Medical School Comparison — Eva Hrnčířová

Fee status note: As a Czech Republic (EU) citizen, Eva qualifies for EU-rate fees at both Irish universities — a decisive financial advantage. Edinburgh (Scotland) revoked EU fee parity in 2021; Czech students pay full international rates. NUS fees shown with and without the MOE Tuition Grant, which requires a 5–6 year post-graduation service bond in Singapore. All figures are 2025/26 published rates; 2027 entry fees will be modestly higher. Currency conversions: £1 ≈ €1.19 · SGD 1 ≈ €0.68.

	Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland · EU member MB BAO BCh	University College Dublin Dublin, Ireland · EU member MB BCh BAO	University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland · Non-EU (UK) BMedSci + MBChB	National University of Singapore Singapore · Asia MBBS
Programme & Structure
Duration	5 years	5 years	6 years Compulsory intercalated BMedSci (Hons) in Year 3 — graduate with two degrees	5 years
Teaching model	Systems-based; early clinical exposure from Year 2; PBL elements; hospital placements at St James's & Tallaght	Integrated; PBL-influenced; early clinical contact; St Vincent's University Hospital as primary teaching site	Integrated; problem-based with lectures + tutorials; Year 3 full academic research year; leading clinical placements across NHS Scotland	Longitudinal integrated curriculum; early patient contact; world-class Singapore public hospital network (SGH, NUH, TTSH)
Research integration	Optional intercalated BSc available; research elective in Year 4–5; school has strong research groups	Optional intercalated year; UCD has major research centres (Conway Institute); less embedded by default than Edinburgh	Compulsory research year — every student produces a dissertation. Graduate with BMedSci (Hons). Strongest research integration of the four.	Strong research culture; optional research electives; NUS Medicine has significant biomedical research output; formal MD-PhD possible post-MBBS
Degree output	MB BAO BCh + eligibility for Irish Medical Council registration	MB BCh BAO + eligibility for Irish Medical Council registration	BMedSci (Hons) and MBChB — dual qualification. GMC provisional registration eligible.	MBBS — Singapore Medical Council registration eligible. Recognised by GMC (UK), AMC (Australia), USMLE pathway open.
Rankings & Prestige
QS World Ranking 2025	#81 Ireland #1	#181 Ireland #2	#27 Top 30 globally	#8 Asia #1
QS Medicine & Life Sciences 2024	~#151–200	~#201–250	#22	Top 15
Times Higher Education (Medicine)	Strong for Irish context; less visible internationally vs. UK institutions	Solid; slightly behind TCD on research metrics	Top 30 global for clinical/preclinical health sciences; joint 30th globally (THE 2024)	Top 25 globally; dominant in Asian healthcare research rankings
International brand recognition	Strong in EU/Commonwealth Trinity name well-known; historic prestige (founded 1592). Less visible in Asia/US.	EU/Commonwealth Good reputation; less iconic than TCD as a brand.	Global top-tier Immediately recognised worldwide; 300-year history; associated with Lister, Simpson. Opens doors globally.	Global top-tier Immediately recognised in Asia, Commonwealth, US. Most visible brand for research careers.
Tuition Fees (Eva as Czech EU citizen)
Fee status	EU rate Czech Republic is EU member → qualifies for subsidised Irish government rate	EU rate Same as TCD	International rate Scotland ended EU fee parity from 2021/22. No exemption for Czech students.	International rate With or without MOE Tuition Grant — see below
Annual tuition	~€17,000 Medicine excluded from Free Fees Initiative; EU rate applies. Verify exact figure at time of application — published annually.	~€17,000 Same structure as TCD. Exact medicine fee published via CAO/UCD annually.	£37,500/yr (Years 1–3) ≈ €44,600/yr £51,000/yr (Years 4–6) ≈ €60,700/yr	With MOE Tuition Grant: SGD 83,950/yr ≈ €57,100/yr — requires 5–6 yr work bond in Singapore Without grant: SGD 181,150/yr ≈ €123,200/yr — effectively prohibitive
Total tuition (full programme)	~€85,000	~€85,000	~£265,500 ≈ €315,700 — 3.7× more than Irish EU rate	With MOE grant: ~SGD 420,000 ≈ €286,000 Without: ~SGD 906,000 ≈ €616,000
Living Costs
Monthly living estimate (student)	€1,100–1,800 Dublin is expensive — housing is the main pressure point. On-campus accommodation limited; private market tight.	€1,100–1,800 Belfield campus is suburban; slightly easier housing than central Dublin but similar cost band.	£900–1,300 Edinburgh is significantly cheaper than Dublin. Good student housing stock. University accommodation guaranteed Y1.	SGD 1,500–2,500 ≈ €1,020–1,700/mo. Singapore is expensive but efficient public transport and hawker centres keep food costs manageable.
Annual living cost	~€13,000–21,000	~€13,000–21,000	~£10,800–15,600 ≈ €12,900–18,600	~SGD 18,000–30,000 ≈ €12,200–20,400
