Pharmacy student at RCSI in white coat)

Pharmacy

BSc (Hons) MPharm
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Entry requirements

Applications

Please note that you can apply to study with RCSI via the following websites:
  • Irish/EU applicants should apply through the CAO website.
  • Applicants residing in North America should apply through Atlantic Bridge website. 
  • All other Non-EU applicants may apply directly through the RCSI website.

All applicants to RCSI Undergraduate programmes are categorised as either EU or Non-EU, depending on whether or not they meet the EU applicant criteria (which includes nationality and residency criteria). If you do not meet the criteria for EU applicant status, you will be deemed a Non-EU applicant for fees and application purposes.

If you fall under the EU applicant category, please follow the links below under ‘Irish and EU applicants’ to view the relevant entry requirements. If you fall under the Non-EU applicant category, you should follow the link under ‘Non-EU applicants’ to view the relevant entry requirements.

To determine your EU or Non-EU applicant category, please consult RCSI’s EU vs Non-EU policy. 

Irish and EU applicants

RCSI accepts Irish and EU applicants for Pharmacy in the following categories:

School Leaver
View entry requirements

Mature Entry
View entry requirements

Pharmacy Technician
View entry requirements

Graduate Entry
View entry requirements

Non-EU applicants

RCSI accepts Non-EU applicants for Pharmacy in the following categories: 

School Leaver
View entry requirements

Graduate Entry
View entry requirements

Irish and EU applicants – School Leaver

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU School Leaver place, you must:

  • Meet the minimum entry (matriculation) and specific subject requirements.
  • Achieve the minimum Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC) points or equivalent.  

Access and scholarships

  • RCSI participates in the Higher Education Admissions Route (HEAR) which supports socio-economically disadvantaged students and the Disability Access Route (DARE) which supports students applying with a disability. Find out more about HEAR and DARE and how to apply here.
  • The Kiran Pathak Pharmacy Scholarship was established in memory of Kiran Pathak MPSI, and his family, who tragically lost their lives in a boating accident in Kenya in 2001. The scholarship provides educational opportunities for students with a desire to study Pharmacy. Find out more about Kiran Pathak and how to apply here.
  • RCSI's Traveller Community Access Programme (TCAP) aims to increase the participation of members from the Traveller Community in RCSI’s Undergraduate programmes. Find out more about TCAP and how to apply here.

Minimum academic entry requirements

All students who qualify for EU admissions are eligible to apply. The local high school examinations that they have taken will be used to assess competitiveness for admission. European examinations will be converted into the equivalent Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC) points.

The applicant with the highest points score receives the first offer, the second highest receives the second offer and so on until all EU seats are filled. The allocation of School Leaver places is purely based on points.

As a guide, the 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate points score required for admission to the MPharm programme was 600.

The points conversions for European examinations are shown below. (These points equivalency calculations serve as a guide only. The onus is on the applicant to check entry criteria for the programmes for which they are applying. Eligibility criteria can change from year to year.)

Applicants completing school leaving examinations other than the Irish Leaving Certificate may be required to submit additional documentation as part of their application, or be subject to minimum English language requirements. The below document 'Guideline Entry Requirements for EU/EFTA/UK applicants other than the Leaving Certificate' outlines this in further detail.

If you have additional questions about the application process, please refer to the Application FAQs section.

Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) PDF | 1440.3 KB

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and another recognised subject. 

  • H indicates minimum grade at Higher Level Leaving Certificate 
  • O indicates minimum grade at Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate

Eligible applicants are awarded Irish Leaving Certificate points on the basis of their best six recognised subjects, from a single Irish Leaving Certificate sitting, as follows:

Irish Leaving Certificate points calculator
Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale Post-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale New points at Higher Level New points at Ordinary Level
A1 H1/O1 100 56
A2/B1 H2/O2 88 46
B2/B3 H3/O3 77 37
C1/C2 H4/O4 66 28
C3/D1 H5/O5 56 20
D2/D3 H6/06 46 12
E H7/O7 37 0

Note:

  • Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics have 25 points added to their score for Mathematics. The six highest subject scores will be counted to achieve a cumulative points score. The bonus points for Mathematics will only be relevant in cases where the subject Higher Level Mathematics is scored as one of the applicant’s six best subjects for points scoring purposes.

