HPAT Maximum Score - Reduced from 300 points to 150 points for medicine entry.
Leaving Cert Moderation - Points above 550 will no longer be moderated. Max is now 625 (instead of 565).
Total Combined Points - Maximum drops from 865 to 775 (625 LC + 150 HPAT).
Implementation Date - Effective from 2027 entry—no changes for 2025 or 2026 candidates.
Why These Changes?
- Greater emphasis on Leaving Cert: Data shows LC performance predicts success in medicine more accurately.
Reduce exam prep advantage: HPAT had become a paid tuition hot‑bed, giving wealthier candidates an edge. These changes rebalance from tuition‑based advantage back to academic performance.
- Expanded places: Over 200 new medical spots mean revised points designed to maintain fairness across a larger cohort.
What This Means for Students- For 2025–2026 candidates:
No change—HPAT remains scored out of 300, LC moderation applies as usual.
- From 2027 onwards:
HPAT contributes up to 150 points only.
LC scores above 550 are no longer moderated—max 625.
Final combined threshold is now 775.
Minimum LC requirement (480 in same sitting) remains.
HPAT still must be taken the same year as CAO application.
What You Should Do Now
2025–2026 hopefuls: Continue prep for HPAT (300-point scale) and aim high on your LC.
Considering medicine in 2027+: Focus well on Leaving Cert—its weighting increases.
Stay informed: Monitor Irish Universities Association/CAO updates for finalised plan and timelines.
Final Advice from The Tuition Centre
These changes reflect a shift to a more academically centred admissions model for medicine. If you're applying within the next two years, be confident in the current format—but if you're aiming for 2027 or beyond, adapt your strategy to the revised points structure.
