International Surgical Fellowship Programme
At RCSI we provide opportunities for international medical graduates to undertake two years of structured postgraduate surgical training in Ireland.
Suitably qualified surgical trainees – who have been nominated by their employer or other sponsoring agency – can apply for a place on RCSI’s International Surgical Fellowship Programme (ISFP).
About the programme
RCSI delivers this programme under the International Medical Graduate Training Initiative in conjunction with the HSE.
The programme enables international surgical trainees to undertake two years of surgical specialty training at RCSI training sites in Ireland.
RCSI welcomes applications from international medical graduates (from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland) who wish to apply for surgical fellowships across a range of surgical specialties: cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmic surgery, otolaryngology head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, trauma and orthopaedic surgery, urology and vascular surgery.
Why train in Ireland?
A range of opportunities exist in Ireland for postgraduate surgical training across a range of specialties. Find out more about moving to Ireland for postgraduate surgical training.
Learn moreSupporting your move
Once you have been accepted onto our International Surgical Fellowship Programme, we are committed to making your move to Ireland as easy as possible.
Find out moreHear from our graduates
Testimonial
"My experience in Ireland was remarkable and magnificant for both me and my family. What I learned here was beyond surgery and techniques; I learned the mindset of a consultant ... the experience I had here was the experience of a lifetime."
"The training here is exceptional; offering advanced techniques and a comprehensive learning experience. The supportive environment and mentorship from experienced professionals has been invaluable to my growth as a surgeon."
"... the mentors here will all push you to give more than what you can give and make sure that you come out of this experience as a well-trained surgeon ... it has been an enriching and rewarding experience ..."
“RCSI's support and guidance made my dream real to work in the Liver Transplant Unit in St. Vincent’s Hospital. In particular, RCSI provided invaluable assistance in moving to Ireland, which was most helpful for me and my family.”
“As a surgical graduate in Saudi Arabia, I always dreamed of going to Europe to continue my surgical journey and working to become a consultant colorectal surgeon. Being at RCSI and Beaumont hospital helped me realise my dreams.”
“The International Surgical Fellowship Programme in RCSI offered me a well-rounded skillset in colorectal surgery, including first-rate multi-tasking skills. My training was very helpful in improving my skills in managing surgical services."
How to apply
Applications for the July 2027 intake of the ISFP will open on 2 June 2026 and close on 30 June 2026.
View the full eligibility criteria required to apply for a place on RCSI’s ISFP here. Candidates who qualify will be invited to complete a full application form and submit structured references in June 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a first round interview, scheduled to take place in September or October 2026, to assess overall suitability. Those who progress will attend a second round interview, scheduled for November or early December 2026, with their designated clinical trainer. Following successful completion of all stages, selected candidates will receive a formal letter of offer by mid-December 2026 to commence the ISFP in July 2027.
Please email img@rcsi.com if you have any queries relating to the ISFP at RCSI.