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Changes to Entry Requirements to study Medicine.

 Here’s a clear summary of the key changes to the Irish undergraduate Medicine admissions process, taking effect from August/September 2027:

The HPAT is an admissions test used by the Irish Medical Schools for Undergraduate entry into medicine. Entry to medicine is based on combining HPAT scores with the student’s Leaving Certificate points. Students applying to study medicine in Ireland MUST sit the HPATs in the same year they wish to commence their studies.

What effect will the new entry requirements have regarding Leaving Certificate Points?

1. Leaving Certificate Points

  • Old Rule: Points above 550 were moderated (scaled down). This meant that those achieving top points of 625 only had 565 allocated towards their place to study medicine.
  • New Rule (from 2027): No moderation. Students will get full points for their Leaving Cert scores, even if they exceed 550. So, those with 625 points will have 625 points allocated towards their place to study medicine. .

2. HPAT Weighting

  • Old Rule: HPAT was weighted out of 300 points. (Max Points 300).
  • New Rule (from 2027): HPAT will be weighted to a maximum of 150 points. (Max Points 150). .

3. HPAT Sitting

  • No change: The HPAT must still be sat in the year of admission to medical school.

When Does This Start?

  • These changes apply to students starting undergraduate medicine in 2027.
  • That means students currently in 5th Year (2025) will be the first cohort affected.
  • NOTE:  This change does not apply to those currently in 6th Year (2025).

Why Is This Important?

  • The update gives greater weight to school performance (Leaving Cert) and less to HPAT.
  • It may level the playing field for students who perform well academically but are less competitive in a one-off aptitude test or who can afford to pay for tutored HPAT Supports.
  • REMEMBER: It is still and will continue to be hugely competitive to gain a place to study medicine in Ireland.  The demand still outweighs the small number of places available. Even with the additional option to study undergrad medicine in University of Limerick (first entrants in 2026) the competitive nature will continue.

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