, other students, or faculty.

      Documents for such screenings are provided by the universities. Please note that there is an associated cost of approximately €225 – €300 (depending on the school) for health screening. The fees are paid directly to the university.

  • What about health insurance?

    • The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service require that all non-EU students have private health insurance while studying in Ireland. Students should be prepared to present proof of insurance when arriving in Ireland.

      Students enrolled on a course of more than one academic year must buy a combined insurance policy that offers both (i) Health Insurance and (ii) student accident and repatriation. Such a (combined) policy meets the requirements for immigration.

      To secure such a policy you can visit the Study and Protect page from the Arachas Insurance Company, Study & Protect

      The Arachas policy will meet the requirements of the immigration authorities and they are endorsed by the Irish universities.

      NOTE: You must purchase a policy that is written by an Irish Registered Insurance Insurance Company such as Arachas.

  • Will I receive a good education at these schools as I would in the us/canada?

    • Absolutely. The standard of education in Irish Universities is extremely high. Their degrees are highly regarded throughout the world. Their graduates routinely secure some of the most prestigious residency training positions and long-term careers in North America. We encourage Medical applicants to explore our Atlantic Bridge residency matches over the last decade.

  • I have a european union (eu) passport but I do not ordinarily reside in the eu. Do I Qualify for eu tuition fees?

    • Holders of EU passports who are not ordinarily residents* of the EU are subject to overseas (i.e. non-EU) tuition fees. A student who meets any of the following conditions may request to be assessed for EU Tuition Fees.

      *Ordinarily resident means being resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for a minimum of 183 days in any one calendar year for a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years.

      (a) For all applicants aged under 23 on September 1st of the year of entry to a program:

      – Parent(s) must have been resident as tax-payer(s) (i.e. principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU for three of the five years prior to commencing the program AND

      – Applicant/student must have been ordinarily resident in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing a program

      (b) For all applicants aged 23 or over on September 1st of the year of entry to a program:

      – Applicants over 23 are considered independent, mature applicants. The applicant/student must have been resident as a tax-payer (that is –
      principal residence for the purpose of taxation) in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation for three of the five years prior to commencing the program

      (c) Students educated for 5 years in primary or secondary school in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation can be assessed for EU fees

      – A student who is eligible for EU fees must apply via the Central Applications Office.

      Note: Any period of residence as a student or a holder of a student visa will not be included in the assessment of years of residence.

  • If I am eligible for eu fees, how should I apply to the irish schools?

    • In order to receive an offer of an EU place, you must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).

  • Can I receive an offer of admissions from more than one school?

    • Yes, you can. Every year, a number of candidates receive more than one offer or multiple offers.

  • What is a conditional offer?

    • Students who are currently enrolled in courses and who will not have final marks or earned their degree by the application deadline may be given a conditional offer by the schools. This is a common practice and allows students to (i) apply while they are still undertaking their current coursework and (ii) receive an offer of a place based on past coursework already completed and predicted marks.

      A conditional offer is an offer that is contingent on meeting certain condition(s), for instance, a) earning a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree by September of the year of entry, b) earning a certain grade point average, c) completion of the prerequisite science and math courses and/or d) obtaining a certain score on a standardized test (e.g. IB.)

  • How many entering classes are there each year and when do classes commence?

    • There is one entering class each year. Classes commence annually in September.

  • Are student accommodations available?

    • Yes, all the universities have excellent, modern, housing. Housing in the private sector, including housing for married couples, may also be located with guidance from the college’s Student Accommodation or International Offices. For more detail, please visit our  Accommodations page.

  • How much would I have to budget for living expenses year over year?

    • On average, students will spend approximately €25,000 Euros per academic year (£18,000 UK Pounds for students attending Queen’s University Belfast) on living expenses (housing, food, supplies, transportation, books, etc.) annually.  Medical school students should also consider that there may be additional costs associated with board exams and travel for interviews for residency positions. Most Atlantic Bridge students use a combination of personal funds, student loans, and bank loans/lines of credit to fund their studies.

  • What kind of financial aid is available?

    • Financial aid from the Canada and US comes in the form of Canadian lines of credit and US student loans. These are available to cover education expenses such as tuition fees, books and supplies, travel, etc. Currently the schools themselves cannot make scholarships available to international students.