If you are an EU A-Level applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

  • Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C) and 4 passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a laboratory science and a second language.

AND

2. Meet the minimum Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points calculated on the basis of the following:

  • The best three A-Level subjects from one academic year and one AS Level in a different subject from the same or preceding academic year; or
  • The best four A-Level subjects from one academic year. If four A-Level subjects are presented, the fourth subject is scored at a lower rate.
  • Only A-Level grades awarded on the same date can be considered for computation.
  • A maximum of four distinct recognised subjects will be counted.
  • Applicants are scored on the basis of their best four A-Levels, or three A-Levels and an AS Level in a different subject from the same or preceding year (note one A-Level grade from the previous year may be substituted for an AS grade but will only be scored as an AS).
  • Grades in the same subject in A-Level and AS Level cannot be combined.

As a guide, Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points are calculated using the following conversion table (please note that GCE A Level scoring is currently under review for entry via CAO from 2025 onwards):

GCE A/AS Level points equivalency calculator
Grade Best three A-Levels Fourth subject (A-Level) Fourth subject (AS Level)
A* 185 points 45 points 31 points
A 156 points 38 points 26 points
B 131 points 32 points 22 points
C 106 points 26 points 18 points
D 84 points 20 points 14 points
E 63 points 15 points 11 points

Note:

  • Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade E or above in A-Level Mathematics will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. This will only apply to one Mathematics subject out of the following: Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics and is only where that subject is used as one of the subjects for points scoring purposes. (N.B. Mathematics and Pure Mathematics cannot be combined for points purposes.)
  • Points guide 2023: As a guide, the 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points score required for admission to the MPharm programme was 600, which is approximately equivalent to 3 x A* in your three best A-Levels plus 1 x A* in a fourth A-Level.

If you are an EU International Baccalaureate (IB) applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

  • Present three subjects at Higher Level (minimum Grade 5) and three subjects at Standard Level (minimum Grade 4), to include English, Mathematics, a laboratory Science and a second language.
  • Applicants presenting IB through English must achieve a minimum Grade 4 in Standard Level English (either English A1, A2 or B). Applicants not presenting IB through English must achieve a minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level English (either English A1, A2 or B).
  • Alternatively, applicants must meet the English language requirements as outlined in the Minimum English language requirements below.
  • Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable.

AND

2. Meet the minimum points requirements, the calculation of which is outlined below:

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma points equivalency calculator
Overall IB score Irish Leaving Certificate points
45 IB points 600 points 
44 IB points 600 points 
43 IB points 592 points 
42 IB points 577 points 
41 IB points 565 points 
40 IB points 543 points
39 IB points 531 points
38 IB points 519 points
37 IB points 507 points
36 IB points 496 points

Note:

  • Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade 4 or above in Higher Level Mathematics only will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. The subject Mathematics Studies is not acceptable for bonus points purposes.
  • Points guide 2023: As a guide, the 2023 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points score required for admission to the MPharm programme was 600, which is approximately equivalent to an overall score of 44 IB points.

For specific information on points conversion of European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) PDF | 1440.3 KB

Irish and EU applicants - Mature Entry

If you are a Mature Entry applicant, you will be considered in the first instance on the basis of how relevant your life, work and educational experiences are to the course you wish to pursue. In addition, you should demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of your chosen course in your supplementary application and at interview stage.

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU Mature Entry place, you must:

  • Be an EU applicant (this includes applicants from Ireland, EU, EEA and Switzerland). If you are unsure of your status, please consult the EU vs. Non-EU policy as outlined in more detail in here.
  • Be 23 years of age or older on 1 January of the year of entry to the MPharm programme.
  • Meet the minimum entry requirements in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination or an RCSI pre-approved Access to Science programmes, as outlined in more detail below.
  • Note that Mature Entry applicants are not required to present a third level qualification to be eligible to apply.

