Irish universities will significantly reduce the importance of the HPAT entrance exam for medicine programmes from 2027, placing greater emphasis on Leaving Certificate performance in a major overhaul of admission requirements.
The Irish Universities Association announced that HPAT scores will be capped at 150 points, down from the current maximum of 300 points. Meanwhile, the controversial points moderation system that currently limits Leaving Certificate scores to 565 points will be scrapped, allowing students to benefit from their full exam results.
Under the new system, the maximum combined score will be 775 points, compared to the current 865 points. The change represents a fundamental shift toward prioritising traditional academic achievement over aptitude testing.
University officials say the decision is based on evidence that Leaving Certificate performance is a better predictor of student success than HPAT results. The HPAT, introduced in 2009 to assess logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, was originally designed to move away from exclusive reliance on the Leaving Certificate.
The timing of the changes coincides with a major expansion in medical school places. Over 200 additional undergraduate medicine places will be available by 2026, including through a new programme at the University of Limerick. The University of Galway is also planning a new graduate entry programme for 2027.
The IUA argues that removing points moderation brings Irish medical schools in line with international practice, noting that most countries do not artificially cap school-leaving examination scores. However, they stressed that completely eliminating the HPAT would move Ireland away from global norms, as most developed nations use similar aptitude tests alongside academic qualifications.
The changes will take effect for students seeking admission to medicine programmes starting in September 2027.