Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland: Rankings, Courses ,Admission 2026 & Fees
Dublin, Ireland • Private
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Overview
The Undergraduate Medicine programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, leads to MB, BCh, BAO degrees. It offers a five-year direct entry track for those with a strong science background or a six-year track including a Foundation Year. The programme features early clinical exposure, small group teaching and placements in leading hospitals.
RCSI Undergraduate Medicine Programme Highlights 2026
The table below demonstrates the RCSI Undergraduate Medicine Programme Highlights.
Particulars | Details |
Programme | Undergraduate Medicine (MB, BCh, BAO) |
Duration | 5 years or 6 years (with foundation year) |
Location | Dublin, Ireland |
Applicant Category (International) | Non-EU |
Entrance Exam Required | None (No HPAT for non-EU) |
English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) |
Applications Opens | 1 November |
Applications Closes | 15 January |
Minimum Age | 18 years by 31 December following entry |
Five-Year vs Six-Year Entry Track
The five-year track is for applicants with advanced science preparation in school-leaving exams. The six-year track includes an additional Foundation Year covering fundamentals of biology, diagnostics and professionalism.
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Admissions
Non-EU applicants must present school leaving qualifications completed within two consecutive years. Minimum standards vary by curriculum. Competitive applications exceed these thresholds.
All applicants undergo a holistic review of transcripts, predicted grades and supporting documents.
Requirements for CBSE/ISC Qualifications
In the table below, the highlights of the CBSE/ISC qualification requirements are depicted.
Track | Minimum Requirements |
Five-Year Entry | Average 90% across five grade 12 subjects Minimum 75% in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics |
Six-Year Entry | Average 80% across five grade 12 subjects Minimum 75% in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics |
Requirements for Other Common Qualifications
The table below outlines the five-year and six-year entry requirement details.
Qualification | Five-Year Entry | Six-Year Entry |
A-Levels | AAB including Chemistry and one lab science (Biology/Physics) | Adjusted lower grades possible |
International Baccalaureate | 38 Points with Chemistry HL (min 5) and another science HL | 38 points with at least one lab science HL |
Canadian High School | 85% average + specific APs | 85% average in the top six Grade 12 subjects |
Subject Prerequisites
Chemistry is essential. Biology or Physics as laboratory sciences strengthen applications. Mathematics and English are required, depending on the track.
Exams must be completed in the final school years.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 31 December of the year following entry to the programme. Applications from younger candidates cannot be considered.
NEET and National Requirements
RCSI does not require NEET or any entrance exam for admission. Selection is based on academic performance and application materials.
Students planning to practice in certain countries after graduation should check local regulations, such as those from the National Medical Commission at nmc.org.in.
English Language Proficiency
Instruction is in English. Applicants must submit:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
- Certificate valid within two years
Exemptions apply for qualifications taught entirely in English, such as certain A-Levels or IB.
Selection and Interview Process
Applications are reviewed holistically. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews assessing motivation, communication and suitability for medicine. No mandatory entrance test for non-EU applicants.
Application Process
The following points portray the details of the application process.
- Apply directly online at rcsi.com (non-EU except USA/Canada)
- USA/Canada residents apply via Atlantic Bridge
- Applications open 1 November and close 15 January
- Submit transcripts, certificates, and predicted grades if applicable
- Provide English proficiency proof if required
- Pay the application fee
Graduate Entry Medicine Pathway
Applicants with a prior bachelor's degree apply separately to the four-year Graduate Entry programme. Requirements include degree GPA and GAMSAT/MCAT scores.
Tuition Fees and Costs
Non-EU fees are published annually on rcsi.com. Expect substantial costs covering tuition and facilities.
Additional expenses include accommodation, living costs, health insurance and books. Budget planning is essential.
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships such as Consilio Manuque are available for self-funded non-EU offer holders. Invitations follow conditional offers.
Required Documents
The following are the required documents for the RCSI Dublin Admission Scholarship.
- School transcripts and certificates
- Predicted grades (if final exams pending)
- English language test results
- Passport copy
- Any additional equivalency certificates
















