Going to Ireland 🇮🇪
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Make sure to keep updated with the Irish Medical Council website as requirements are subject to change: https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/medical-dental/nchd/interns/
Overview of the Intern Year
The Internship in Ireland is a one-year programme required for full medical registration, similar to FY1 in the UK.
You will be referred to as a "Resident" during your Intern Year. Previously called "Junior Doctor".
After Intern Year you will be granted a Certificate of Experience. If you continue your medical career in Ireland after this year you will become a SHO (Senior House Officer) then a Registrar and finally a Consultant.
Internship Structure: Interns rotate through various specialties, including, 3 months surgery, 3 months general practice, and 3-4 months of your chosen clinical fields to gain comprehensive training.
Internship generally starts in June/July (timelines vary every year).
Induction week begins 30th June for 2025 applicants.
Applying for Internship Posts
NB: Be aware of the deadlines!
Internships in Ireland are applied for through the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Intern Application Process.
Application Timeline: The application process typically opens in October for posts starting the following June/July. The application outline usually is released mid/end Summer.
Key Application Components:
Educational Performance: Submit your Medical School Diploma. You will need to submit your centile score before a certain deadline, usually mid May. And diploma (graduation) must be submitted before mid June.
Make sure to contact the Dean early on to confirm centile dates confirmation etc as you will need to submit a signed and stamped form by the Dean in October.
You will also require a BLS/ALS certificate. The certificate must be valid up to and including 31st July 2025
You will need one reference of a Doctor you worked with in the last 2 years.
Ranking Preferences: You'll be asked to rank 50 of your preferred hospitals and rotations during the application process around February.
Provisional Registration with the Medical Council of Ireland
Registration Overview: You must apply for provisional registration with the Medical Council of Ireland before beginning your internship (usually at least 3 months before starting internship in July).
Required Documentation for Registration:
Medical degree from Poland.
Passport or national ID.
Police Clearance needed before commencing internship in July
English Language Proficiency Requirements (If Applicable)
IELTS/OET Requirements (if needed): If required, you must meet the IELTS minimum score of 7.0 overall (with at least 6.5 in each section) or achieve the equivalent in the ОЕТ. Applicants who have undertaken the Irish State Leaving Certificate examination or A levels in the UK are not required to complete the IELTS or OET.Visa and Immigration Requirements
- EU Citizens' Right to Work: As a Polish citizen (an EU member), you do not need a visa to work in Ireland, but you may need to register with immigration authorities if you plan to stay long-term.
- Irish Residency Permit: EU citizens can stay in Ireland without restriction but should register for a Personal Public Service (PPS) number for tax and employment purposes.
- No Work Permit Needed for EU/UK Nationals: No need for a work visa due to EU regulations allowing free movement.
Progression
Application Outcome and Job Offer
Acceptance into Internship Programme: If successful in your application, you will receive an offer for an internship post, usually at the end of May.
Contracts and Pre-Employment Checks:You'll need to complete employment contracts and undergo pre-employment checks, which may include health screenings and police background checks.
Relocation and Practical Considerations
Finding Accommodation: Start looking for accommodation near your assigned hospital or clinical site early.
Cost of Living in Ireland: Consider budgeting for rent, utilities, and living expenses as Ireland can have a high cost of living, particularly in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
Starting the Internship Year
Induction Programme: Attend the necessary induction sessions organized by your hospital, which will cover hospital policies, clinical practices, and the expectations for interns. This begins June 30th for 2025.
Begin Internship: Begins 14th July, where you will rotate through different clinical departments to fulfill the requirements of the internship year.
Completion of the Internship Year
Full Registration with the Medical Council: Upon successfully completing your internship year, you can apply for full registration with the Medical Council of Ireland.
Pathway to Further Training: After gaining full registration, you can apply for specialty training programmes or work as a fully registered doctor in Ireland or elsewhere in the EU.
Key Steps Summary
Apply for an internship position through the HSE National Intern Application Process.
Obtain provisional registration with the Medical Council of Ireland.
As an EU citizen, no visa or work permit is needed, but register for a PPS number for employment.
Start your internship year and complete rotations in various clinical departments.
After completing your internship, apply for full registration with the Medical Council and explore further training options.
This structured approach ensures that you meet all necessary requirements to begin your medical career in Ireland.
This page is edited by
Muhammad Deeyan Rizwanuddin
Class of 2025Page updated
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