Ireland · Bachelor's
UCD School of Medicine
MB BCh BAO Medicine
UCD School of Medicine
Course Overview
UCD School of Medicine's MB BCh BAO (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Obstetrics) is one of Ireland's largest direct-entry undergraduate medical degrees, delivered through a 6-year programme that includes a Foundation Year before 5 years of core medical training. UCD is Ireland's largest university and the School of Medicine has trained doctors since 1855 — the degree is recognised by the Irish Medical Council, the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the GMC in the UK, the Medical Board of Australia (AMC), and is ECFMG-listed for US residency pathways.
Pre-clinical training is on the Belfield campus; clinical rotations run through the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, St Vincent's University Hospital, the Coombe Women's Hospital, and Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin. Sri Lankan applicants typically choose between UCD and Trinity (TCD) — UCD has the larger international cohort, the 6-year structure with a foundation year (suitable for A-Level / IB students without a Sri Lankan medical entrance), and broader rotational placement across Ireland's largest hospital network. SLMC registration after graduation requires the SLMC Act 1 categorisation review — graduates of UCD MB BCh BAO are eligible for direct SLMC registration following return.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A-Levels: AAA including Chemistry and Biology, plus either Physics or Mathematics.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 38-40 points with HL 6,6,6 including HL Chemistry and HL Biology.
- check_circle HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) Ulster — sat in February each year — required for direct-entry international applicants.
- check_circle Sri Lankan A-Levels accepted: 3 A grades including Chemistry + Biology / Mathematics / Physics.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (no band below 7.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced grade A.
- check_circle Waived if A-Levels or IB were taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan A-Level / IB applicants qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Year 1, pre-clinical) | €60,000 | Rs. 20,700,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, Dublin) | €15,000 | Rs. 5,175,000 |
| Health Insurance, Registration & White Coat | €1,000 | Rs. 345,000 |
| Books, HPAT Sitting & Travel | €1,500 | Rs. 517,500 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €77,500 | Rs. 26,737,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
UCD MB BCh BAO graduates complete a 12-month paid intern year (intern salary ~€38,000 base + on-call) at an Irish HSE hospital, and qualify for the 2-year Stamp 1G Graduate Scheme to continue training. Onward pathways: Irish HSE Specialist Training (5-7 years), UK Foundation Year programme, US residency via ECFMG, or full SLMC registration in Sri Lanka. The degree is recognised across the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. SLMC registration requires a passing assessment under the SLMC Act 1 — graduates of UCD MB BCh BAO are listed as eligible. Most Sri Lankan returnees register with the SLMC and join the Ministry of Health internship programme before specialisation.
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