HST Applications Cycle Opens 1st October 2025 and Closes 29th October 2025
Application and Relevant Scoring Criteria will be available shortly
General entry requirements for HST:
Entry requirements for Higher Specialist Training are programme-specific. To see the entry requirements for your preferred programme, please check the relevant HST curriculum.
General entry requirements for HST:
- You must have completed Basic Specialist Training in the relevant specialty (or an equivalent programme) by the start date for HST. Please note that not all BST programmes offer consideration of equivalence. Download guidelines on BST programme equivalence (PDF, 133KB)
- You must have achieved a relevant postgraduate qualification such as MRCPI in General Medicine, General Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Please note: All HST candidates must have successfully passed their MRCPI Clinical Examination relevant to their speciality before their HST interview date. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
- You must submit documentation that clearly demonstrates your eligibility for registration with the Irish Medical Council (IMC).
The specific documents needed will vary depending on individual circumstances.
Please refer to the section below for detailed guidance.
- You must have proof of competency in the English language in line with HSE specifications (PDF, 506KB).
- You must be eligible to work in Ireland at the time of application. Proof of eligibility must be provided during the application process. Documents submitted after the application deadline will not be accepted.
- You must have demonstrated an aptitude for, and an interest in that specialty.
Under current legislation, candidates are divided into two groups for the purpose of ranking and allocation.
Group 1 includes: Irish, UK, EU nationals, and holders of Stamp 4 or Stamp 4 EUFAM.
These candidates must be treated equally in the ranking and allocation process, as required by EU law.
Group 2 includes: holders of Stamp 1G and Stamp 1H (typically associated with medical posts or education provisions).
Offers may only be made to candidates in Group 2 once the pool of qualified candidates in Group 1 has been fully considered and exhausted, based on ranking.
Please note some specialties may have additional entry requirements. These will be available shortly.
Read more about the Allocation of Places on Specialist Training Programmes (PDF, 623KB)
Basic Specialist Training Course Equivalence (PDF, 133KB)
To submit an application, you are required to complete an online form through our official portal.
Mandatory documents must be attached at the time of application. Late documents cannot be accepted
Applications can be saved as drafts and completed at a later time. Draft applications left incomplete by the deadline will not be considered.
Please note that formatting (paragraphs, special characters, bullet points, spacing etc.) will not copy over to your final application. All free text boxes are limited to 500 characters (letters/spaces etc).
Zoom drop-in sessions will be available close to the application period. These sessions will provide an opportunity for applicants to ask questions and receive assistance with their applications
***PLEASE NOTE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR APPLICATION. LATE DOCUMENT SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED***
- Certificate of completion of Basic Specialist Training (BST)* or equivalent programme
- Evidence of postgraduate qualification such as MRCPI
- Proof of current and active registration with the Irish Medical Council is required. Outdated or expired documentation will not be accepted.
- Proof of English language competency
- Passport identity page
- Visa (if applicable): Copy of either Stamp 4, Stamp 4 EUFAM, Stamp 1G, or Stamp 1H. Documentation must be submitted at the time of application. Changes in immigration status after submission will not be considered. Only documents submitted with the application will be reviewed.
Applicants are not able to supply their BST Certificate at the time of application due to outstanding Programme Requirements (MRCPI results, ePortfolio incomplete, pending mandatory courses etc.) must to do so without delay and before the final deadline. No exceptions can be made.
The Irish Medical Council criteria for entry to the trainee specialist register has been revised to only include applicants that meet one of the following at application stage:
| Criteria |
Required Supporting Documentation to support TSR |
| A. Doctors who have graduated from an Irish Medical School and have successfully completed their internship in Ireland |
Certificate of experience from IMC OR a copy of previous IMC intern registration certificate |
| B. Doctors who have graduated from an Irish Medical School and will complete their internship in Ireland by July 2026 |
Certificate of registration from Medical Council indicating intern registration & Irish Medical Degree |
| C. Doctors who are currently registered with the IMC on the General or Trainee register |
Current IMC registration certificate |
| D. Doctors who were previously registered with the IMC on the General or Trainee register |
Previous IMC registration certificate |
| E. Doctors who have been made eligible for IMC registration and issued with an email from IMC confirming eligibility |
Email from IMC confirming eligibility |
| F. Doctors who have successfully completed their medical Qualification in one of the following countries – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Switzerland or Slovak Republic (this list is subject to change based on the EU Directive) |
Medical Degree from one of the listed EU Countries |
Please note that the College is a separate institution and cannot provide advice or assistance regarding the IMC registration process.
For detailed information on how to register, please contact the Irish Medical Council directly.
You can find more information and apply via the IMC website at the link below:
Irish Medical Council
Shortlisting and entry criteria are under review for the July 2026 intake, they will updated in due course.