Young surgeon in RCSI Surgical Bootcamp)

Core Surgical Training (CST)


How to apply

Applications opening soon - CST July 2027 intake

Applications for the CST Programme July 2027 intake will open on Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 12 noon (Irish time) via the link on these pages. Applications will close on Wednesday 28, October 2026 at 12 noon (Irish time)

All mandatory aptitude testing for applicants to the CST Programme – July 2027 intake will be conducted through Pearson VUE test centres.

Full details, including links to test centre locations worldwide and booking schedules, will be published here in due course. Applicants are advised to check this page regularly for updates relating to the application process.

Applicants must ensure that they have booked and sat the mandatory aptitude test before submitting a CST application. Responsibility for booking a test sitting rests entirely with the applicant.

Applications submitted without confirmation of a booked and completed aptitude test will not be processed.  All application fees are non‑refundable.

Interviews for the 2027 CST intake will take place in RCSI Dublin in February (exact dates to be confirmed).

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).

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.

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