Young surgeon in RCSI Surgical Bootcamp)

Core Surgical Training (CST)


How to apply

Applications for CST 2026 Intake - Now Open

Applications for CST 2026 intake are now open and will close on Tuesday, 11 November Noon (Irish Time).

Closing: Tuesday, 11 November 2025 Noon (Irish Time)

Interviews for CST 2026 will take place in person in RCSI in spring 2026. Surgical aptitude testing will take place in person in two locations – for northern hemisphere in RCSI Dublin, please click here to book your slot between 15 October and 18 November.

RCSI will facilitate a southern hemisphere testing centre in Melbourne, Australia  week beginning Monday 17 November.  If this is applicable to you please email corest@rcsi.ie and we will send you the link to book once venue and dates are confirmed. 

Please do not book a slot in Dublin if you intend to complete your test in Australia.

Apply

All applicants for the CST programme at RCSI must:

  • 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 that you are eligible to apply for registration.
  • Be able to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues (details of which are outlined in the HSE's English language requirements document below).
Interact with our cst Application query chatbot Eligibility for IMC Registration Guidance PDF | 283.2 KB HSE English language requirements PDF | 506.3 KB

Further information

For further information on CST, contact us at coreST@rcsi.ie.

Please note

  • There is no limit to the number of times you can apply to the programme.
  • You are expected to be truthful and honest in your application. The submission of false or misleading information will be regarded as a form of professional misconduct – this will lead to permanent disqualification and you may be reported to the Irish Medical Council.

Guidance documents

Below you will find important information/documentation regarding the 2026 intake process.

National Surgical Training Programme – Application checklist PDF | 383.3 KB CST Intake Guide (including FAQs) 2026 PDF | 1973.7 KB Guidance on allocation of training places PDF | 794.3 KB