The college's medical school conducts a six-year programme for the training of doctors. The professional quality of its education and examinations have always been recognised internationally for their high standards. In 1977 the RCSI and the NUI concluded an agreement whereby the RCSI medical school became a recognised college of the NUI. As a result of this move, graduates of the college now receive the MB, BCh, BAO degrees from the NUI in addition to the letters testimonial, LRCS Irl. and LRCP Irl. Respectively from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians of Ireland.

The college joined the Central Applications Office (CAO) system in the 1997/98 academic year and all applications for admission by Irish students are processed through this route.