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Core Surgical Training (CST)


How to apply

Applications for CST 2026 will open on 14 October and close on 11 November 2025.

It is expected that all interviews for CST 2026 will take place in person in RCSI in spring 2026. A CST intake webinar will be held on 2 October 2025. Further information and links will be available here closer to the time.

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 | 124.6 KB Eligibility for the Trainee Specialist Division 2025 PDF | 164.6 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 2025 intake process.

National Surgical Training Programme – Application checklist PDF | 294 KB CST Intake Guide (including FAQs) 2025 PDF | 1092 KB Guidance on allocation of training places PDF | 716.9 KB