​
Hi,
I’m a recent medical graduate (September 2025) from an EU country where the internship year is integrated into the 6th year of medical school. Because of this, I understand that I’m exempt from doing a separate internship in Ireland.
I’m very interested in applying for BST through RCPI, either in Internal Medicine or Paediatrics, but I’m unsure how realistic it is to be accepted without first doing a non-training job in Ireland.
My background:
- EU graduate (no internship required separately)
- Ranked 8th out of 200 students
- Final exam (licence) grade: 9.94
- Overall GPA (6 years): 9.30
- Clinical/research experience:
- 1 case presentation at a nephrology congress
- 2 presentations in neurosurgery
- Participation in surgery & neurosurgery conferences
- Certificate in suturing & basic surgical skills
- Multiple workshops
My questions:
Is it realistic to get into RCPI BST (IM or Paeds) directly as an EU graduate without Irish clinical experience?
Do most successful applicants typically have prior non-training jobs in Ireland?(I am really scared that if I apply on non-training I will lose years without being able to enter the training scheme)
Are there specific things I should focus on to strengthen my application (CV-wise)?
Between Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, is one pathway more accessible for international/EU applicants?
Any tips regarding the interview process?
I’d really appreciate any insight, especially from people who went through the process or are currently in BST 🙏
Thanks a lot!