Total living cost (full programme)	~€65,000–105,000	~€65,000–105,000	~€77,000–112,000 (6 years)	~€61,000–102,000 (5 years)
Total programme cost estimate	€150,000–190,000 Cheapest option by a large margin due to EU fee status	€150,000–190,000	€393,000–428,000 ~2.3× more than Dublin options	With MOE bond: €347,000–388,000 Without: €677,000–718,000
Geography & Travel
Distance from Prague	~1,700 km	~1,700 km	~1,600 km (similar)	~10,000 km
Flight time from Prague	~2h 20min direct (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)	~2h 20min direct (same flight, same city)	~2h 15min direct (easyJet, Ryanair)	~12–13h (1 stop typical via Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dubai)
Return flight cost (economy)	€60–180 Budget airlines operate year-round. Frequent service.	€60–180 Identical to TCD — same city.	€90–250 Good budget airline coverage. Similar to Dublin.	€500–1,200 Significant cost even on good deals. Typical student: 2 visits/year = €1,000–2,400/yr added expense.
Annual travel budget	~€200–500/yr (3–4 trips)	~€200–500/yr	~€300–700/yr	~€1,000–2,500/yr (2 trips)
Family proximity	Close 2–3 hr door-to-door. Satisfies proximity-preferring parent well.	Close Same as TCD.	Moderate Within easy flying distance; weekend visits feasible but less spontaneous than Ireland.	Remote 13+ hrs. Semester-break visits only realistic. Significant emotional and logistical barrier.
Application Process (Autumn 2027 Entry)
Application system	CAO (Central Applications Office, Ireland)	CAO (same system as TCD)	UCAS (UK Universities & Colleges Admissions Service)	NUS Applicant Portal (direct online application)
Application deadline (2027 entry)	~1 February 2027 CAO standard deadline. Late applications accepted to ~1 May 2027 with surcharge (€45) but disadvantaged for medicine — apply on time.	~1 February 2027 Same CAO deadline — one application covers both TCD and UCD simultaneously.	15 October 2026 Medicine UCAS deadline is earlier than standard. Must apply by mid-October 2026 for 2027 entry. All international applicants same deadline.	~October 2026 – March 2027 For August 2027 intake. Exact dates released annually. Historically opens Oct, closes Feb–Mar. Check NUS Medicine admissions page.
Admissions test(s) required	HPAT-Ireland Health Professions Admissions Test. Must be sat in 2027 (same year of entry). Registration typically opens Dec, test in March. Tests logical reasoning, interpersonal understanding, non-verbal reasoning. Score combined with Leaving Cert/IB points. Register early — spaces fill.	HPAT-Ireland Identical to TCD — one HPAT sitting applies to all Irish medical schools via CAO.	UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) Must be sat in summer 2026 (before Oct 2026 UCAS deadline). Minimum threshold 1650 (2026 data); competitive score realistically 2400+. Includes Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement. Book early — test centres fill from July.	BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) or equivalent NUS has used BMAT; verify current requirement directly as it evolves. MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) in April — 8 stations with faculty and healthcare professionals.
Academic entry requirements	IB 38–40 points, HL 766 minimum, Higher Level Chemistry + one other science (Biology/Physics) Czech maturita Equivalent assessed individually; strong marks in science subjects required. Contact TCD admissions directly. CAO points for medicine typically 730–740+ (top ~5% nationally). EU applicants compete in same pool as Irish students.	IB 38–40 points, HL 766, Chemistry HL + one other science Similar to TCD. UCD may accept slightly lower thresholds in some years — both should be targeted simultaneously.	IB Standard 38–40 pts with 766 HL; minimum 37 pts with 666 HL Must include Chemistry HL + one of Biology/Physics/Maths HL A-level equivalent: AAA standard / A*AA standard (revised 2025). Czech maturita assessed as international qualification — contact admissions. Edinburgh explicitly welcomes international applications.	IB 38–42 points typically; strong in Chemistry + Biology essential Extremely competitive globally. ~300 places total. International applicants compete across all non-Singaporean students. Czech maturita equivalent accepted — assess via NUS admissions office. BMAT score and MMI performance carry significant weight.
English language requirement	Not required if secondary education was in English or from EU school. Czech students: may need IELTS 6.5+ overall (check TCD policy for non-English medium schools).	Same policy as TCD.	IELTS 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in each component) if primary language not English. Must provide results by 30 June 2026 if using external test.	IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100+ for non-native English speakers. Strong English expected throughout application.