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and another recognised subject. 

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale Post-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale
A1 H1/O1
A2/B1 H2/O2
B2/B3 H3/O3
C1/C2 H4/O4
C3/D1 H5/O5
D2/D3 H6/O6
E H7/O7

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C) and 4 passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a second language and one other recognised subject, plus a minimum Grade C in both A-Level Chemistry and one other recognised A-Level subject.

Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) recognised Level 6 Access to Science awards are accepted in lieu of the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent secondary school examinations for Mature Entry routes only.

If you are undertaking (or considering joining) a particular Access to Science course, please contact the Admissions Office to confirm the specific entry requirements required for entry via the Mature Entry pathway.

For specific information about European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) PDF | 1440.3 KB

Irish and EU applicants - Pharmacy Technician

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU Pharmacy Technician place, you must:

  • Be an EU applicant (this includes applicants from Ireland, EU, EEA and Switzerland). If you are unsure of your status, please consult the EU vs. Non-EU policy as outlined in more detail in here.
  • Be 23 years of age or older on 1 January of the year of entry to the MPharm programme.
  • Have at least three years post-qualification experience as a Pharmacy Technician.
  • Meet NUI matriculation requirements in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, as outlined below.
  • Hold at least a QQI Level 6 (National Framework of Qualifications) Pharmacy Technician qualification.

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and another recognised subject. 

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale Post-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale
A1 H1/O1
A2/B1 H2/O2
B2/B3 H3/O3
C1/C2 H4/O4
C3/D1 H5/O5
D2/D3 H6/O6
E H7/O7

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C) and 4 passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a second language and one other recognised subject, plus a minimum Grade C in both A-Level Chemistry and one other recognised A-Level subject.

For specific information about European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) PDF | 1440.3 KB

Irish and EU applicants - Graduate Entry

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU Graduate Entry place, you must:

  • Be an EU applicant (this includes applicants from Ireland, EU, EEA and Switzerland). If you are unsure of your status, please consult the EU vs. Non-EU policy as outlined in more detail in here.
  • Hold (or expect to hold by July prior to entry) a minimum second class honours (2H2) result in your first honours bachelor degree (NFQ level 8). This degree can be in any discipline. 
  • Meet NUI matriculation requirements in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, as outlined below, if you present with a non-science degree. 

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H5 (HC3) and 4 x O6/H7 (OD3)] in the Irish Leaving Certificate, to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science), a third language and another recognised subject. 

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale Post-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale
A1 H1/O1
A2/B1 H2/O2
B2/B3 H3/O3
C1/C2 H4/O4
C3/D1 H5/O5
D2/D3 H6/O6
E H7/O7

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A-Level subjects (Grade C) and 4 passes (Grade C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A-Level)], to include a minimum Grade C in GCSE English, Mathematics, a second language and one other recognised subject, plus a minimum Grade C in both A-Level Chemistry and one other recognised A-Level subject.

For specific information about European examinations other than those listed above, please consult the document below:

Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) PDF | 1440.3 KB

Non-EU applicants - School Leaver

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences receives applications from Non-EU students who have studied in many different countries and undertaken many different high school systems. 

If you are unsure whether you are an EU or Non-EU applicant, please consult the EU vs. Non-EU policy for guidance. You can also contact the RCSI Admissions Office directly to verify your fees status, however, this must be done well in advance of the closing date.

The list below contains the most frequent academic programmes with which Non-EU students apply for the Pharmacy course. If your educational programme is not covered on this list, please email the RCSI Admissions Office directly for further information.

Please note: The entry requirements outlined below are relevant for those applying for entry in September 2024 only. These entry requirements are subject to annual review and applicants for 2025 onwards should ensure to check the most up-to-date requirements prior to commencing their application.

