There are six medical schools in Ireland, one in Northern Ireland (QUB, which students can apply to through UCAS) and five in the Republic of Ireland:

• University College Cork (UCC)
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
• University College Dublin (UCD)
• The University of Dublin (Trinity College)
• Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)

Applying to an Irish university is not an easy option and most medical schools demand straight A grades. The Irish education system rests with the Department of Education and Science and education at university level is free to all students from EU countries. Entry requirements need to be checked carefully as they are usually in point format to fit with the Irish education system. Applications are generally made through the Central Applications Office (CAO) and can be made either online or via a paper application form by the 1st February (1st May for late applications). Note that applications to Queen’s University Belfast are made through UCAS not through CAO.

HPAT – Health Professionals Admission Test, Ireland

Universities in Ireland now require applicants to take a test similar to the UKCAT called the HPAT, which is a test that has to be taken in Ireland, which usually takes place in February, but students will need to register before this (recommended before Christmas). It is a 2.5hr test focusing on

• Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving
• Interpersonal Understanding
• Non Verbal Reasoning

Useful Links

• Central Applications Office - www.cao.ie
• Education Ireland (overview of Irish Universities) – www.educationireland.ie
• HPAT website – www.hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au