Interview / assessment	No formal interview for standard EU entry. HPAT score + academic grades determine offer.	No formal interview for EU CAO applicants. HPAT + grades.	Assessment Day — top ~700 applicants by UCAT+academic score invited. MMI-style: 4 stations assessing values, motivation, science reasoning. Makes up 50% of final score. Virtual or Edinburgh in-person.	MMI — 8 stations. Faculty + healthcare professionals assess aptitude, communication, ethical reasoning, motivation. Typically April for August intake. Highly structured; prepare extensively.
Acceptance rate (medicine)	~5–8% of medicine applicants nationally; extremely competitive	~5–8% (similar pool)	~6.6% (1,909 applicants for 290 places, 2025 data)	<5% estimated for international applicants; one of the most competitive medical schools in Asia
Post-Graduation Pathways & EU Return
EU / Czech medical licensure pathway	Direct Irish MB BAO BCh is an EU-recognized primary medical qualification. Czech Medical Chamber recognises directly under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Streamlined return.	Direct Same as TCD — both Irish degrees covered by EU mutual recognition directive.	Indirect but established UK MBChB not automatically EU-recognised post-Brexit. Czech Medical Chamber requires recognition process; typically 3–6 months with supporting documents. Not a major barrier in practice but requires extra administrative step.	Complex MBBS (Singapore) not EU-automatically recognised. Requires case-by-case assessment by Czech Medical Chamber; may require equivalence examination. Significant time and uncertainty if returning to practice in Czech Republic or EU. Best suited if career stays in Singapore/Commonwealth/US. Strongly recommend legal advice before enrolling if EU return is priority.
UK residency pathway	Possible via PLAB exam; Irish graduates sit PLAB like other international doctors post-Brexit	Same as TCD	Direct GMC registration MBChB grants direct provisional GMC registration. Immediate Foundation Year access.	GMC recognises NUS MBBS via PLAB route; well-established pathway
US/Canada residency pathway	USMLE pathway available; Irish MB recognised as qualifying degree	USMLE eligible	USMLE eligible; Edinburgh explicitly noted in US-recognised schools lists	Strong NUS actively supports USMLE; good match rates for US residency
Aerospace / military medicine fellowship access	Irish Air Corps medical officer pathway; ESA internships available to EU graduates; requires postgraduate specialty training	Same as TCD	Excellent Strong RAF and Scottish military medicine links; Edinburgh grads historically well-represented in expedition, polar, and aerospace medicine. Wilderness Medicine MSc courses accessible.	Singapore Armed Forces medical officer pathway; limited direct access to European aerospace medicine infrastructure. AFEM (Australasian), ISAM pathways accessible.
Fit for Eva's Profile (Learner / Achiever / Context / Intellection / Input)
Intellectual environment	Strong within medicine; Trinity culture rewards independent thinkers. Smaller school than UCD, tighter community. Some interdisciplinary friction with arts/sciences faculties nearby (good for Input).	Good; large research university with diversity of intellectual environments. Slightly more anonymous than TCD at undergraduate level.	Exceptional. Compulsory research year directly serves Intellection + Learner. Edinburgh Medical School culture is explicitly research-oriented; proximity to other university faculties rich. 300-year tradition of physician-scientists.	Outstanding. NUS research infrastructure is world-class. Cross-faculty interdisciplinarity natural in Singapore's university ecosystem. Learner/Input profile will be stretched by genuine exposure to Asian healthcare, different epidemiology, multicultural patient population.
Leadership opportunity	Medical student societies; strong hospital volunteer leadership; smaller city = more visible student impact	Larger university = more societies, but also more competition for leadership visibility	Excellent — student leadership in NHS Scotland placements; Edinburgh expedition medicine society; strong Union culture	Exceptional extracurricular infrastructure; NUS global medicine networks; strong leadership development culture in Singapore generally. Achiever will find recognition systems here.
Pressure / intensity fit	High-intensity Irish medical programme; clinically demanding. Good Achiever fuel.	Same intensity as TCD.	High — 6-year programme with compulsory research year demands sustained intellectual output. Exactly the kind of compound pressure Achiever profile sustains well. Context strength will be tested by researching historical depth of cases.	Extremely intense — NUS Medicine is known as one of the most demanding medical schools in Asia. Long hours, competitive environment. Suits Achiever but may feel isolating without family/cultural anchoring.