Minimum academic entry requirements

Applicants must present a minimum of three A-level subjects* with minimum grades of ABB to include Chemistry and one of the following: Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Psychology. 

All applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at GCSE level, which must include a minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics.

*All A Level subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 12 and 13). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.

Applicants must present a minimum score of 35 IB Diploma points (inclusive of bonus points). The Diploma must comprise a minimum of six subjects* (three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level), which must include Chemistry at Higher Level (with a minimum score of 5) and another laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics) or Mathematics** at Higher Level. 

If Mathematics is presented with Chemistry at Higher Level, another laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics) must also be presented at Standard Level.

*All IB Diploma subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 11 and 12). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.
**Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable for application to RCSI.

ATAR required: 80%

Applicants must present a minimum of 70% in Chemistry and in one of the following three subjects in Year 12: Physics, Biology or Mathematics.

Canadian High School Diploma: Applicants must present a minimum average of 85% in their top six Grade 12 academic subjects, which must include minimum scores of 80% in Biology, Chemistry and either Physics, Mathematics or Calculus.

CAPE Exam scores of I, II, II (with at least three science subjects from the following group: Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Environmental Sciences).

All applicants will be expected to take the four core subjects plus three elective subjects and to achieve minimum scores of Levels 5, 5 and 4 from the following group: Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Minimum scores of Level 3 must be achieved in all remaining subjects.

Applicants must also achieve a minimum score of Level 5 in HKDSE English Language or an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

Applicants must hold a bona-fide certificate of completion issued by the CBSE or CISCE.

Applicants must achieve an average of 85% or above in four subjects in Grade 12, to include minimum scores of 75% Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Mathematics.

Note for applicants based in India 
RCSI works with a select group of agents in India for application to our Pharmacy, Advanced Therapeutic Technologies and Physiotherapy programmes. We will also accept direct applications to these programmes. Please refer to the Apply section for a list of agents that RCSI work with.

S.T.P.M. minimum grades of A, B+, B+, to include Chemistry and one of the following: Mathematics, Biology or Physics.

Applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at S.P.M level, which must include a minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics.

Applicants presenting the Malaysian University Matriculation Exam must achieve a GPA of 3.5 in one sitting and have competitive grades in Mathematics, Physics, Biology and English. Grades obtained in more than one sitting will be considered, provided that the proximity of the examinations is in less than one year. 

Additional entry pathways

Foundation in Science

Applicants presenting with a Foundation in Science (from an RCSI accepted provider) must have a GPA of 3.5. This must include Chemistry and two subjects from Mathematics, Physics or Biology.

Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

Applicants must complete UEC at Senior Middle Level and present a minimum of five subjects to include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics or Additional Mathematics with minimum grades of A2, A2, B3, B3, B3.

AUSMAT / Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR)

ATAR scores will be calculated on the applicants four best subjects, which must include Chemistry and Mathematics plus one other Science subject (all at stage 3). A minimum equivalent ATAR score of 85 is required.

Monash University Foundation Year

Applicants must present English, Mathematics*, Chemistry and Physics or Biology, with a minimum overall score of 80%. No other individual module score should be less than 70%.

*Both Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics will be accepted 

Malaysian Foundation Programmes

The following foundation programmes are eligible for consideration for entry to Pharmacy:

  • Sunway Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST)
  • Taylor's College Foundation in Science
  • INTI Foundation in Science
  • HELP University Foundation in Science
  • RUMC Foundation in Science
Applicants who have completed one of the above programmes must present English, Chemistry, Biology and/or Physics/Mathematics, with a minimum overall score of 80%. No individual module score should be less than 70%. 
 
Please note:
Other foundation programmes not listed above may be considered. Enquiries should be emailed to the RCSI Admissions Office.

Choueifat International School graduates are eligible for consideration for RCSI’s MPharm programme, depending on their combination of subjects/education systems presented at the time of application.

