Study Medicine in Ireland

Ireland is noted for its world-class medical training. Graduates from Irish Medical Schools consistently secure residencies in top tier residency programs throughout North America. We encourage you to view the residencies secured by our graduates in recent years on the Residency Placements page (see below).

Students can apply to all six Irish medical schools, as well as RCSI – Bahrain with one common application and one set of supporting documents (transcripts, letters of reference, etc.).

The medical programs in Ireland range from four to six years in length. Students can apply from High School, with one or more years of university or as a College Graduate (or soon to be graduate). So essentially students at all stages of their academic career can apply to a program suitable for their academic background.

When you submit an Application Request you will receive specific application instructions outlining the programs where you are eligible to apply as well as specific admissions requirements, deadlines, and other guidelines.

You can also review the Entry Requirements section below for further guidance on the programs where you are eligible to apply.

Entry Requirements

If you are unsure about program eligibility, submit an Application Request. After we receive your submission, we will write to you regarding program eligibility, application instructions, admissions requirements, deadlines, and other guidelines.

1. Designed for applicants entering directly from High School and who have taken biology, chemistry, and either physics or mathematics.

2. Applicants currently attending College/University but will not have an undergraduate degree by the September entry. If in this category, you may also be eligible for a 5-Year Program. The Admissions Committees will determine the program to which you are most suited based on your academic background. *This does not apply to RCSI-Bahrain.

  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • RCSI – Bahrain.

Students presenting AP Examinations may apply to the following 5 Year Programs. Specific requirements vary by school although Chemistry is required by all schools.

  • University College Cork
  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain

Students presenting IB Examinations may apply to the following 5 Year Programs. Specific requirements vary by school although Chemistry at Higher Level is required.

  • University College Cork*
  • University College Dublin*
  • University of Galway*
  • Trinity College Dublin*
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland*
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain

*Applicants are required to undertake all six IB examinations in one examination session.

Students presenting One or more Years College/University may apply to the following 5 Year Programs.

  • University College Cork
  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Additionally, applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree before September Entry are eligible to apply to the 5-Year programs. (MCAT not required)

  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • RCSI- Bahrain

An undergraduate degree and MCAT are required. The MCAT must be written before May 1st of the year of entry and an undergraduate degree must be awarded before September entry.

  • University College Cork*
  • University College Dublin**
  • University of Limerick***
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences***

*University College Cork: The MCAT must be written within 3 years of the date of entry. e.g. test dates no earlier than August 2020 for 2023 entry.

**University College Dublin: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and minimum MCAT requirement of 503. The MCAT must be written within 2 years of the date of entry. e.g. test dates no earlier than August 2021 for 2023 entry.

***University of Limerick and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland: The MCAT must have been written within three years. e.g. test dates no earlier than 2020 for 2023 entry. RCSI’s minimum MCAT requirement is 500.

Additionally, applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree before September Entry are eligible to apply to the 5-Year programs. (MCAT not required)

  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • RCSI- Bahrain

Atlantic Bridge will provide specific guidance on your eligibility based on the information you submit on your Application Request Form.

Note: four medical schools require an interview:

  • University College Dublin 
  • University of Limerick
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • RCSI – Bahrain

Interviews will be conducted online with the exception of University of Limerick and RCSI-Bahrain who conduct in person interviews in North America.

Irish Medical Curricula

The programs are organized into two broad phases: preclinical and clinical years. There is some variation in courses among the schools, but all the essential preclinical and clinical subjects are covered. Instruction in preclinical years is through individual combinations of lectures, problem-based learning, evidence-based medicine and small-group seminars, tutorials, practicals, laboratories and computer-aided learning. Early patient contact is integrated into the curriculum with more emphasis on problem-based learning which is very popular with students.

Find out More

Financial Aid

North American students attending medical schools usually make use of available financial aid to cover the costs of their training.

Moving to Ireland

All you need to know about transitioning to live and study in Ireland.

Lets go

Applications are now open for 2023 Entry. Your journey starts now!

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