Relevant specialty pathways	Strong emergency medicine, infectious disease, general medicine foundations. Irish training system well-regarded.	Same as TCD; UCD has notable global health research links.	Strong for academic medicine, neurology research, expedition/wilderness medicine (geographic and institutional culture); RAF medical links for aerospace medicine. Most aligned with Eva's projected specialty interest.	Outstanding for global health, tropical medicine, public health leadership; strong oncology/research tracks. Slightly less natural path to European aerospace/expedition medicine specifically.
Summary: Key Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages	✓Dramatically lower cost due to EU fee status ✓Direct EU medical license recognition — easiest Czech return path ✓Close to Prague; short flights year-round ✓One HPAT sitting covers both TCD + UCD — apply both ✓Historic prestige; Trinity brand internationally recognised ✓English-speaking, EU country, culturally accessible	✓Same EU fee advantage as TCD ✓Direct EU licensure path ✓Larger research university — broader intellectual ecosystem ✓Conway Institute (strong immunology/microbiology) — relevant family research connection ✓Applied via same CAO form as TCD — zero extra cost to add ✓Good global health research links	✓Top 30 global; medicine ranked #22 QS — strongest CV credential of the four ✓Compulsory BMedSci research year — dual degree, genuine researcher training ✓Direct GMC registration — UK residency immediately open ✓Best alignment with aerospace/expedition medicine culture ✓Edinburgh city — vibrant, intellectually stimulating, close to Prague ✓Strong profile for academic medicine career	✓Globally #8 — most prestigious institution of the four ✓World-class biomedical research environment ✓Truly international patient population; broadest clinical exposure ✓Strong global health/tropical medicine tracks ✓Safe, English-speaking city; Asia exposure is genuinely formative ✓Satisfies Asia-open parent's vision
Disadvantages	✗Lower global ranking than Edinburgh/NUS — matters for subspecialty fellowships abroad ✗No compulsory research year — less academic depth by default ✗Dublin housing crisis — accommodation cost and availability are genuine problems ✗Irish training system can feel insular; fewer direct links to European specialty networks ✗HPAT is additional test requiring specific preparation (reasoning, not pure science)	✗Lower ranking than TCD internationally; less iconic brand ✗Same Dublin housing problems as TCD ✗Suburban Belfield campus less vibrant than TCD city-centre location ✗No compulsory research integration ✗Less differentiated from TCD — if choosing Ireland, TCD typically preferred for brand	✗Cost is major — ~€400,000 total programme cost for Czech student ✗Post-Brexit: EU fee lost, Czech licensure recognition requires administrative process ✗UCAS deadline mid-October 2026 — tight timeline, UCAT must be taken summer 2026 ✗6-year commitment (one year longer than alternatives) ✗Scotland independence uncertainty adds minor long-term ambiguity	✗Cost: €350,000+ even with MOE grant ✗MOE Tuition Grant requires 5–6 year work bond in Singapore — locks post-graduation trajectory ✗EU/Czech licensure: complex non-automatic recognition process ✗13-hour flight; family visits 2×/year realistically ✗Cultural adaptation significant (despite English-medium environment) ✗Proximity-preferring parent strongly unsatisfied
Strategic Assessment for Eva's Specific Profile
Overall strategic verdict	Strong option Best choice if: cost is a primary constraint, EU career path is firm, family proximity matters. The EU fee advantage is worth ~€230,000 over Edinburgh. Academic ceiling slightly lower but residency training quality in Ireland is strong. Apply alongside UCD — one CAO form, no extra cost.	Apply as backup to TCD Should always be included on the same CAO application as TCD. If offered TCD, choose TCD. If only offered UCD, it is a solid programme — not a consolation prize. Research environment at Conway Institute is genuinely strong.	Premium option — if cost is manageable The highest-value credential for Eva's long-term trajectory as physician-scientist. Compulsory research year is uniquely aligned with her Intellection/Learner profile. Edinburgh's culture, dual degree, and specialty pathways are the strongest fit on paper. Cost is a significant barrier but not impossible with targeted scholarships. The profile match is strongest here.	High-upside, high-risk If Eva's career vision ultimately points toward global health leadership, biomedical research, or Asian-Pacific medicine — NUS is the transformative choice. The MOE work bond and EU licensure complexity are serious constraints that must be resolved before applying. Not recommended as primary choice unless family has genuinely resolved the Asia question and EU return is deprioritized.

Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland · EU member MB BAO BCh

University College Dublin Dublin, Ireland · EU member MB BCh BAO

University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland · Non-EU (UK) BMedSci + MBChB

National University of Singapore Singapore · Asia MBBS

Programme & Structure

Duration

5 years

6 years Compulsory intercalated BMedSci (Hons) in Year 3 — graduate with two degrees

5 years

Teaching model

Systems-based; early clinical exposure from Year 2; PBL elements; hospital placements at St James's & Tallaght

Integrated; PBL-influenced; early clinical contact; St Vincent's University Hospital as primary teaching site

Integrated; problem-based with lectures + tutorials; Year 3 full academic research year; leading clinical placements across NHS Scotland

Longitudinal integrated curriculum; early patient contact; world-class Singapore public hospital network (SGH, NUH, TTSH)

Research integration

Optional intercalated BSc available; research elective in Year 4–5; school has strong research groups

Optional intercalated year; UCD has major research centres (Conway Institute); less embedded by default than Edinburgh

Compulsory research year — every student produces a dissertation. Graduate with BMedSci (Hons). Strongest research integration of the four.

Strong research culture; optional research electives; NUS Medicine has significant biomedical research output; formal MD-PhD possible post-MBBS

Degree output

MB BAO BCh + eligibility for Irish Medical Council registration

MB BCh BAO + eligibility for Irish Medical Council registration

BMedSci (Hons) and MBChB — dual qualification. GMC provisional registration eligible.

MBBS — Singapore Medical Council registration eligible. Recognised by GMC (UK), AMC (Australia), USMLE pathway open.

Rankings & Prestige

QS World Ranking 2025

#81 Ireland #1

#181 Ireland #2

#27 Top 30 globally

#8 Asia #1

QS Medicine & Life Sciences 2024

~#151–200

~#201–250

#22

Top 15

Times Higher Education (Medicine)

Strong for Irish context; less visible internationally vs. UK institutions

Solid; slightly behind TCD on research metrics

Top 30 global for clinical/preclinical health sciences; joint 30th globally (THE 2024)

Top 25 globally; dominant in Asian healthcare research rankings

International brand recognition

Strong in EU/Commonwealth Trinity name well-known; historic prestige (founded 1592). Less visible in Asia/US.

EU/Commonwealth Good reputation; less iconic than TCD as a brand.

Global top-tier Immediately recognised worldwide; 300-year history; associated with Lister, Simpson. Opens doors globally.

Global top-tier Immediately recognised in Asia, Commonwealth, US. Most visible brand for research careers.

Tuition Fees (Eva as Czech EU citizen)

Fee status

EU rate Czech Republic is EU member → qualifies for subsidised Irish government rate

EU rate Same as TCD

International rate Scotland ended EU fee parity from 2021/22. No exemption for Czech students.

International rate With or without MOE Tuition Grant — see below

Annual tuition

~€17,000 Medicine excluded from Free Fees Initiative; EU rate applies. Verify exact figure at time of application — published annually.

~€17,000 Same structure as TCD. Exact medicine fee published via CAO/UCD annually.

£37,500/yr (Years 1–3) ≈ €44,600/yr £51,000/yr (Years 4–6) ≈ €60,700/yr

With MOE Tuition Grant: SGD 83,950/yr ≈ €57,100/yr — requires 5–6 yr work bond in Singapore
Without grant: SGD 181,150/yr ≈ €123,200/yr — effectively prohibitive

Total tuition (full programme)

~€85,000

~£265,500 ≈ €315,700 — 3.7× more than Irish EU rate

With MOE grant: ~SGD 420,000 ≈ €286,000
Without: ~SGD 906,000 ≈ €616,000

Living Costs

Monthly living estimate (student)

€1,100–1,800 Dublin is expensive — housing is the main pressure point. On-campus accommodation limited; private market tight.

€1,100–1,800 Belfield campus is suburban; slightly easier housing than central Dublin but similar cost band.

£900–1,300 Edinburgh is significantly cheaper than Dublin. Good student housing stock. University accommodation guaranteed Y1.

SGD 1,500–2,500 ≈ €1,020–1,700/mo. Singapore is expensive but efficient public transport and hawker centres keep food costs manageable.