  • May I obtain employment while I am studying in ireland and do I need a visa before Traveling?

    • For the answer to these questions, please view our Moving To Ireland page.

  • Will I be able to practice in the united states/canada following graduation from An irish university?

    • The Irish medical degree is recognized and highly regarded all over the world. Irish medical school graduates have undertaken postgraduate (residency) training throughout the world, including the Middle East, Australia, North America, Asia, etc.

      Please see our Canadian/US Licensing page for more information.

• Medicine

  • What is a competitive GPA?

    • The admissions committees will take into consideration the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student, how the student performed academically, etc. Please review the Entry Requirements for each school for more specific information:

      • University College Cork
      • University College Dublin
      • University of Limerick
      • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
      • Trinity College Dublin
      • University of Galway
      • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain

      If attending university in Canada you may find the OMSAS Conversion Table useful for converting your GPA to a 4.0 scale.

  • Are interviews required by the Irish medical schools?

    • The following Irish Medical Schools require an interview:

      – The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland*

      – The University of Limerick

      – The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain

      – University College Dublin**

      *For The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, if applying to the 5- and/ or 6-year programs, an online assessment may be required. If you are selected for the online assessment process, there will be an additional fee of USD $85.

      **University College Dublin will conduct online interviews via Zoom.

  • How Many North American Students Are Admitted Each Year?

    • Up to 350 North American students are admitted annually.

  • How long are the medical degree courses in Ireland?

    • 1) Four Year Courses: (a bachelor’s degree and the MCAT are required for admission):

      1. University College Cork
      2. University College Dublin
      3. University of Limerick
      4. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

      2) Five-Year Courses:

      1. University College Cork
      2. University of Galway
      3. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
      4. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain
      5. Trinity College Dublin

      3) Six-Year Courses:

      1. University College Dublin
      2. University of Galway
      3. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
      4. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain

      For information on eligibility requirements for each course, please Click Here.

  • What degrees are awarded by the Irish medical schools?

    • In Ireland, successful candidates are awarded a suite of degrees upon their graduation from medical school. Some programs award a total of three degrees: Medicine (MB), Surgery (BCh), and Obstetrics (BAO), while others award a total of two degrees: Medicine (BM), and Surgery (BS). The Irish suite of degrees is the equivalent of the M.D. which is awarded in the USA and Canada.

  • What are the tuition fees?

    • The following is a guideline for Annual Tuition Fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

      Four-year courses:

      1. University College Cork – €53,500
      2. University College Dublin – €63,810
      3. University of Limerick – €55,000 
      4. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – €61,635

      Five-year courses:

      1. University College Cork – €49,900 
      2. University College Dublin – €61,430 
      3. University of Galway – €48,000
      4. Trinity College Dublin – €55,000 
      5. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – €60,135 
      6. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain – $46,600 USD 

      Six-year courses:

      1. University College Dublin – €61,430 
      2. University of Galway – €48,000 
      3. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – €60,135 
      4. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain – $46,600 USD

      The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.

• Dentistry

  • What is a competitive GPA?

    • A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is considered competitive, with the exception of Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork, which requires a GPA of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 scale.

      The admissions committees will take into consideration the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student, how the student performed academically, etc.

      Canadian students may find the OMSAS conversion table useful in calculating their GPA.

  • Are interviews required by the Irish Dental Schools?

    • University College Cork and Queen’s University Belfast conduct online interviews as part of their selection process. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland conducts in-person interviews in Canada as part of their selection process. Interviews are not required for those applying to Trinity College Dublin.

  • How many North American students are admitted each year?

    • Up to 45 North American students are admitted annually.

  • How long is the dental degree course?

    • Five-year programs are offered at University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Queens University Belfast.

  • What degrees are awarded by the Irish Dental Schools?

    • Successful completion of the dentistry degree courses leads to a Bachelor in Dental Science (B.Dent.Sc.) at Trinity College Dublin and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at University College Cork. Trinity College Dublin awards a Bachelor in Arts (B.A.) in addition to the B.Dent.Sc., at the end of the five years. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland awards the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Queen’s University awards the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).

  • What are the tuition fees?

    • The following is a guideline for Annual Tuition Fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

      1. Trinity College Dublin – €55,000 
      2. University College Cork – €49,900
      3. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – €61,135
      4. Queen’s University Belfast – £40,600 UK Pounds

      The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.

