Academic Intern Track in Ireland
The academic track combines clinical internship with a supervised project in research, medical education or healthcare leadership. The 2027 guide lists 48 places, with 8 in each of the six intern networks.
2027/28 intake · Checked 19 October 2026
Two application deadlines
All application dates and steps
What changes during the year?
During one three-month rotation, you have protected time within the working week for your project. An academic supervisor supports the work alongside your clinical supervisors. You still complete the normal clinical training.
Protected time sits within a clinical rotation. Check how a particular post divides its working week, who supervises the project and what clinical duties continue during that period.
Preparing your application
The written application and interview assess your experience and proposed project. HSE allocation priorities also apply; the score alone does not determine the offer order.
- Explain your own contribution to research, audit, teaching or other relevant work.
- Choose a question you could make useful progress on during the available time. State what you would measure or produce.
- Discuss supervision, data access and any approvals the work would need. A project that depends on one hospital may need adapting if you are placed elsewhere.
- Ask your referee before naming them. Keep an organised copy of the supporting evidence and transcripts you submit.
Comparing academic posts
Compare the clinical rotations and call commitments as well as the project. Ask how protected time works in practice and whether the proposed supervisor can support the work at the allocated site.
The 2026/27 academic post archive shows the previous rotations. The 2027/28 post choices follow in early 2027; do not assume the old post details will carry forward.
Does an academic intern have the same clinical requirements?
Yes. Academic interns must complete the normal clinical competencies and mandatory training. Successful completion leads to the same Certificate of Experience.
Do I still apply to the standard intern match?
Yes. Submit the general intern application, the separate academic application, and the main post-preference form when invited. If you do not take an academic place, you remain in the general allocation process, subject to eligibility.