Annual living cost

~€13,000–21,000

~£10,800–15,600 ≈ €12,900–18,600

~SGD 18,000–30,000 ≈ €12,200–20,400

Total living cost (full programme)

~€65,000–105,000

~€77,000–112,000 (6 years)

~€61,000–102,000 (5 years)

Total programme cost estimate

€150,000–190,000 Cheapest option by a large margin due to EU fee status

€150,000–190,000

€393,000–428,000 ~2.3× more than Dublin options

With MOE bond: €347,000–388,000
Without: €677,000–718,000

Geography & Travel

Distance from Prague

~1,700 km

~1,600 km (similar)

~10,000 km

Flight time from Prague

~2h 20min direct (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)

~2h 20min direct (same flight, same city)

~2h 15min direct (easyJet, Ryanair)

~12–13h (1 stop typical via Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dubai)

Return flight cost (economy)

€60–180 Budget airlines operate year-round. Frequent service.

€60–180 Identical to TCD — same city.

€90–250 Good budget airline coverage. Similar to Dublin.

€500–1,200 Significant cost even on good deals. Typical student: 2 visits/year = €1,000–2,400/yr added expense.

Annual travel budget

~€200–500/yr (3–4 trips)

~€200–500/yr

~€300–700/yr

~€1,000–2,500/yr (2 trips)

Family proximity

Close 2–3 hr door-to-door. Satisfies proximity-preferring parent well.

Close Same as TCD.

Moderate Within easy flying distance; weekend visits feasible but less spontaneous than Ireland.

Remote 13+ hrs. Semester-break visits only realistic. Significant emotional and logistical barrier.

Application Process (Autumn 2027 Entry)

Application system

CAO (Central Applications Office, Ireland)

CAO (same system as TCD)

UCAS (UK Universities & Colleges Admissions Service)

NUS Applicant Portal (direct online application)

Application deadline (2027 entry)

~1 February 2027 CAO standard deadline. Late applications accepted to ~1 May 2027 with surcharge (€45) but disadvantaged for medicine — apply on time.

~1 February 2027 Same CAO deadline — one application covers both TCD and UCD simultaneously.

15 October 2026 Medicine UCAS deadline is earlier than standard. Must apply by mid-October 2026 for 2027 entry. All international applicants same deadline.

~October 2026 – March 2027 For August 2027 intake. Exact dates released annually. Historically opens Oct, closes Feb–Mar. Check NUS Medicine admissions page.

Admissions test(s) required

HPAT-Ireland Health Professions Admissions Test. Must be sat in 2027 (same year of entry). Registration typically opens Dec, test in March. Tests logical reasoning, interpersonal understanding, non-verbal reasoning. Score combined with Leaving Cert/IB points. Register early — spaces fill.

HPAT-Ireland Identical to TCD — one HPAT sitting applies to all Irish medical schools via CAO.

UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) Must be sat in summer 2026 (before Oct 2026 UCAS deadline). Minimum threshold 1650 (2026 data); competitive score realistically 2400+. Includes Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement. Book early — test centres fill from July.

BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) or equivalent NUS has used BMAT; verify current requirement directly as it evolves. MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) in April — 8 stations with faculty and healthcare professionals.

Academic entry requirements

IB 38–40 points, HL 766 minimum, Higher Level Chemistry + one other science (Biology/Physics)
Czech maturita Equivalent assessed individually; strong marks in science subjects required. Contact TCD admissions directly.
CAO points for medicine typically 730–740+ (top ~5% nationally). EU applicants compete in same pool as Irish students.

IB 38–40 points, HL 766, Chemistry HL + one other science
Similar to TCD. UCD may accept slightly lower thresholds in some years — both should be targeted simultaneously.

IB Standard 38–40 pts with 766 HL; minimum 37 pts with 666 HL
Must include Chemistry HL + one of Biology/Physics/Maths HL
A-level equivalent: AAA standard / A*AA standard (revised 2025). Czech maturita assessed as international qualification — contact admissions. Edinburgh explicitly welcomes international applications.

IB 38–42 points typically; strong in Chemistry + Biology essential
Extremely competitive globally. ~300 places total. International applicants compete across all non-Singaporean students. Czech maturita equivalent accepted — assess via NUS admissions office. BMAT score and MMI performance carry significant weight.

English language requirement

Not required if secondary education was in English or from EU school. Czech students: may need IELTS 6.5+ overall (check TCD policy for non-English medium schools).