  • Are there any exceptional costs involved with the dentistry course?

    • Yes. Students will be required to purchase books at an approximate cost of €300 (£250 UK Pounds if attending Queens University) per year. Students attending the Royal College of Surgeons, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork are required to purchase a set of dental instruments. The estimated cost of instruments is €4,000.

  • Can I practice in Canada upon graduation?
    • 1. Students who graduate from University College Cork (UCC) or Trinity College Dublin (TCD) can practice in Canada per the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) as outlined on our Dentistry Program page.
      2. Queen’s University Belfast is not a participant in the reciprocity agreement between the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and the Dental Council of Ireland. Therefore students graduating from this campus will require additional schooling/examinations to practice in Canada. Please see our Canadian/US Licensing page for more information.
      3. Please contact Atlantic Bridge for further information about the accreditation process with regards to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
  • What should happen if the mutual recognition agreement ceases to be renewed Or is terminated?

    • Under the terms of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), any student who is enrolled in an accredited program at the time of the MRA being terminated, and proceeds to successfully complete said program, shall be considered to have graduated from an accredited program and shall subsequently benefit from the provisions of the MRA.

• Pharmacy

  • What is a competitive GPA?

    • A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is considered competitive, with the exception of Trinity College Dublin, which requires a GPA of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 scale.

      The admissions committees will take into consideration the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student, how the student performed academically, etc.

      Canadian students may find the OMSAS conversion table useful in calculating their GPA.

  • Are Interviews Required By The Irish Pharmacy Schools?

    • RCSI is the only Pharmacy program that interviews and conducts online interviews.

  • How many north american students are admitted each year?

    • Up to 12 North American students are admitted annually.

  • How long is the Pharmacy degree course in Ireland?

    • The 5-Year Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm) is offered at The Royal College of Surgeons, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.

  • What degrees are awarded by the Irish pharmacy schools?

    • Students who complete the 5 year Pharmacy program at RCSI, TCD or UCC will graduate with a Master of Pharmacy and are thereby eligible to apply to be registered as a pharmacist in Ireland and throughout the European Union (EU). Graduates can return home to North America and fulfill licensure requirements.

  • What are the tuition fees?

    • Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are as follows:

      —Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) –€25,515*

      —Trinity College Dublin – Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) – €20,750

      —University College Cork – Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) – €21,700**

      *Privately funded students to RCSI may receive a €7,000 scholarship, which brings the annual tuition to €18,515

      **Privately funded international students may receive a €5,000 annual scholarship at UCC.

      The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.

• Physiotherapy

  • What is a competitive GPA ?

    • A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is considered competitive, with the exception of University College Cork and University College Dublin which requires a GPA of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 scale

      The admissions committees will take into consideration the degree of difficulty involved in the undergraduate degree or high school curriculum, the competitiveness of the school, the course load carried by the student, how the student performed academically, etc.

      Canadian students may find the OMSAS conversion table useful in calculating their GPA

  • Are interviews required by the Irish physiotherapy schools.

    • University College Cork, University of Limerick, RCSI conduct online interviews.

  • How many north american students are admitted each year?

    • Up to 30 North American students are admitted annually.

  • How long are the Physiotherapy degree courses in Ireland?

    • University College Cork

      2 Year MSc Physiotherapy degree

      University College Dublin

      2 Year MSc Physiotherapy degree

      University of Limerick

      2 Year MSc Physiotherapy degree

      The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

      3 Year BSc Physiotherapy degree

      4 Year BSc Physiotherapy degree

  • What degrees are awarded by the irish physiotherapy schools?

    • University College Cork, University College Dublin, and University of Limerick students will graduate with an MSc Physiotherapy Degree. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland students will graduate with a BSc Physiotherapy degree.

  • What are the tuition fees ?

    • Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are as follows:

      University College Cork
      MSc Physiotherapy – €21,700

      University College Dublin
      MSc Physiotherapy – €29,100

      University of Limerick
      MSc Physiotherapy – €25,800

      The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
      BSc Physiotherapy – €25,515*

      *all privately funded students to RCSI may receive a €7,000 scholarship, which brings the annual tuition to €18,515.

      The above fees should be treated as a guideline only and are not official. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.