You can apply to Higher Specialist Training in 28 programmes. You can apply to more than one programme, although we advise against applying to more than two programmes. You must submit a separate application for each programme. The application process is fully online –you don’t need to submit a paper application.
Make sure you read the entry requirements for your chosen programme carefully. The entry requirements are listed in the HST curriculum for each programme.
Shortlisting for interviews (where necessary) will take place in December/January. Interviews for shortlisted candidates take place in February.
As there are a limited number of places in HST, entry to each programme is competitive.
***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)
- Evidence of postgraduate qualification such as MRCPI
- Proof of Irish Medical Council registration / eligibility for registration
- Proof of English language competency
- Passport identity page
- Stamp 4 Residency Permit (if applicable to you – other types of Residency Permits do not need to be submitted)
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.
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 online application form will ask you for the following information:
- employment and training history
- clinical practice - experience to date
- academic achievements
- teaching experience
- audit experience
- research experience
- presentations to date
- publications to date
- management and leadership experience
- career objectives
- contact details of two references, one of whom must be your most recent supervising consultant
Please note you are not required to submit additional documents related to the above. Please be brief in describing only relevant experience under each of the headings on the application form.
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).
The interviews are generally held in February. Candidates who meet the minimum entry requirements and have been successful in the shortlisting process will be notified between December and January.
We have a dedicated team to help you through your Higher Specialist Training, available to deal with any questions you may have. Contact us on helpdesk@rcpi.ie