Same policy as TCD.

IELTS 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in each component) if primary language not English. Must provide results by 30 June 2026 if using external test.

IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100+ for non-native English speakers. Strong English expected throughout application.

Interview / assessment

No formal interview for standard EU entry. HPAT score + academic grades determine offer.

No formal interview for EU CAO applicants. HPAT + grades.

Assessment Day — top ~700 applicants by UCAT+academic score invited. MMI-style: 4 stations assessing values, motivation, science reasoning. Makes up 50% of final score. Virtual or Edinburgh in-person.

MMI — 8 stations. Faculty + healthcare professionals assess aptitude, communication, ethical reasoning, motivation. Typically April for August intake. Highly structured; prepare extensively.

Acceptance rate (medicine)

~5–8% of medicine applicants nationally; extremely competitive

~5–8% (similar pool)

~6.6% (1,909 applicants for 290 places, 2025 data)

<5% estimated for international applicants; one of the most competitive medical schools in Asia

Post-Graduation Pathways & EU Return

EU / Czech medical licensure pathway

Direct Irish MB BAO BCh is an EU-recognized primary medical qualification. Czech Medical Chamber recognises directly under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Streamlined return.

Direct Same as TCD — both Irish degrees covered by EU mutual recognition directive.

Indirect but established UK MBChB not automatically EU-recognised post-Brexit. Czech Medical Chamber requires recognition process; typically 3–6 months with supporting documents. Not a major barrier in practice but requires extra administrative step.

Complex MBBS (Singapore) not EU-automatically recognised. Requires case-by-case assessment by Czech Medical Chamber; may require equivalence examination. Significant time and uncertainty if returning to practice in Czech Republic or EU. Best suited if career stays in Singapore/Commonwealth/US. Strongly recommend legal advice before enrolling if EU return is priority.

UK residency pathway

Possible via PLAB exam; Irish graduates sit PLAB like other international doctors post-Brexit

Same as TCD

Direct GMC registration MBChB grants direct provisional GMC registration. Immediate Foundation Year access.

GMC recognises NUS MBBS via PLAB route; well-established pathway

US/Canada residency pathway

USMLE pathway available; Irish MB recognised as qualifying degree

USMLE eligible

USMLE eligible; Edinburgh explicitly noted in US-recognised schools lists

Strong NUS actively supports USMLE; good match rates for US residency

Aerospace / military medicine fellowship access

Irish Air Corps medical officer pathway; ESA internships available to EU graduates; requires postgraduate specialty training

Same as TCD

Excellent Strong RAF and Scottish military medicine links; Edinburgh grads historically well-represented in expedition, polar, and aerospace medicine. Wilderness Medicine MSc courses accessible.

Singapore Armed Forces medical officer pathway; limited direct access to European aerospace medicine infrastructure. AFEM (Australasian), ISAM pathways accessible.

Fit for Eva's Profile (Learner / Achiever / Context / Intellection / Input)

Intellectual environment

Strong within medicine; Trinity culture rewards independent thinkers. Smaller school than UCD, tighter community. Some interdisciplinary friction with arts/sciences faculties nearby (good for Input).

Good; large research university with diversity of intellectual environments. Slightly more anonymous than TCD at undergraduate level.

Exceptional. Compulsory research year directly serves Intellection + Learner. Edinburgh Medical School culture is explicitly research-oriented; proximity to other university faculties rich. 300-year tradition of physician-scientists.

Outstanding. NUS research infrastructure is world-class. Cross-faculty interdisciplinarity natural in Singapore's university ecosystem. Learner/Input profile will be stretched by genuine exposure to Asian healthcare, different epidemiology, multicultural patient population.

Leadership opportunity

Medical student societies; strong hospital volunteer leadership; smaller city = more visible student impact

Larger university = more societies, but also more competition for leadership visibility

Excellent — student leadership in NHS Scotland placements; Edinburgh expedition medicine society; strong Union culture

Exceptional extracurricular infrastructure; NUS global medicine networks; strong leadership development culture in Singapore generally. Achiever will find recognition systems here.

Pressure / intensity fit

High-intensity Irish medical programme; clinically demanding. Good Achiever fuel.

Same intensity as TCD.

High — 6-year programme with compulsory research year demands sustained intellectual output. Exactly the kind of compound pressure Achiever profile sustains well. Context strength will be tested by researching historical depth of cases.

Extremely intense — NUS Medicine is known as one of the most demanding medical schools in Asia. Long hours, competitive environment. Suits Achiever but may feel isolating without family/cultural anchoring.

