Big Changes to Medicine Entry from 2027: What Students Need to Know
From 2027, students applying to medicine in Ireland will face a new points system that rebalances the role of the Leaving Certificate and the HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test). These changes come alongside a significant increase in available medicine places from 2026, but applicants need to understand exactly how the revised system will work — and why the HPAT remains central to securing a place.
What’s Changing in 2027?
Currently, students are assessed on a combination of Leaving Certificate points and HPAT scores. At present, the Leaving Certificate contributes a maximum of 565 points (after moderation), while the HPAT is worth up to 300 points. This produces a maximum total score of 865.
From 2027 onwards, several major adjustments will be introduced:
- HPAT Halved in Weighting
The maximum HPAT contribution will fall from 300 to 150 points. - Removal of Leaving Cert Moderation
Previously, any Leaving Cert score above 550 was “capped” by a moderation system. This will be abolished, meaning the full Leaving Cert score up to 625 will count. - New Maximum Combined Score
The maximum total will be 775 points (625 Leaving Cert + 150 HPAT), compared with 865 under the old system.
Why Is This Happening?
Universities argue that Leaving Cert performance is a strong predictor of success in medicine and want to recognise this more fully. By reducing HPAT weighting and removing moderation, the new system gives greater credit for consistently high performance across secondary school subjects. At the same time, the HPAT remains mandatory, ensuring that non-academic skills such as logical reasoning, problem-solving, and interpersonal understanding continue to be measured.
The Continuing Importance of HPAT
While its weighting is reduced, the HPAT will still carry 150 points — the equivalent of more than any Leaving Cert subject. Crucially, the HPAT is compulsory for all applicants to medicine. No matter how strong a Leaving Cert performance is, a student cannot be considered for medicine without completing the HPAT and scoring highly.
This means that, even under the new system, the HPAT will remain more influential than any individual Leaving Cert subject. A high HPAT score can make the difference between securing a place and missing out, especially in such a competitive field.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
Students preparing for 2027 and beyond should note:
- Leaving Cert scores matter more than before, so strong performance across all subjects will be vital.
- HPAT preparation remains essential. Although reduced in maximum value, it still plays a decisive role, especially when students are closely matched on Leaving Cert results.
- Strategic balance is key: success will come from excelling in both Leaving Cert and HPAT, rather than focusing on one at the expense of the other.
Looking Ahead
These changes, alongside the expansion of medical school places in 2026, signal a major shift in Irish medical admissions. The new model rewards academic consistency while continuing to test the broader skills that future doctors need. For students, the message is clear: aim for excellence in the Leaving Cert, but never underestimate the continuing power of the HPAT.
References
- Irish Universities Association. Entry to Medicine (2025). Available at: https://www.iua.ie/for-students/entry-to-medicine/
- TheJournal.ie. Irish universities to change entry to medicine courses to refocus on Leaving Cert (July 2025).
- Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Minister O’Donovan announces major increase in healthcare places across Ireland (2025).
