‘Financial stress’ on GEM students highlighted in Council report

The absence of graduate-entry medicine (GEM) bank loans has “created financial stress” for students, a Medical Council report has stated.

In March 2025, a Medical Council accreditation team visited University of Limerick’s (UL) GEM programme as part of the re-accreditation process. The Council’s report noted that the programme’s “appeal” had diminished following the withdrawal of a Bank of Ireland loan, resulting in a 30 per cent decrease in Irish student applications. The absence of loans had “created financial stress for students” with some having to “work full-time while completing their studies”.

GEM programmes are offered by four medical schools in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish/EU tuition fees start at approximately €15,000 per annum. The Bank of Ireland product, which was the last remaining GEM-specific loan, was closed to new applicants in 2022.

Prof Colum Dunne, Head of School, Foundation Chair and Director of Research, UL School of Medicine, confirmed the UL programme had experienced a reduction in numbers applying through the CAO.

“That reduction was approximately in line with the figure mentioned [in the Council report]. Notably, in the most recent CAO numbers, applications to the UL GEM programme increased, which may represent a reversal of that trend,” he told the Medical Independent.

He stated the lack of a loan mechanism “may result in the inability of potential medical students to attend university” and pursue a career in medicine. This “may also translate into a reduced number of graduates” joining the Irish healthcare system.

“There is also a potential narrowing of the demographic of medical students, with a potential advantage for those students who can access funding through means other than bank loans.”

The Irish Medical Schools Council has provided information to Government departments “regarding this challenge” in the context of potential solutions and healthcare workforce planning.

UL’s School of Medicine has not experienced a high drop-out rate, according to Prof Dunne. He said it provides “effective student support mechanisms through dedicated professional and academic staff”.

“The School of Medicine and the UL Foundation have provided financial supports for students in financial difficulty or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

The Programme for Government promised a “tuition fee support scheme” for GEM students. The Programme also committed to providing more GEM programmes focused on preparing students for careers in rural and remote medicine. University of Galway is due to commence a GEM programme in 2027.

A Department of Further and Higher Education spokesperson said the State provides a subsidy to higher education institutions “towards the cost of GEM provision for EU student places”.

They said GEM students may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund. “In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. A rent tax credit may also be available.”

The spokesperson said any “expansion of student supports is subject to the annual estimates process”.