Relevant specialty pathways

Strong emergency medicine, infectious disease, general medicine foundations. Irish training system well-regarded.

Same as TCD; UCD has notable global health research links.

Strong for academic medicine, neurology research, expedition/wilderness medicine (geographic and institutional culture); RAF medical links for aerospace medicine. Most aligned with Eva's projected specialty interest.

Outstanding for global health, tropical medicine, public health leadership; strong oncology/research tracks. Slightly less natural path to European aerospace/expedition medicine specifically.

Summary: Key Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

✓Dramatically lower cost due to EU fee status
✓Direct EU medical license recognition — easiest Czech return path
✓Close to Prague; short flights year-round
✓One HPAT sitting covers both TCD + UCD — apply both
✓Historic prestige; Trinity brand internationally recognised
✓English-speaking, EU country, culturally accessible

✓Same EU fee advantage as TCD
✓Direct EU licensure path
✓Larger research university — broader intellectual ecosystem
✓Conway Institute (strong immunology/microbiology) — relevant family research connection
✓Applied via same CAO form as TCD — zero extra cost to add
✓Good global health research links

✓Top 30 global; medicine ranked #22 QS — strongest CV credential of the four
✓Compulsory BMedSci research year — dual degree, genuine researcher training
✓Direct GMC registration — UK residency immediately open
✓Best alignment with aerospace/expedition medicine culture
✓Edinburgh city — vibrant, intellectually stimulating, close to Prague
✓Strong profile for academic medicine career

✓Globally #8 — most prestigious institution of the four
✓World-class biomedical research environment
✓Truly international patient population; broadest clinical exposure
✓Strong global health/tropical medicine tracks
✓Safe, English-speaking city; Asia exposure is genuinely formative
✓Satisfies Asia-open parent's vision

Disadvantages

✗Lower global ranking than Edinburgh/NUS — matters for subspecialty fellowships abroad
✗No compulsory research year — less academic depth by default
✗Dublin housing crisis — accommodation cost and availability are genuine problems
✗Irish training system can feel insular; fewer direct links to European specialty networks
✗HPAT is additional test requiring specific preparation (reasoning, not pure science)

✗Lower ranking than TCD internationally; less iconic brand
✗Same Dublin housing problems as TCD
✗Suburban Belfield campus less vibrant than TCD city-centre location
✗No compulsory research integration
✗Less differentiated from TCD — if choosing Ireland, TCD typically preferred for brand

✗Cost is major — ~€400,000 total programme cost for Czech student
✗Post-Brexit: EU fee lost, Czech licensure recognition requires administrative process
✗UCAS deadline mid-October 2026 — tight timeline, UCAT must be taken summer 2026
✗6-year commitment (one year longer than alternatives)
✗Scotland independence uncertainty adds minor long-term ambiguity

✗Cost: €350,000+ even with MOE grant
✗MOE Tuition Grant requires 5–6 year work bond in Singapore — locks post-graduation trajectory
✗EU/Czech licensure: complex non-automatic recognition process
✗13-hour flight; family visits 2×/year realistically
✗Cultural adaptation significant (despite English-medium environment)
✗Proximity-preferring parent strongly unsatisfied

Strategic Assessment for Eva's Specific Profile

Overall strategic verdict

Strong option

Best choice if: cost is a primary constraint, EU career path is firm, family proximity matters. The EU fee advantage is worth ~€230,000 over Edinburgh. Academic ceiling slightly lower but residency training quality in Ireland is strong. Apply alongside UCD — one CAO form, no extra cost.

Apply as backup to TCD

Should always be included on the same CAO application as TCD. If offered TCD, choose TCD. If only offered UCD, it is a solid programme — not a consolation prize. Research environment at Conway Institute is genuinely strong.

Premium option — if cost is manageable

The highest-value credential for Eva's long-term trajectory as physician-scientist. Compulsory research year is uniquely aligned with her Intellection/Learner profile. Edinburgh's culture, dual degree, and specialty pathways are the strongest fit on paper. Cost is a significant barrier but not impossible with targeted scholarships. The profile match is strongest here.

High-upside, high-risk

If Eva's career vision ultimately points toward global health leadership, biomedical research, or Asian-Pacific medicine — NUS is the transformative choice. The MOE work bond and EU licensure complexity are serious constraints that must be resolved before applying. Not recommended as primary choice unless family has genuinely resolved the Asia question and EU return is deprioritized.