Universities to halve points needed from HPAT assessment to study medicine

The HPAT was first introduced in 2009 in light of concerns that entry to medicine was being restricted to 'top' Leaving Cert performers, effectively excluding students who may have the necessary interpersonal skills and empathy making them ideal doctors. File picture: Pexels

Universities are significantly reducing the importance of the health professions admission test (HPAT) required for studying medicine, refocusing instead on Leaving Cert results. 

The changes, which halves the HPAT assessment from 300 to 150 points, will be introduced from 2027.