Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine is one of the world’s leading health sciences universities. Medical graduates are highly sought-after doctors, practicing in health facilities across more than 94 countries. offer a five- and six-year Undergraduate Medicine programme at Dublin city centre campus.
About Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
During your early years studying Medicine at RCSI, you will obtain a solid grounding in the biomedical sciences. You will learn about the body structure and functions in its normal state and study anatomy with expert surgeons and healthcare professionals through regional cadaveric dissection.
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine – Table of Contents
- About
- Advantages
- Ranking
- Departments And Course Duration
- Facilities And Infrastructure
- Fee Structure
- Required Documents
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
- Benefits
- Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
- FAQ’s
The intermediate years of the programme will focus on learning about bodily functions. You will attend a wide array of clinical skills workshops, small group tutorials and case-based teaching sessions. A lot of your time will be spent in a hospital setting attached to clinical teams. The final years of the programme are spent fully immersed in various clinical specialties on a rotational basis.
Since 1810, when it established what is now the impressive facade of 123 St Stephen’s Green, RCSI has played host to some of the most influential public figures in the nation’s history. From innovators to dignitaries, pioneers to revolutionaries – all have walked hallowed halls.

Advantages of Studying in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
- Being afforded the opportunity to play a role in contributing to the ethos and mission of RCSI and developing a deeper insight into institutional management.
- Expanding your knowledge of teaching and learning pedagogies in higher education.
- Contributing to academic research, which may lead to impactful research outputs.
- Gaining experience as leaders or ‘change agents’ – enhancing your confidence, as well as broadening your communication, management, collaboration and research skills.
- Improving your personal and professional networking opportunities within the wider student, academic and professional community.
- Greater engagement and empowerment.
- Improved employability.
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Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine – Ranking
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is an innovative, independent, not-for-profit Irish university, dedicated to education, training and research in medicine and health sciences. the home of Ireland’s largest medical school and the largest clinical simulation facility in Europe.
Founded in 1784, to set and support professional standards for surgical training and practice in Ireland, the university has seven schools offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications aligned to Ireland’s national framework of qualifications.
Home to numerous healthcare institutes as well as leading research centres driving pioneering breakthroughs in human health. Located in the heart of Dublin, with international campuses in Bahrain and Malaysia and a student community of over sixty nationalities, have an international perspective on how to train tomorrow’s clinical professionals today.
RCSI is ranked Top 50 in the World for goal 3 “Good Health & Wellbeing” by the Times Higher Impact Ranking (2022). continually invest and commit to ensuring education and research responds to the needs of society and is focused on improving the lives of people and communities around the world.
Departments And Course Duration in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) School of Medicine offers a 4, 5, and 6-year undergraduate medical program, with the 6-year track an additional Foundation Year for students who meet specific entry requirements. The curriculum focuses on patient-centred education and research, while the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences provides undergraduate degrees in Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Nursing, alongside postgraduate training.
Departments And Programs
RCSI’s School of Medicine and other health science faculties offer a range of programs:
Medicine: The flagship undergraduate program awards the MB, BCH, BAO degree.
Foundation Year: An optional six-year program track for the undergraduate medicine program, providing a foundational scientific grounding.
The institution also provides undergraduate courses in other fields:
Undergraduate Medicine: The standard duration is five years.
Foundation Year: This extends the program to a six-year track.
Four-Year Graduate Entry Medicine: This program is available for those with prior university-level academic experience.
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Facilities And Infrastructure in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
- Fully-equipped and multi-purpose ‘wet-lab’ accommodating up to 30 trainees.
- Surgical Simulator Suite accommodating 20 trainees with an array of state-of-the-art augmented reality simulators.
- Mock operating room, resuscitation bay, maternity care unit and four inpatient wards for interprofessional team training, which use high-fidelity manikins to develop students’ clinical skills, as well as to build their confidence in dealing with emergency situations, such as complications during labour.
- 10 outpatient consultation rooms where simulated patients assist in developing students’ consultation skills.
- 12 flexible tutorial rooms, Mutchnick flexible space and Bouchier-Hayes Lecture Theatre.
- Task training laboratory with a full range of teaching models, manikins and task trainers.
- Patient lounge for simulated patient teams to congregate, socialise and rehearse scenarios.
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Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine Fee Structure
Estimated fee between 30 lakhs to 50lakhs
Required Documents For Admission in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
1.RCSI Undergraduate Medicine – Applicant Categories
- Applicants are categorized as:
- EU Applicants (Irish & EU citizens meeting nationality & residency criteria).
- Non-EU Applicants (All others).
- Applicants must consult the RCSI EU vs non-EU policy to determine their category.
2. Irish and EU Applicants – School Leaver Category
- Must meet minimum academic and specific subject requirements.
- Must achieve a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC) or equivalent.
- Must sit the HPAT-Ireland test in the same year of admission.
3. Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
- Local high school exams are converted to Irish Leaving Certificate points equivalence.
- Overall selection is based on combined points:
○ ILC points or equivalent + HPAT-Ireland score.
- Top candidates by combined score are offered admission.
Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU Mature Entry place, you must:
- Be an EU applicant (this applicants from Ireland, EU, EEA and Switzerland) If you are unsure of your status.
- Be 23 years of age or older on 1 January of the year of entry to the Undergraduate Medicine programme.
