What Is Changing for HPAT and Medicine Entry from 2027?
If you are planning to apply for Undergraduate Medicine in Ireland for 2027 entry, it is important to understand the changes being introduced to how HPAT and Leaving Certificate points will be combined.
From 2027, Irish universities with medical schools are changing the calculation of points for CAO entry to Undergraduate Medicine. The HPAT will still be required, but the way it is weighted alongside Leaving Certificate points will change.
| Component | Current System (up to 2026) | New System from 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving Certificate points | Points above 550 are moderated | Full Leaving Cert points apply, up to 625 |
| HPAT weighting | Up to 300 points | Up to 150 points |
| Maximum combined score | 865 | 775 |
| HPAT requirement | Required for Medicine entry | Still required |
| Minimum Leaving Cert requirement | 480 points, plus course entry requirements | Remains in place |
Does HPAT Still Matter for 2027?
Yes. HPAT will still be required for students applying to Undergraduate Medicine through the CAO.
However, from 2027, the balance between Leaving Certificate points and HPAT points will change. Leaving Certificate points will carry more weight than under the current system, but HPAT will remain an important part of the selection process.
How Will Medicine Points Be Calculated from 2027?
From 2027, the maximum combined score for Medicine entry will be:
This is a change from the previous system, where the maximum combined score was 865, made up of adjusted Leaving Certificate points and HPAT points.
Example Calculation
What Does HPAT Assess?
HPAT-Ireland is a 2.5-hour online multiple-choice assessment developed by ACER. It assesses skills considered relevant for medical and health-related study, including:
Logical Reasoning and Problem-Solving
Structured reasoning and analytical thinking under timed conditions.
Interpersonal Understanding
Reading and interpreting human situations and motivations.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Pattern recognition and visual logical sequences.
Who Needs to Sit HPAT 2027?
You will generally need to sit HPAT-Ireland if you are applying through the CAO for Undergraduate Medicine in Ireland. The universities listed by ACER for HPAT-Ireland include University of Galway, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin and University of Limerick.
Applicants should always check the latest CAO, ACER and individual university requirements before applying.
When Will HPAT 2027 Take Place?
ACER states that HPAT-Ireland is conducted in February each year. The exact HPAT 2027 test dates, registration dates and fees have not yet been confirmed publicly by ACER at the time of writing. Students preparing for HPAT 2027 should monitor the official ACER HPAT-Ireland website and CAO deadlines carefully.
Why Start Preparing for HPAT 2027 Early?
HPAT is not a test of learned school content. It assesses reasoning, interpretation, pattern recognition, problem-solving and decision-making under time pressure.
Starting early allows students to:
Become Familiar with the Format
Build confidence with the HPAT question styles before exam day.
Build Speed and Accuracy
Improve timing through regular practice under exam conditions.
Identify Weaker Question Types
Target areas of difficulty well before the exam date.
Balance Leaving Cert Study
Under the 2027 system, Leaving Cert performance carries more weight. Plan accordingly.
HPAT 2027 Preparation Course
Our HPAT 2027 Preparation Course is designed to support students preparing for the HPAT-Ireland assessment. The course includes structured preparation across the core HPAT skill areas:
- Logical reasoning and problem-solving
- Interpersonal understanding
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Timed practice questions
- Mock-style preparation
- Strategy and technique guidance
- Worked explanations to help students understand how to approach questions
Our aim is to help students prepare in a focused, structured and realistic way.
Online course — start preparing at your own pace
How to Prepare for HPAT 2027
Students preparing for HPAT 2027 should focus on three key areas:
Understand the Test Format
Before practising, students should understand what each HPAT section is assessing and how the questions are structured.
Practise Under Timed Conditions
HPAT performance depends not only on accuracy but also on timing. Regular timed practice helps students build exam confidence and decision-making speed.
Review Mistakes Properly
Simply completing questions is not enough. Students should review incorrect answers carefully, identify patterns in their mistakes and refine their approach.
Balancing HPAT 2027 and Leaving Cert Study
Because the 2027 system gives full value to Leaving Certificate points up to 625 and reduces the HPAT maximum weighting to 150, students should take a balanced approach. This means:
- Do not neglect Leaving Certificate study
- Do not ignore HPAT preparation
- Build a realistic weekly preparation plan
- Focus on quality practice rather than last-minute cramming
- Use mock tests to track progress
The best approach is steady, structured preparation over time.
