WHY STUDY MEDICINE IN IRELAND

Considering entering a medical school in Europe? With an affordable tuition fee, excellent faculty, research opportunities, and being able to practice medicine anywhere in the world, Ireland is one of the best places to look at.

Irish universities have a standardized application portal through which it accepts students’ applications, and that is the Central Applications Office (CAO). Students can apply to up to 20 courses through CAO. 

All Ireland medical schools require the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) as a pre-requisite. But this requirement is limited to the students in Ireland and Europe. Indian or non EU/international students do not need to appear for the HPAT.

Indian students must appear for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), if they plan to come back and practice medicine in India after pursuing the medicine degree in Ireland.

Here are the top medical institutions in Ireland:

1. Trinity College, Dublin - M.B./B.Ch./B.A.O.

The ‘M.B. Bachelor in Medicine/B.Ch. Bachelor in Surgery/B.A.O. Bachelor in Obstetrics’ offered by Trinity College is a full time 5 years degree programme. The program is ranked #1 nationally.

Subject Requirements: English, Math, a second language. For medicine - two subjects at Higher Level from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Mathematics, or Agricultural Science.

Fee Structure: The annual tuition fee to study Medicine at Trinity College Dublin is €56,280 (approx.). This amount does not include extra charges or accommodation.

2. University College Dublin - Medicine

The undergraduate Medicine course offered by University College Dublin is a 6 years programme. Students at UCD get amazing highly-prized international summer elective opportunities at locations all over the world. The program is ranked #2 nationally.

Subject Requirements: Indian students must attain an overall of at least 85% in grade XII boards with no less than 75% in any subjects. Compulsory subjects - Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Math.UCD requires a short Statement of Purpose and two Letters of Recommendation as well. The university also conducts interviews as part of their application process.

Fee Structure: The annual tuition fee to study Medicine at University College Dublin is €59,315 (approx.). This amount does not include extra charges or accommodation.

3. Royal College of Surgeons - M.B./B.Ch./B.A.O.

The MB, BCh, BAO (Hons) is an undergraduate Medicine degree offered by Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), Ireland. RCS has a two way programme where students will either be admitted to a 6 year programme (inclusive of a Foundation Year) or a 5 year programme (without a Foundation Year), depending on the information they have provided during application. The program is ranked #3 nationally.

Subject Requirements: For the 5 year programme, 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.                                    For the 6 year programme, 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. 

Fee Structure: The annual tuition fee to study Medicine at Royal College of Surgeons, is €60,135 (approx.). This amount does not include extra charges or accommodation.

4. University of Galway - MB/BCh/BAO

The ‘M.B. Bachelor in Medicine/B.Ch. Bachelor in Surgery/B.A.O. Bachelor in Obstetrics’ offered by University of Galway is a full time 5 years degree programme. Univ. of Galway has an option of choosing between a 5 year, 6 year or a 8 year degree programme. The program is ranked #4 nationally. (Accepted students must meet the health requirements as well - vaccinations and undergo Garda Vetting)

Subject Requirements: For the 5 year programme, applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 90% or above across five subjects in Grade 12, including a minimum score of 85% in Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics. State boards may be considered but a score of 95%+ (overall).                                For the 6 year programme, applicants must achieve a minimum average score of 80% or above across five subjects in Grade 12, including a minimum score of 75% in Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics. State boards may be considered but a score of 85%+ (overall).

                                        For the 8 year + PhD programme, applicants must  achieve a minimum average score of 90% or above across five subjects in Grade 12, including a minimum score of 85% in Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics. The applicant must demonstrate a clear interest in medical research via your personal statement, referencing projects, internships, or science fairs. A strong reference from a science teacher or mentor is critical.

Fee Structure: The annual tuition fee to study Medicine at Galway University, is €55,000 (approx.). This amount does not include extra charges or accommodation.

5. University College Cork - MB/BCh/BAO (Hons)

The MB/BCh/BAO (Hons) Medicine course at University College Cork is a 5 years degree programme. With a state-of-the-art clinical facility lab, UCC is focussed on practical teaching. The program is ranked #5 nationally. (Accepted students must meet the health requirements as well - vaccinations and undergo Garda Vetting).

Subject Requirements: Indian students are required to achieve at least 90% overall in grade XII boards. Math is a compulsory subject. Other required subjects - Chemistry and Biology/Physics.

Fee Structure: The annual tuition fee to study Medicine at University College Cork is €47,000 (approx.). This amount does not include extra charges or accommodation.

Ireland provides early and extensive clinical training through affiliations with top teaching hospitals like St. Vincent’s University Hospital and Beaumont Hospital. Ireland has become a popular destination to study Medicine at an undergraduate level among many geographies, especially India.

It is one of the few countries where a student can pursue medicine right after high school. Students also get amazing internship, research, and job opportunities once they complete their degree.

The key to getting admitted to your dream Ireland university is to start early - application procedure, entrance test preparation and statement of purpose.

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