Medicine Entry Changes from 2027

From 2027 onwards, there will be important updates to how HPAT and Leaving Certificate points are combined for Medicine entry in Ireland.

Key Changes at a Glance

Component	Current System (to 2026)	New System (from 2027)
HPAT Maximum Score	300	150
Leaving Cert Maximum	565 (adjusted above 550)	625 (no adjustment)
Combined Maximum	865	775
Minimum LC Requirement	480 points	480 points (unchanged)

How the New Points Calculation Works

With the new HPAT and Medicine entry system (from 2027 onwards), points are calculated a little differently — here’s how it works:

🧮 Leaving Certificate:
You’ll get your full Leaving Cert points (up to 625) — the old adjustment above 550 is now gone.

🧠 HPAT:
Your HPAT score will now be out of 150, instead of 300.

📊 Combined Total:
Your Leaving Cert points (out of 625) are simply added to your HPAT score (out of 150).


So the maximum possible total is 775 points.

Example:
If you get 590 points in your Leaving Cert and 120 in HPAT, your combined score would be:
590 + 120 = 710 points.

Universities will then rank applicants by this combined total, just like before — so the exact cut-off points for Medicine places will depend on competition in that year.

What Else Stays the Same

• The HPAT structure (three sections: Logical Reasoning, Interpersonal Understanding, Non-Verbal Reasoning) and exam timing remain unchanged for now.
• You must still achieve at least 480 Leaving Cert points in a single sitting.
• You must sit HPAT in the same year you apply for Medicine through the CAO.

What This Means for Students

• The new calculation is simpler and more transparent.
• Students who perform strongly in the Leaving Cert will benefit, as full marks up to 625 now count.
• HPAT remains an important factor, but it will carry less weight overall than before.
• For most students, this change should make the process fairer and slightly less dependent on HPAT performance alone.

Find out how we can help you to prepare for success in the HPAT here