Medical Council congratulates class of 2025 students who received CAO offers to study Medicine

• The Medical Council also highlights options available to those interested in studying medicine, who have not yet received an offer

Wednesday, 27th August 2025: The Medical Council has today commended the Class of 2025 students who have received CAO offers to study medicine.

President of the Medical Council, Dr Suzanne Crowe and CEO of the Medical Council, Dr Maria O’Kane, also highlighted other options to students who were unsuccessful in receiving offers. Graduate Entry Medicine allows for students with a degree in another discipline to study medicine at an accelerated rate of a four-year programme instead of the more traditional five- or six-year programme. It is an excellent alternative for those who have been unsuccessful during CAO offers, or those who decide to study medicine later in life.

Dr Maria O’Kane, Medical Council CEO said,

“As the regulator of doctors, the Medical Council’s regulatory remit spans the entire lifecycle of a doctor’s career. From the moment a medical student decides to pursue medicine, we oversee and accredit undergraduate medical education. This commitment to doctors continues throughout postgraduate training, from internship to specialist training and into lifelong professional development.

“The Medical Council recognises the wide range of backgrounds and experiences of those entering medicine, and this diversity strengthens the profession and ultimately benefits patients. For many, today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, but it is only one step in a broader life journey. Aspiring medical students should also remember that there are multiple routes into medicine. Graduate Entry Medicine programmes, offered by several universities, provide alternative routes for those who already hold a degree and wish to embark on a medical career.”

Dr Suzanne Crowe, Medical Council President, added,

“Ireland’s medical schools are internationally recognised for delivering education of the highest quality. It is very encouraging that the expansion of places and creation of new programmes in Irish Medical Schools, as announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD, continues to grow this year. Those who have secured a place to study medicine this year will benefit greatly from the strong reputation of our universities.

“The effort and dedication it takes to reach this stage should not be underestimated. Professionalism and a focus on patient safety are at the heart of your training and should guide you throughout your career. As you begin your studies, approach them with the values you wish to embody as a doctor – compassion, kindness, and respect for your fellow colleagues as well yourself. Be sure to seek help if you need it and prioritise your own wellbeing.”

Dr Crowe concluded,

“To everyone beginning medical school in the coming weeks, my warmest congratulations, and I look forward to calling you a colleague in the years ahead.”

Every medical degree programme delivered in Ireland is required to meet Medical Council standards, which are based upon the World Federation for Medical Education’s Global Standards for Quality Improvement in Medical Education. These standards set requirements for programmes, and for the medical schools delivering the programmes. The Medical Council is also a World Federation for Medical Education’s recognised Accrediting Agency.