- Complete the required admissions test in the year of entry to the programme. (Note that HPAT scores are valid for one year only, e.g. a 2025 HPAT score is valid for 2025 admission only. More on moderated results and HPAT scores can be found in the ‘EU Applicants – Selection Criteria for Undergraduate Entry to Medicine’ brochure below.)
- Meet the minimum entry requirements in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination or equivalent, RCSI pre-approved Access to Science programmes as outlined in more below.
Admission Process For Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
1. Register with CAO:
Irish students must register their interest on the CAO (Central Applications Office) and obtain a CAO number.
2. Meet Academic Requirements:
For Irish/EU Students: Applicants need to meet the academic entry requirements for the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, typically subjects in science.
For International Students: You must provide an educational qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate, such as a completed Bachelor’s Degree in a science-related field or a full International Baccalaureate program.
3. Take Entrance Exams:
A competitive GPA and a minimum MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) score are required for undergraduate programs, depending on the applicant’s educational background.
4. Provide English Proficiency Proof:
If your previous education was not taught entirely in English, you may need to submit scores from an English proficiency test like the IELTS or TOEFL.
5. Submit Application:
Complete the formal online application, ensuring all required documents and the application fee are submitted by the deadline, which is typically in January for the following academic year.
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Benefits of Studying in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
Hands-on experience:
RCSI provides opportunities for students to get valuable clinical experience through strong connections with top hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Comprehensive curriculum:
The medical program offers a thorough education in clinical and medical sciences, preparing graduates for real-world challenges.
Innovative approach:
The curriculum is learner-centred and future-focused, incorporating innovative teaching and leading research in healthcare.
Cutting-edge research:
Students can participate in cutting-edge research projects, contributing to advancements in medical science.
Research opportunities:
The RCSI Research Institute is a leading centre for research, offering opportunities to engage in high levels of research activity and intellectual property development.
Advancing surgical practice:
The institution is a leader in innovative surgical techniques, with a strong focus on research and education.
Prestigious institution:
Founded in 1784, RCSI is a highly respected institution with a rich history in surgical education and a reputation for academic rigor and clinical expertise.
Strong alumni network:
Graduates benefit from a strong alumni network and career support, which are crucial for professional development.
International exposure:
The school provides opportunities for international exposure, connecting students with a global academic and professional community.
Student engagement:
Students can participate in partnerships and engage in projects that contribute to the university’s mission, developing leadership and research skills.
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine
1. Focused on health sciences
RCSI is focused exclusively on educating healthcare professionals and the College’s teaching staff are experts in healthcare education, so whether you are interested in medicine, pharmacy or physiotherapy, you will be taught by top specialists in these fields. Lecturers and tutors are trained in the RCSI Health Professions Education Centre to ensure that students experience the highest international standards of teaching, learning and assessment using innovative methods and the latest technologies.
2. Learn in state-of-the-art facilities
RCSI has a strong focus on developing the clinical skills of its students to ensure graduates are clinically-competent and ready to practice as professionals, as soon as they begin working in healthcare.
3. Early clinical exposure
As future doctors, pharmacists or physiotherapists, gaining experience in a ‘real world’ patient environment from an early stage is central to learning the skills required as a health professional. At RCSI, students are exposed to clinical environments such as hospitals, clinics and pharmacies early-on and are taught by experienced working clinicians.
4. Global Alumni Network
As a student and after graduating, RCSI Alumni have access to a network of over 20,000 fellow graduates practising throughout the world, leading to fantastic international opportunities for summer electives and career opportunities after qualifying.
5. Degrees recognised worldwide
RCSI graduates are recognised throughout the world and are eligible to practice in almost every country. RCSI was the first medical school in Ireland to independently adopt the standards of the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) – standards adopted by the Irish Medical Council as the accreditation standard for all Irish medical schools.
7. Careers supports
Individual student support extends to career support with a bi-annual careers symposium, an online mentor network and a global Alumni network all form part of an invaluable toolbox for seeking advice, guidance and practical support on choosing a speciality.
FAQ’s
1. What makes RCSI School of Medicine special?
RCSI is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in Ireland, with a strong focus on surgical education, clinical skills, and research. It offers a vibrant international environment and strong clinical exposure from early in the course.
2. Is RCSI recognized globally?
Yes, RCSI is fully recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Its graduates are eligible to practice in many countries, subject to local licensing exams.
3. What is the duration of the medicine course at RCSI?
The undergraduate Medicine (MB BCH BAO) course is typically 5 or 6 years, depending on the entry pathway (school leaver or graduate entry).
4. Are classes conducted in English?
Absolutely. All teaching, exams, and clinical placements are conducted in English, so a strong command of the language is required.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for Indian students?
- High school qualification (e.g., 10+2 with PCB and English)
- Minimum marks in science subjects (usually 70-80%)
- Satisfactory performance in entrance exams like the HPAT or MCAT (if applicable)
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
6. How is clinical exposure arranged at RCSI?
From early in the course, students are exposed to clinical training in partner hospitals throughout Ireland. There are also opportunities for international electives, offering practical experience in real medical environments.
7. Is accommodation provided for international students?
Yes, RCSI provides safe, comfortable student accommodations near the campus. There is also assistance in finding private housing, with advice on cost and location.
8. Can Indian students practice in India after studying at RCSI?
Yes, after completing the course, Indian students must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE/Next) conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to practice in India.
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