You can apply to Basic Specialist Training programmes in four specialties:
- General Internal Medicine
- General Paediatrics
- Histopathology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
You can apply to more than one specialty, although very few candidates will apply to more than two specialties.
The first step is to complete the online application for the relevant training programme and submit the required supporting documentation.
Following the applications deadline, the verification process will commence where your eligibility and application are checked and verified. You will be informed if your application has been verified or not.
Interviews are held a few months later, generally in January or February; should you be invited to interview stage, you will be sent details in advance.
You will receive marks for your academic achievements, performance at interview, clinical acumen, general suitability for the specialty and your appraisal forms. You will be matched to your highest possible preference based on your total marks.
First round offers will be made within a couple of weeks of the interviews. There are usually three rounds of matching and offers.
You can only be matched to one preference in each specialty. You can be offered a place in more than one specialty, but you can only accept one offer.
To submit an application, it is required to complete an online form through our official channels. Documents can be attached to the form; it is mandatory to attach those that demonstrate meeting the minimum admission requirements. Additionally, applicants may attach documents that strengthen their application. Applications can be saved as drafts and completed at a later time. Draft applications left incomplete by the deadline will not be considered.
Additionally, there will be Zoom drop-in sessions 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***
There are three ways to confirm your eligibility for Irish Medical Council (IMC) registration:
- Submit your certificate of current or previous registration on one of the divisions of the IMC.
- If you are not currently and have never been registered on one of the divisions of the IMC, you may be considered automatically eligible for registration if you completed your medical degree in one of a list of EU countries. A list of eligible countries is available here. If your country is listed, your academic transcript which you are required to submit will confirm your medical degree was completed in that country.
- If you do not fall into either category 1 or 2 above, please contact the IMC and ask them to provide a letter confirming your eligibility for registration and submit this with your application.
Interview Scoring Guidelines:
We have a dedicated administrative team to support Trainees in Basic Specialist Training. They are happy to deal with any questions you have about BST. Contact the team on helpdesk@rcpi.ie