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Core Specialist Training (CSTEM)


How to apply

Applications opening soon - CSTEM 2026 intake

Applications for CSTEM 2026 will open on 15 October 2025 and close on 14 November 2025 at 12pm.

All interviews for CSTEM 2026 will take place in person in RCSI in February 2026. Further information and links on eligibility criteria will be available here closer to the time. A new CSTEM shortlist criteria will be also be available in the coming weeks.

All applicants for the CSTEM programme at RCSI must:

  • Submit a fully completed online application providing all supporting documentation and two referee requests submitted and returned via the online application.
  • Submit evidence of eligibility for registration on the Irish Medical Council at time of submission of programme application. Please note that this means explicit confirmation that you are eligible to pay your annual fee and register, not just that you are eligible to apply for registration.
  • Be able to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues – details of which are outlined in the following English language requirements.
  • Familiarise themselves with the allocation of places 2025 document.
HSE English Language Requirements 2025 PDF | 506.3 KB MCI English Language Requirements 2025 PDF | 205.2 KB Eligibility for IMC Registration Guidance 2025 PDF | 164.6 KB Allocation of Training Places Emergency Medicine 2025 PDF | 823.1 KB Core Specialist Training in Emergency Medicine FAQs 2025 PDF | 686.5 KB Emergency Medicine Training Intake Statistics PDF | 3253.2 KB

The interviews will take place on an assigned date in February 2025 with specified time/times for each candidate. The interview may take place in a specified location or embassy locations for all stakeholders. The interview will likely take the form of a face-to-face process in February 2025 but the process may be subject to change due to situational and or advisories from public health officials and ISPTC /RCSI.

A step-by-step guide on how to apply is available below.

Online guidance video

For further information on CSTEM, please contact us at cstem@rcsi.ie.

We also recommend you visit our portal EMNow for access to policies, procedures and guidelines relating to training and trainee support.