Applicants must present either A-level Chemistry with a minimum of grade A, or Advanced Placement Chemistry with a minimum score of 4, or IB Chemistry at Higher Level with a minimum score of 5.

In addition, they must present one additional subject from the group: Mathematics, Biology or Physics, with minimum grades of B at A-level, 4 at Advanced Placement, or 5 in the International Baccalaureate.

Applicants must complete their Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement) and achieve minimum grades of ABBBB (76666).

American High School Diploma: Applicants must present a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 in Grade 12, including minimum GPA of 3.0 in Chemistry, Biology and either Physics, Mathematics or Calculus.

Students who graduate from government/public and bilingual high school programmes that are delivered throughout the Middle East cannot apply for direct entry to RCSI. Such students must complete a recognised pre-university/foundation programme (see sample list below) prior to applying to RCSI.

Applicants who have undertaken A-Level or IB examinations may be eligible for direct entry to RCSI’s Undergraduate Pharmacy programme and should refer to the relevant sections above.

Students who graduate from high school systems that do not meet the National University of Ireland (NUI) regulations for direct entry to the Undergraduate programmes offered at RCSI may undertake a recognised pre-university/foundation programme and apply to RCSI on the basis of the results obtained in their selected programme. RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.

The following is a listing of pre-university/foundation programmes offered in a number of centres throughout Ireland, the UK and globally:

Programme Pharmacy
Irish Leaving Certificate Non-EU applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x H4 and 4 x O6/H7], to include Chemistry and either Physics or Biology at H4, plus a minimum of an O6/H7 in four other subjects to include English, Mathematics and one foreign language. In addition to meeting these subject requirements, applicants must also achieve a minimum of 500 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination.
International Foundation Group (IFG) Medical Foundation Programme* Minimum overall score of 70%, to include minimum scores of 70% in the Chemistry-based modules and no other individual module score less than 65%.  
NCUK International Foundation Year** Minimum grades AAAB in English for Academic Purposes, Maths for Science, Biology and Chemistry.

*Further information on the IFG Medical Foundation Programme is available on their website.
**In Ireland, the NCUK International Foundation Year is offered at DIFC. Further information on NCUK, including centres where the International Foundation Year is offered, is available on their website.

Below is a listing of UK-based pre-university/foundation programmes. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other foundation programmes not listed below may be considered. Enquiries should be directed to the RCSI Admissions Office. Again, RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.

Programme Pharmacy
Abbey College (Cambridge and Manchester)
International Foundation Programme –
Biomedicine and Science Pathway		 Minimum overall average score of 70%, to include 70% in Chemistry and no other individual module score less than 60%. 
Bath Academy
International Medical
Foundation Programme		 Applicants must complete three major modules, with a minimum of grade B in each module.
CATS Global Schools University Foundation
Programme (UFP)		 Applicants must present a minimum of three subjects with minimum grades of ABB, to include Chemistry
and at least one of the following: Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Psychology.
David Game College: University Foundation Programme (UFP) – Medicine Pathway Applicants must complete three major modules with a minimum of grade B in each module.
DLD College London International Foundation Programme– Medicine Pathway Minimum overall average score of 70%, to include 70% in Chemistry and no other individual module score less than 60%. 
DLD College London International Foundation Programme– Biomedical Science Pathway Minimum overall average score of 70%, to include 70% in Chemistry and no other individual module score less than 60%. 
INTO UEA International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences Minimum overall average score of 65% across all academic modules (which must include the Introduction to Pharmacy skills module) and no individual module score less than 60%.
Kings College London International Foundation -
Biology and Chemistry Pathway
Minimum overall average score of 70%, with no individual module score less than 65%.
Kings Education Medical Foundation Programme Minimum overall average score of 65%, with no individual module score less than 60%.
UCLan ONCAMPUS Medicine University Foundation Programme Minimum overall average score of 65% across all academic modules, including a minimum average score of 65% in MUFP Chemistry for Medics and no other individual module score less than 60%.
UCLan ONCAMPUS Life Sciences University Programme Minimum overall average score of 70% across all academic modules, with no individual module score less than 65%.
University of St Andrew's International Foundation Programme for Medicine

Minimum overall average score of 13 across all modules, with no individual module score lower than 12 (including Inorganic and Physical Chemistry and Organic and Biological Chemistry 1). 

