Study MBBS in Ireland in 2026

Ireland does not award the MBBS degree. The Irish equivalent primary medical qualification is the MB, BCh, BAO (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of the Art of Obstetrics), which is recognised internationally as the equivalent of an MBBS. If you plan on practicing medicine in Ireland post study, you must register with the Medical Council of Ireland, established under the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007. The Medical Council regulates six medical schools in Ireland, all of which award the MB, BCh, BAO degree upon completion. Following graduation, a mandatory one-year internship in a recognised hospital is required before a doctor is eligible for full General Registration with the Medical Council. For international students, factoring in the overall cost of studying medicine in Ireland, including tuition, living expenses, and the option of an education loan for Ireland, is an important part of planning this five to six-year commitment.

Why Consider Ireland for a Medical Degree?

• Internationally Recognised Qualification: The MB, BCh, BAO awarded by Irish medical schools is recognised in the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. Graduates of Ireland's six medical schools are entitled to apply for intern posts in Ireland.
• English-Medium Teaching: All medical programmes in Ireland are delivered entirely in English, with no language transition required for students from India.
• Two Entry Routes: Ireland offers both a 5-year undergraduate direct entry (for school leavers) and a 4-year graduate entry programme (for holders of a bachelor's degree in any discipline). Admission to graduate entry is through GAMSAT, which is held twice a year.
• Clinical Training in Teaching Hospitals: All Irish medical schools have established affiliations with public teaching hospitals, providing structured clinical rotations from the early years of the programme.
• Post-Study Work Pathway: Non-EEA graduates holding a Level 8 primary medical qualification from a recognised Irish institution are eligible for Stamp 1G permission under the Third Level Graduate Programme for up to 24 months to seek employment, subject to immigration policy at the time of application.
• Part-Time Work During Studies: Non-EEA students on Stamp 2 permission are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during designated vacation periods.

Source: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/third-level-graduate-programme/

Universities Offering MB, BCh, BAO (MBBS Equivalent) in Ireland

Source: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/undergraduate/medicine
https://www.ucc.ie/en/ck701/
https://www.ul.ie/courses/bachelor-medicine-bachelor-surgery-graduate-entry
https://www.tcd.ie/courses/undergraduate/courses/medicine/
https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/registration-applications/first-time-applicants/internship-registration.html

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements vary by university and entry route. The following are typically required:

For Undergraduate (Direct) Entry:

• Completion of secondary school leaving examinations (e.g. Class 12 / A-Levels / equivalent), meeting minimum subject requirements typically including Biology and Chemistry
• Sitting the HPAT-Ireland (Health Professions Admission Test) in the year of application
• Minimum English language proficiency where applicable (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

For Graduate Entry (GAMSAT-based):

• A minimum of second-class honours (2:1 or equivalent) in any bachelor's degree
• GAMSAT score from a test sitting in the year of application or one prior year (validity varies by institution)
• Minimum English language proficiency where applicable

Supporting documents typically required: Academic transcripts, degree certificate (graduate entry), English language proficiency scores, valid passport, and Garda/police clearance certificate prior to clinical placements.

How to Apply for a Medical Programme in Ireland

• Confirm which entry route applies, undergraduate (HPAT-based) or graduate entry (GAMSAT-based), based on your current qualification level.
• For graduate entry: register and sit the GAMSAT-Ireland test (held in March and September each year). Check each university's GAMSAT score validity policy before applying.
• For undergraduate (Non-EU) entry: apply directly through each university's international admissions portal. RCSI, UCD, UCC, TCD, UL, and University of Galway all accept direct non-EU applications.
• Prepare supporting documents: academic transcripts, degree certificate (graduate entry), English language test scores, statement of purpose, and valid passport.
• Submit applications by each university's stated closing date. Timelines and closing dates vary by institution — verify on each official programme page.
• Upon receiving an offer, pay the acceptance deposit and accept your place formally.
• Apply for a long-term Irish study visa through the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online portal at least 3 months before your programme start date.
• After arrival in Ireland, register at the relevant immigration office to obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) within 90 days.
• Complete mandatory Garda vetting/police clearance, BBV screening, and vaccinations as required by your medical school prior to commencing clinical placements.
• Arrange accommodation, health insurance, and finances, including evaluating an education loan for Ireland if required.

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