• Have completed your primary medical degree through English
  (A document issued by your college or university confirming that your medical degree, classes, and exams were completed in English)
  
  
• Have completed a structured internship 
  (equivalent to ‘house officer’ in some jurisdictions)
  
  
• Have at least one year's experience post-residency training in your chosen specialty  
  (Highly desirable)
  
  
• Be eligible for registration with the Irish Medical Council (Supervised Division)
  
  
• Be sponsored by your government body
  (we do not accept self-sponsored candidates)
  
  
• Have completed a full structured national residency programme and incorporated examinations in full

Omani candidates

• For Omani Candidates English Language Proficiency:
  • A valid English language test score taken within the last year:
    • OET: Minimum 2 Bs & 2 C+
    • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with a combined total of 26 or 26.5 across the four skills

Important Note: While these scores are required at the time of application, candidates must achieve the full mandatory score before they can join the programme.

• Academic IELTS or OET Certificate:
  • Academic IELTS with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each domain
  • OET with a minimum score of B in all four domains.
• Applicants must provide official documentation of sponsorship from their government body.
  This document should confirm that:
  • The applicant is fully sponsored by their government to participate in the International Clinical Fellowship Programme (ICFP).
  • The sponsorship covers relevant aspects such as tuition fees, living expenses, and any other necessary support throughout the programme.

Please note: Self-sponsored candidates are not eligible for this programme.

To complete your ICFP application, you must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Updated CV
  A detailed and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae reflecting your education, professional experience, and achievements.
  
  
• Copy of Your Passport
  A clear, valid copy of your passport.
  
  
• Residency Board Certificate
  A certified copy of your board certification (e.g., Arab Board, Saudi Board, OMSB Certification, KIMS Board Examination, MRCPI, or any other recognised board certification).
  
  
• Medical Degree Certificate
  A copy of your primary medical degree.
  
  
• Proof of English-Medium Medical Education
  A document issued by your College or University confirming that your medical degree, classes, and examinations were completed in English.
  
  
• Two Recommendation Letters
  Two reference letters, issued within the past two years, from doctors who can attest to your clinical and professional skills. The letters must be signed and stamped and must clearly include the date of issuance.

Omani candidates

• You must meet a minimum English language requirement at the time of application. The test must have been taken within the past year and meet one of the following criteria:
  • OET: Minimum of 2 Bs & 2 C+
  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with a combined total of 26 or 26.5 across the four skills
    
    
• English Language Test Results (if applicable)
  • If you have already passed an English language test, submit your IELTS or OET certificate.
  • Note: Having a valid IELTS or OET certificate at the time of application may provide additional credit during the interview process.

• Exposure to Ireland’s advanced healthcare system across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary hospitals.
  
  
• Hands-on experience under consultant supervision.
  
  
• Participation in multidisciplinary clinical teams.

• Trainees fully integrate into clinical teams.
  
  
• Collaboration with colleagues at various career stages.
  
  
• Enhanced learning of core competencies, specialty expertise and clinical judgement.

• Yes, doctors gain extensive exposure through inpatient and outpatient care in multiple hospital types.
• Participation in on-call rota builds emergency decision-making and independent practice skills.

Yes, trainees regularly highlight the benefit of consultant access, ensuring current knowledge and professional guidance.

• Leadership, communication, research methodology and clinical audit skills are developed alongside clinical competencies.
  
  
• Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles in healthcare in their home countries.

After successfully passing the interview, RCPI, in partnership with Castel Education, offers comprehensive assistance to help you transition smoothly into your new role. This support includes:

• English Language Tutoring
  Preparation courses to help you achieve the required IELTS/OET scores.
  
  
• Visa and Immigration Assistance
  Support with the visa application process, including liaising with the Irish Embassy on your behalf.
  
  
• Irish Medical Council Registration Assistance
  Guidance on applying for registration with the Irish Medical Council (IMC).
  
  
• Travel Assistance
  • Help with booking travel and making travel arrangements.
  • Airport pick-up upon your arrival in Ireland.
    
    
• Accommodation Assistance
  Assistance in finding suitable housing close to your workplace.
  
  
• Family Relocation Support
  Support in helping your family members move to Ireland, including assistance with finding suitable schools and kindergartens for children.
  
  
• Practical Settling-In Support
  Help with setting up essential services, such as opening a bank account and securing Irish number with Irish mobile provider.
  
  
• Emergency Support
  Access to emergency telephone support for any urgent needs or assistance after your arrival.

This comprehensive support package aims to ensure a smooth relocation and help you settle comfortably into your new life in Ireland.

Unfortunately, the International Clinical Fellowship Programme (ICFP) is only open to doctors who are nominated and financially sponsored by their home country. Eligible doctors must be nominated by their training body, Ministry of Health, or training hospital, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) for postgraduate specialist medical training.

If no such agreement exists between the RCPI and your country’s Ministry of Health, Training Bodies, or Training Hospitals, you may want to explore other training opportunities:

• Check Higher Specialist Training (HST) Eligibility
  Review the eligibility criteria for RCPI’s Higher Specialist Training (HST) programme 
• Opportunities for Citizens of Pakistan and Sudan
  
  
  • Pakistan:
    There is a collaboration between the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Pakistan (CPSP) and the HSE/Forum of Postgraduate Training Programmes in Ireland. You can find more information about this collaboration on the HSE website.
    Please contact CPSP directly for further details and queries.
    
    
  • Sudan:
    There is a training collaboration between the Sudan Medical & Specialisation Board (SMSB) and the HSE/Forum of Postgraduate Training Programmes in Ireland. You can find more information about this programme on the HSE website.
    Please contact SMSB for specific queries and assistance.