Non-EU applicants - Graduate Entry

The Graduate Entry Pharmacy programme is designed for students who hold (or expect to hold by July prior to entry) a competitive GPA* or a minimum of a second class honours from a four-year undergraduate bachelor degree, preferably in a science-related field. If your degree is not in a science-related field, you will be expected to meet the science requirements from your high school exit examinations (please see school leaver entry requirements above).

If you are unsure whether you are an EU or Non-EU applicant, please consult the EU vs. Non-EU policy for guidance. You can also contact the RCSI Admissions Office directly to verify your fees status, however, this must be done well in advance of the closing date.

*RCSI does not specify minimum GPA requirements for international applicants as GPAs are measured on different scales and scores may vary from one country to the next. 

The Admissions Committee review all transcripts on an individual basis to determine eligibility and level of competitiveness for entry to the Graduate Entry Pharmacy programme.

Please note

The following information is relevant to all Pharmacy applicants. 

Minimum English language requirements

IELTS

Teaching in RCSI is through the medium of English. As a consequence, all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of English language competence. Applicants whose first language is not English must present a minimum overall average IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band (reading, writing, listening and speaking) lower than 6.0.  IELTS Certificates must be less than two years old at the time of admission. Equivalent scores in TOEFL are also acceptable.  

Applicants presenting programmes that are delivered entirely through English (e.g. International Baccalaureate or A Levels) are not required to supply an IELTS certificate as part of their initial application. Please note that applicants presenting A Levels must hold a GCSE English grade C or above to meet RCSI's English language requirement. 

Good Standing

Applicants who have been previously discontinued from any academic institution are deemed not to be in 'good standing' and are ineligible to apply to RCSI.

Fitness to Practice

Students will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practice policy, full details of which can be found in our policies section.

Minimum age requirement

For 2024 entry, Non-EU applicants must normally have attained the age of 18 years by 1 December following entry to RCSI.

Student vetting

Police clearance (or "Garda vetting" as it is known in Ireland) of our students is required to facilitate clinical teaching, and is a standard protocol for all individuals working and training in the healthcare sector. All students will undergo Garda vetting during their first year of studies at RCSI.

Garda Vetting is organised through the RCSI Student Academic & Regulatory Affairs office (The Registry Office) and requires students to complete a form outlining all of the permanent addresses that they have lived in from birth. This form is checked (vetted) by the Irish Police to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending.

Transfers from other Pharmacy schools

RCSI has a 'no transfer' policy, more details of which can be found in our policies section.

Health screening

All RCSI Undergraduate programmes are delivered (in part) in clinical settings and exposure to infection is a risk. As part of the University's overall approach to minimising the risks associated with blood-borne viruses all students must complete a blood-borne virus risk assessment. This is coordinated through the University Health Facility during the first year of attendance. All students admitted to the Pharmacy programme must consent to immunisation at the RCSI Travel Health Centre at the Mercer's Medical Centre.

Applications from students with disabilities

RCSI welcomes applications from students with disabilities. However, it is strongly advised that applicants disclose their disability on their application and contact the RCSI Admissions Office to discuss any appropriate supports/reasonable accommodations. Applicants may also be required to provide relevant information which will be treated in the strictest of confidence.   

International students are encouraged to contact the Learning Access Team in advance of accepting your place in the RCSI so we can advise you of the types of supports and reasonable accommodations which may be available to you. However, please be advised that supports you may have received in your home institution may differ from those provided here in the RCSI.  

Evidence of your disability is also required to register with the Learning Access Service. Please note that the evidence of disability must be provided in English, and if not originally in English must be translated by a professional translator.