Dublin: Starting in September 2027, entry requirements for undergraduate medicine programmes in Irish universities will shift focus more toward Leaving Certificate (LC) performance, with reduced emphasis on the HPAT exam.
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) announced that the maximum HPAT score will be reduced from 300 to 150, while LC points will be accepted in full, without the current cap and moderation above 550 points. The new combined maximum score will be 775 points (LC 625 + HPAT 150), compared to the current 865 points (LC 565 + HPAT 300).
The IUA stated the decision follows data showing LC results are a stronger predictor of student success in medical programmes. It also aligns Irish admissions more closely with international norms, as points moderation is not commonly used globally.
The change comes amid a significant expansion in medical places, including new programmes at the University of Limerick (2026) and University of Galway (2027).
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