Veterinary Sciences in the UK

According to the UK National Careers Service, a veterinary degree will take about 5-6 years. This does not take into account any preliminary education that may be required before you begin your studies. For example, there are year-long foundational courses recommended by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to prepare prospective veterinary students before a degree in veterinary medicine.

Here is a breakdown of the typical duration of veterinary medicine studies in the UK.

• Undergraduate veterinary medicine degree: 5 years

• Postgraduate veterinary degree:

  • Research: Varies depending on school

  • Clinical specialization: 1-3 years

Your salary will differ depending on your location, training, experience level, and area of specialization. According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in the UK, vets earn the equivalent of an average of CAD $59,500 to $62,500, with more experienced professionals earning between CAD $74,400 - $130,300. The upper range of veterinarians with high levels of experience earn CAD $130,300- $186,100.

According to a recent study from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the most employable degree in the UK is veterinary sciences with 79% of graduates in full-time employment, ranking above medicine, dentistry, and teaching.

The Prospects Hedd, the UK’s official higher education degree verification service, lists the following fields as career options after graduation:

• Small animals

• Mixed practice

• Equine

• Farm/livestock

• Wild animals

• Wildlife conservation

• Military support

• Veterinary industry

• Teaching and research

• Government

There are many factors that will determine whether you decide to study veterinary medicine in the UK or domestically. This includes costs, admission rates, and competition. Here is an overview to help you decide where you should study.

As home to the top-ranked veterinary school in the world, the Royal Veterinary College, it comes as no surprise that the UK is a leader in veterinary medicine and research. The country has much to offer for future veterinarians. Here is an overview of the top schools and what they are best known for.

According to the UK’s Veterinary Schools Council (VSC), the entry requirements for international students are similar to domestic students. It is recommended that international applicants refer to the VSC’s annual admission guide for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements for specific schools. Generally, requirements specific to international applicants include the following:

• Proof of language proficiency: minimum IELTS score as specified by your UK school

• Tier 4 visa

• International Baccalaureate requirements: 34-42 points

• Minimum of 80% in Chemistry and Biology

To find out more about requirements, eligibility, and the application process, book a free consultation with IDP Canada’s British Council-certified counsellors.

The tuition fees for your degree in veterinary sciences will differ depending on your school of choice, location, and type of degree. Refer to your school’s current fee schedule and tuition information for the most accurate details. That said, the Government of UK’s British Council states the following as general tuition costs for international students:

• International undergraduate degree:

  CAD $20,500 - $70,600

• International postgraduate degree:

  CAD $16,700 - $55,800

Your costs of living will also depend on your city or township. The British Council estimates that international students can expect to pay approximately:

• London:

  CAD $28,800 - $31,200 annually

• The rest of the UK:

  CAD $19,200 - $31,200 annually

There are many resources at your disposal to help you find financial aid to support your degree. It is important to keep in mind that there is high competition for UK scholarships for international students. However, domestic Canadian students have access to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s funding and grants.

Scholarships can also be found through these organizations:

• Displaced Student Opportunities UK

• UK and Wales Scholarships

• Scottish Government Scholarships

• British Council UK Scholarships

• Student Action for Refugees Scholarships

Your school may also offer scholarships for international students pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. For example, The University of Edinburgh offers the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies UK Graduate/International Scholarship. Refer to your university or college’s international student page for more information on eligibility, deadlines, and other requirements. For more information about scholarships, speak to an IDP Canada counsellor.

Excited to study in the UK? Here is your essential breakdown on how to apply for veterinary school as an international student.

1. Select your schools of interest.

   Based on tuition fees, your chosen specialization, and cost of living, select your top schools for veterinary sciences. You may even consider reaching out to recent graduates to hear about their experiences to see if these schools are right for you.

2. Ensure you meet entry requirements.

   Review the VSC’s annual admission guide for a comprehensive overview of what is required as an applicant. You should also refer to your school’s official admissions page for additional information on what must be included in your application, such as mandatory paperwork and your statement of purpose (SOP).

3. Make use of professional support.

   As an international student, there can be nuances to securing a place in UK veterinary school. These extend to understanding how to stand out as an applicant, applying for your visa, and creating the right foundation for your arrival. Lucky for you, there are experts at your disposal, such as the student counsellors at IDP Education Canada, who can help you create a competitive application and ensure you fulfill all the requirements for your tier 4 visa.

4. Prepare and submit your application.

   In order to apply to a UK university, you will have to use the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS portal.

5. Complete your interview.

   If you are applying for the Gateway or Graduate program, you may be called into an interview before you receive your offer.

6. Accept your offer and apply for funding.

   Congrats! Celebrate your success and review your acceptance package. Record important dates and secure funding as needed.

7. Secure your tier 4 visa.

   Follow the UK student visa requirements and review required documentation, including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter and evidence of sufficient funds.

8. Prepare in advance for the start of your studies.

   Apply for funding, book flights, secure your accommodation, and set up a UK bank account.

While studying abroad comes with its own unique challenges, it also comes with many rewards. For domestic and international students from Canada interested in building a successful career as a vet, this is entirely the case with the UK. With world-ranked schools known for their reputation in research and advancements in veterinary medicine, the UK provides several opportunities and benefits for starting your profession.

No matter where you may need support in your journey in veterinary sciences, IDP Education is here to help. Check out our international student resources or book a free call with IDP Canada’s British Council-certified student counsellors. An IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan that covers everything including:

• Applying and getting accepted

• Securing your Visa

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.

Best of all, because of our partnerships in the UK, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!