Ran Ireland's first graduate-entry medical programme (2007); problem-based learning, graduate entry only.
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At a glance
The University of Limerick opened Ireland's first graduate-entry medical school in 2007 and was the first Irish medical school built around problem-based learning.
It is graduate-entry only: there is no school-leaver route, and the programme is open to graduates of any discipline. UL awards the BM BS, which is recognised by the UK GMC.
Ireland's first graduate-entry medical school; strong North American links
The University of Limerick opened Ireland's first graduate-entry medical school in 2007 and built it around problem-based learning, so the whole programme is designed for graduate students rather than school leavers. That focus, plus a four-year timeline open to graduates of any discipline, makes it a popular choice for career-changers and for North Americans who already hold a degree.
It is especially well known to North American applicants because it accepts the MCAT and has strong, formal links to North American medicine: clinical-elective arrangements with schools such as McMaster and Rutgers, and a track record of graduates matching into US and Canadian residencies. The school teaches 800+ students from more than 20 countries.
UL has a modern riverside campus on the banks of the Shannon just outside Limerick city in Ireland's mid-west, with well-regarded sports and student facilities. Clinical years take students out across the mid-west, so expect placements beyond Limerick itself.
Where you train
Which route you use depends on where you are applying from, not which school you choose:
Applying from Canada or the US?
North American students apply to Limerick through the Atlantic Bridge Programme: one application and one set of documents covering all six Irish medical schools. Our Atlantic Bridge Programme guide walks through eligibility, the MCAT or GAMSAT, Casper, deadlines, the personal statement and how to get in.
For the full picture across all six schools, see our guide to studying medicine in Ireland and the Irish medical schools comparison.
Non-EU applicants must attend an interview; the format is not specified by UL.
| Non-EU graduate entry | €56,600 per year |
|---|---|
| EU / UK / EEA | EU graduate-entry students pay the full tuition (around €15,900 a year); graduate entry is not covered by the Free Fees Initiative. |
UL does not label the academic year on its fee page; treat the figure as subject to change.
US federal loans: The UL medicine programme does not participate in the US Federal Loan programme, so US students fund their studies with private loans. Although UL is Title IV-eligible at institution level, this does not extend to the graduate-entry medicine programme.
Compare costs across all six schools in our Ireland medicine fees breakdown. Fees rise most years, so confirm the figure for your year of entry on the official course page.
A 4-year graduate-entry programme (GAMSAT-based), open to graduates of any discipline. There is no school-leaver or undergraduate route.
Graduate entry needs a 2:1 degree plus a GAMSAT or MCAT score. See our Graduate Entry Medicine guide and GAMSAT guide.
Complete medicine application support: UCAT tutoring, personal statement reviews and interview coaching from doctors.
An Irish medical degree from Limerick is internationally recognised, but how you get home matters and is worth planning from your first year. Here is what the route back looks like:
North American applicants can read the full route home, including the USMLE, ECFMG and the residency match, in our Atlantic Bridge Programme guide.
From personal statement editing and interview coaching to our all-in-one Ultimate Package, we support applicants to Limerick at every stage. Tell us where you are applying from and we will recommend the right option.
Work with doctors and admissions experts across every stage of your application.
North America (Canada and the US): apply through the Atlantic Bridge Programme.
Other non-EU: a distinct non-EU admissions pathway is available, and applicants must interview.
EU, UK and EEA: apply through the CAO graduate-entry route.
Non-EU graduate-entry medicine at Limerick costs €56,600 per year. EU graduate-entry students pay the full tuition (around €15,900 a year); graduate entry is not covered by the Free Fees Initiative. UL does not label the academic year on its fee page; treat the figure as subject to change.
A 4-year graduate-entry programme (GAMSAT-based), open to graduates of any discipline. There is no school-leaver or undergraduate route.
Yes, and this is one of UL's strengths. Graduates sit the USMLE Steps and gain ECFMG certification for the NRMP match, supported by a bespoke USMLE preparation programme and electives at US centres such as Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins. Recent graduates have matched at institutions including McMaster, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, NYU and the University of Michigan.
UL has a particularly strong Canadian track record. Graduates return through CaRMS after the MCCQE Part I (and NAC OSCE), with school guidance on the Canadian exams, and recent cohorts have matched at McMaster, Manitoba, Ottawa, Western and Alberta.
The University of Limerick opened Ireland's first graduate-entry medical school in 2007 and built it around problem-based learning, so the whole programme is designed for graduate students rather than school leavers. That focus, plus a four-year timeline open to graduates of any discipline, makes it a popular choice for career-changers and for North Americans who already hold a degree.
It is especially well known to North American applicants because it accepts the MCAT and has strong, formal links to North American medicine: clinical-elective arrangements with schools such as McMaster and Rutgers, and a track record of graduates matching into US and Canadian residencies. The school teaches 800+ students from more than 20 countries.
Yes. UL's primary medical qualification is recognised by the UK GMC for registration. Graduates can register with the GMC and enter the UK Foundation Programme.
Ultimate Package students from our 2025/26 cycle, with their UCAT scores and offers, who trained with us for the UCAT, personal statements and interviews.
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