Timeline for Medical Entry 2025-2026
4 days ago by Chris
Getting into medicine is a complex process. It’s not just about your academic performance, you also need to succeed in HPAT. There are many important deadlines that you must not miss if you are to enter your dream course. This blog outlines the key dates and tasks so you can ensure you keep on track!
| Early Preparation | ||
| Timeline | Action | Details |
| As soon as possible |
Check you are studying the required prerequisite subjects Commence your HPAT preparation |
No set deadline, but the earlier you commence HPAT preparation, the better |
| Application Period | ||
| Timeline | Action | Details |
| 5 Nov 2025 – 16 Jan 2026 | Submit CAO application | Medicine applicants must obtain a CAO number before registering for HPAT-Ireland |
| Early Nov 2025 – 16 Jan 2026 Closes 17:15 GMT |
Register for HPAT |
Read through the HPAT-Ireland information booklet Fee: €164 Visit the HPAT-Ireland website to register to sit HPAT Ensure that you have both registered to sit HPAT and have valid ID |
| 16 – 26 Jan 2026 Closes 17:15 GMT |
Late HPAT registration | Late fee: €75 (plus standard registration) |
| 26 Jan 2026 – 1 Feb 2026 Closes 17:15 GMT |
Exceptional late HPAT registration | Exceptional late fee: €110 (plus standard registration) |
| Testing Period | ||
| Timeline | Action | Details |
| 13 - 22 Feb 2026 | Sit HPAT |
Testing window for online HPAT Read about a student's experience sitting HPAT online |
| 5 May 2026 – 1 July 2026 Closes 17:00 GMT |
Online CAO Change of Mind facility |
Use Change of Mind facility to amend course preferences Here are 9 factors to consider when choosing a medical school |
| June 2026 (TBC) |
Sit Leaving Certificate exams | Complete final secondary school examinations |
| Results & Offers | ||
| Timeline | Action | Details |
| Late June 2026 (TBC) |
HPAT results |
HPAT results sent via email (mature/UL applicants receive results in late April) Consider changing CAO course choices based on your HPAT results |
| July 2026 (TBC) |
Leaving Cert results | Results delivered to schools and available online |
| August 2026 (TBC) |
Respond to CAO offers |
Rounds 1-5: Check online as the closing date for acceptance will be within a few days of offer Celebrate your success and prepare for medical school! |
| August 2026 onwards (TBC) |
Leaving Cert appeals results released |
Leaving Cert appeals results released Final CAO places offered |
As you can see, there is a lot to do! It can all feel overwhelming, but being organised and recording important dates in your calendar will ensure that you do not miss important deadlines. Best of luck on your journey to become a doctor!
Last updated: October 2025
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