Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Studying Veterinary Sciences in Ireland

Ireland boasts a proud tradition in veterinary medicine, supported by world-class institutions and a strong agricultural sector. If you're considering a career in veterinary science, the country offers numerous advantages:

It offers accredited programs: Veterinary science degrees in Ireland are accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and recognized internationally, which means graduates are equipped to work anywhere in the world.

You get proximity to nature: Ireland’s rural landscape is perfect for those who want to study animal husbandry, farm animals, and wildlife conservation. You’ll have ample hands-on experience working with animals in real-world environments.

There are substantial research opportunities: Ireland is known for its cutting-edge research in veterinary medicine, offering students opportunities to engage in groundbreaking studies related to animal health, genetics, and disease control.

It is a growing job market: There’s always demand for qualified veterinarians in Ireland and abroad, making it a highly employable profession.

One of the most well-known institutions for veterinary studies and the only veterinary school in Ireland, the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin (UCD) is globally recognized for its rigorous training, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is also one of only nine veterinary schools currently accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) in Europe, which means graduates can receive a license to practice veterinary medicine in the US or Canada without having to complete a special ‘foreign graduates’ exam.

Find out more about its undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and Continuing Veterinary Education.

Students from Canada who want to qualify as a veterinary practitioner in Ireland must complete a program in veterinary medicine which has been accredited by the VCI. The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine accredited by the VCI is a five-year training programme currently delivered by the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine. Once you have successfully completed an accredited programme, or an international program in veterinary medicine recognized by the VCI for the purpose of registration, you will be eligible to apply to register as a veterinary practitioner in Ireland.

There are also programs in veterinary nursing for students who wish to qualify as a veterinary nurse, offered by institutions like the Dundalk Institute of Technology and Atlantic Technological University, among others. Check the VCI website for more information. If you have questions about these institutions or programs, book a free consultation with a trained IDP Canada counsellor.

A veterinary science degree in Ireland is about theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on experience. During the first few years, domestic and international students from Canada can expect to learn foundational subjects such as biology, chemistry, animal anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology. In the later years of the program, there is extensive clinical training, where students gain hands-on experience in treating animals, diagnosing illnesses, performing surgeries, and providing preventive care.

Ireland’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in the veterinary curriculum, so students can expect to learn about the management of farm animals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, as well as animal welfare issues in livestock. They also receive training in treating companion animals as well as horses.

Towards the end of the program, students may have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as pathology, pharmacology, surgery, or wildlife medicine, as well as undertake independent research projects.

Here are some general guidelines related to admission requirements for students from Canada at the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine:

• Leaving Certificate: Applicants must achieve specific grades in their Leaving Certificate, typically requiring high scores in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• English proficiency: Non-native English speakers will need to prove proficiency through tests like IELTS.

• Work experience: Some programs may require a certain amount of relevant work experience with animals.

• Other requirements: For international students from Canada, some programs may have specific requirements based on their home country’s qualifications. It is crucial to check individual program pages for precise details. If you need help with understanding the admission process, IDP Canada’s education counsellors can answer any questions you may have.

The cost of studying veterinary science in Ireland depends on whether you're an EU or non-EU student. For domestic and international students from Canada, fees can range from CAD 44,000 to 68,000 per year, subject to annual increases. Find out more here. In addition to tuition, international students should also factor in accommodation, living expenses, and other costs.

The good news is there are scholarships available for international students looking to study veterinary science in Ireland. These include government-funded scholarships for non-EU students, merit-based university scholarships, especially for outstanding students in veterinary programs, and external scholarships offered by various global organizations and veterinary associations.

Check IDP Canada’s Find a Scholarship tool for opportunities or speak to a counsellor for more information about financial aid.

Graduates of veterinary science programs in Ireland are highly sought after both domestically and internationally. Some potential career paths include:

• Veterinarian: This is the most direct path, where graduates work in animal hospitals, private practices, farms, or research facilities.

• Veterinary Researcher: For those interested in animal health, disease control, or genetic research, Ireland offers great opportunities in academia and private research institutions.

• Animal Welfare Officer: Working for NGOs, government bodies, or private enterprises focused on animal welfare.

• Public Health Veterinarian: Veterinarians who specialize in zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) and food safety, working with governmental or international health organizations.

Studying veterinary science in Ireland offers a unique opportunity to gain world-class education while experiencing one of Europe’s most animal-friendly countries.

With innovative facilities, a strong agricultural sector, and internationally recognized programs, Ireland provides everything aspiring veterinarians need to thrive. Whether you're interested in working with domestic pets, farm animals, or in the field of animal research, it is an ideal place to turn your passion for animals into a successful career.

If this sounds interesting, and you have questions about programs, costs, or application requirements, book a free consultation with an IDP counsellor.

Our counsellors 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, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!