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ICGP
GP Training
Four-year general practice training, with hospital rotations followed by supervised GP practice.
How the length works
Two years in hospital SHO posts, then two in supervised general practice.
Duration: 4 years: 2 in hospital SHO posts, then 2 in supervised general practice
Annual intake: 350 places (2025 and 2026 cycles)
Competition: 2025 cycle: ~1,800 applications for 350 places (~5 per place). Irish-educated graduates made up 189 of those accepted; non-State applications have tripled since 2021
Applications: 2027 intake via ICGP: Application A opens 7 September and closes 7 October 2026; Application B opens 20 November and closes 4 December 2026 (ICGP announcement, August 2026); assessments Oct to Nov, interviews February, offers late February, July start
Entry: After intern year (application during intern year)
Exams: SJT + Clinical Problem-Solving Test at application; MICGP during the scheme
GP training uses a national application process for an integrated four-year programme.
Training structure
Years 1 and 2 cover hospital specialties relevant to general practice, including medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, and emergency medicine. Years 3 and 4 are spent in training practices with a GP trainer. Weekly day-release teaching runs throughout.
Applications and places
Published figures indicate about five applications per place overall. In 2025, 189 of 350 places went to Irish-educated graduates. That breakdown alone does not establish an individual applicant's chance of an offer. Selection includes the SJT and CPST, eligibility and reference checks, and a further assessment.
Location
Training is organised regionally. Check the hospital rotations and practice locations for each scheme before ranking your preferences.
How selection is scored
Overall weightingmax 100
Situational Judgement Test50
Clinical Problem-Solving Test10
Both written tests shortlist for interview and carry into the final ranking. Two consultant references on the HSE template are required at eligibility.
Where you train
Thirteen regional training schemes: Dublin North, North Dublin City, Dublin South, TCD/HSE, South (Cork), South East, South West, Mid West, West, Midlands, North East, Sligo and Donegal. Appointable candidates rank their scheme preferences; you may rank all thirteen, but the ICGP advises ranking only schemes you would genuinely accept, because swaps and deferrals are not permitted. Paired applications are available for couples who want linked offers.
Where this leads
Independent GP practice, partnerships, or portfolio careers, and eligibility for public health medicine HST.
Facts last verified 2026-07-13. Scheme details change year to year; always confirm against ICGP's current documentation.