Career hub → Intern Year → Anaesthesiology (SAT)
College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland
Anaesthesiology (SAT)
Six-year Specialist Anaesthesiology Training, combining basic and higher training in one programme.
How the length works
Run-through from intern year: SAT1 to SAT6, one application.
Duration: 6 years (SAT1 to SAT6), run-through, including intensive care and pain medicine; 50%/80% less-than-full-time option from SAT1
Annual intake: ~50/year (2023, per HSE/NDTP review, which recommended rising to 90 by 2026); not published by the College
Competition: No official figures published; the College cites a high volume of applications
Applications: 2027 SAT intake: applications open Monday 19 October 2026 and close Monday 9 November 2026 (CAI announcement, August 2026); online interviews late January; EUR 100 fee
Entry: After intern year
Exams: CAI Membership (MCAI) and Fellowship (FCAI) during the programme; Membership exams score points at application
SAT is a six-year programme with one entry application, covering training from SHO to specialist level.
Selection marks
An anaesthesiology intern rotation in Ireland scores 4 of the 35 application marks. Non-technical skills and interview performance each carry 25 interview marks.
Intake plans
The HSE/NDTP workforce review recorded intake of about 50 a year in 2023 and recommended 90 by 2026, alongside a projected near-doubling of consultant demand by 2038. These are planning figures; check the published intake for your application year.
ICU and pain medicine training are available within the programme. Intensive care can also be combined through joint ICM accreditation.
How selection is scored
Application formmax 35
Academic achievement in anaesthesiology/ICM/pain10
Undergraduate class ranking5
Relevant clinical courses5
Discretionary quality marks5
Interviewmax 65
Personal non-technical skills25
Career aims (discretionary)10
Global suitability including references5
Class ranking needs a certified university letter. An anaesthesiology internship in Ireland is worth 4 of the 35 application marks.
Where you train
CAI-accredited hospitals across Ireland in 6 to 12 month rotations. You must train in at least three geographic locations and spend a minimum of 24 months outside eastern-region hospitals. SAT1 to 2 sites are assigned at the start; SAT3 to 4 are allocated during year 2 and SAT5 to 6 during year 4; preferences are submitted but not guaranteed.
Where this leads
Consultant anaesthesiology or pain medicine; intensive care via joint ICM accreditation.
Facts last verified 2026-07-13. Scheme details change year to year; always confirm against College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland's current documentation.