4 Best Vet Schools in the World (2023 Updated)
Being a vet is much more than one’s love for animals and the wish to take care of them. It requires extensive medical knowledge and a time-consuming, as well as costly education.
Therefore, selecting veterinary medicine as an academic path and future career is a serious decision that requires a lot of insight and a thoughtful approach. It is important to consider your career options as a future veterinarian, what field is it that you want to work in and what programs do you need in college.
Now, in this article, we will take a look at some of the best veterinary schools in the world. Maybe you would want to enroll in one of them, or you simply want to see what is it that makes a vet school the best in the world; either way, if you’re interested in veterinary medicine and vet schools, you’re at the right place.
But, before we begin with the overview, let’s make sure you know what is it that you should know about vet schools before applying to one;
- Of course, before applying to a vet school you will check the admission requirements and the documents necessary for submission during the application cycle.
- You should also check the degrees and programs a vet school offers. This way you will know whether the school fits your expectations and needs in regards to education and career.
- A vet school isn’t just about learning things from books; it is also about hands-on training. So, make sure to check the amount of hands-on training school offers.
- Moreover, check whether a vet school offers opportunities to its students to pursue their own interests when it comes to different areas of veterinary medicine.
- It is important you also check the acceptance rate and the number of enrolled students in a vet school. Even more important is to check the number of successful graduates.
- A vet school needs to provide a healthy environment and a great set of student support services, so make sure to bear these factors in mind before applying.
- Veterinary education is not cheap, so make sure to check for financial aid at a vet school.
- A vet school relies heavily on technology, so make sure to check whether the school offers modern facilities and equipment.
- And, of course, make sure to check the cost of attendance, for in-state and out-of-state students if in the US, as well as the additional costs (for books, residency, etc.).
1. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine – Best veterinary school in the US
- Admission Requirements – Minimum GPA score (2.50), 180 veterinary experience hours, three professional recommendations with at least one from a veterinarian, completion of prerequisite courses (no lower than a C grade in any class), a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, graduation record examination (GRE), mini-interview, language proficiency (TOEFL test for international students).
- Acceptance Rate – 38%
- Total Vet School Enrollment – 550
- Degree Programs – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine program, graduate clinical residency programs, graduate academics MS and Ph.D. programs.
- Student Support Services – tutorial assistance, academic support, disability accommodations, counseling, curricular support, student health services, wellness/illness/injury care, etc.
- Financial Aid – FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, loans, grants, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan, Alternative Loans, Health Professional Student Loan, etc.
- Average Cost of Attendance- $11,442 per year for in-state students, approximately $30,000 per year for out-of-state students (the numbers for out-of students need an official update)
- Location of Campus – 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, United States
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is a part of the University of California, generally known for its high education standards and quality.
The Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is also known for the academic excellence that comes with the education and the degree provided, as both are globally recognized as a guarantee of skills, ability, and knowledge in the vet medicine.
Few veterinary schools offer as comprehensive and compelling of a program as the Davis vet school.
Currently, the Davis School of Veterinary Medicine ranks at the 1st place for the best veterinary school in the US, the fifth year in a row.
https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/
2. Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – the Netherlands (One of the best veterinary schools in Europe)
- Admission Requirements – a scan of passport, a scan of Dutch residence permit, a scan of diploma(s) or diploma statement with translations if necessary, a scan of transcripts (with official translation), a scan of official English language test report or certificate, international Bachelor’s degree (for example in Biology Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics), Dutch language at least level 2 (if program is in Dutch), TOEFL and English language certificates for international students.
- Acceptance Rate – no specific percentage, the acceptance rate is average
- Total Vet School Enrollment – 225
- Degree Programs – Bachelor’s program, Master’s degree program in Companion Animal Health, Farm Animal Health, Veterinary Public Health and Equine Health, professional education, and Ph.D. programs
- Student Support Services – International office, Study advice, Frontoffice, Backoffice,
- Financial Aid – Education and Student Affairs Office, etc.
- Average Cost of Attendance- 24,087 Euros (including institutional fees) per year; that is $26,059 for international students.
- Location of Campus – Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
The Utrecht University, and its departments, is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands.
It is also a relatively small university, but offers numerous departments and opportunities, just like any other university.
When it comes to the veterinary school at Utrecht University, it is one of the best veterinary schools in Europe and the world.
It accepts international students and offers anyone equal learning, practice, and training opportunities.
The facilities are modern, equipped with the latest technology in regards to veterinary medicine and education.
Currently, the Utrecht Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ranks at the 5th position in regards to the best veterinary schools in the world.
https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-veterinary-medicine
3. The University of Edinburgh – The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies – Best veterinary schools in Scotland
- Admission Requirements – GRE scores, academic performance transcripts, animal/veterinary experience, personal statement, motivation letter, minimum two required references/evaluations (one from academic science source and one from a veterinary surgeon), admission interview – regarding international students’ admission requirements make sure to contact the school.
- Acceptance Rate – 10%
- Total Vet School Enrollment – currently no official info
- Degree Programs – Bachelor’s program, Master’s degree program in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Biological and Animal Science, Veterinary Public Health, professional education, and Ph.D. programs
- Student Support Services – Student Affairs, academic support, mental health and wellbeing of students services, counseling, Student Support Program, etc.
- Average Cost of Attendance – £30,200, the full annual cost for all students
- Location of Campus – Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a global leading veterinary school that has been among the best veterinary schools for years now.
This veterinary school is also one of the oldest in the world; it was founded by a veterinary surgeon William Dick in 1823, and to this day is a practicing veterinary school.
Today, the school focuses on providing high-quality education, research, and practice in numerous veterinary fields.
It provides high-end, modern facilities and the latest technology.
Currently, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is the eight best veterinary school in the world.
4. University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences – Best veterinary schools in Australia
- Admission Requirements – bachelor’s degree (in Science, Biomedicine or Agriculture) at the University of Melbourne or other equivalent institution, prerequisite subjects, personal statement, prior academic performance, satisfactory English language requirements – for international students’ admission requirements check the university’s website.
- Acceptance Rate – no specific percentage, the acceptance rate is average
- Total Vet School Enrollment – currently no official info
- Degree Programs – Bachelor’s program, Master’s degree program, Clinical Master’s Residency program, Doctor of Veterinary Science, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Honours in veterinary Bioscience, graduate certificate programs, Public Health and Veterinary Science program, etc.
- Student Support Services – Student Affairs, academic support, coursework research projects, student clubs and societies, internships, health services for students, etc.
- Average Cost of Attendance – AUD 71,488 (2020 fees; subject to increase) annual tuition for all students (plus possible additional cost for residency, etc.)
- Location of Campus – 142 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
To complete this worldwide vet school journey, we thought it is only fair to include one more amazing veterinary school; the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences.
This school is considered to be one of the top vet schools in Australia, and in the past few years, it also gained international attention.
The reason this vet school became one of the best in the world lies in the veterinary opportunities it provides for the students; they can choose from a wide range of career options, from animal veterinarian, health professional to a government vet responsible for Australia’s rich wildlife and numerous animals at zoos.
Currently, the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences ranks at the 17th position for the best veterinary school in the world.
Summary
We hope that this little journey around the worldwide vet schools was fun and useful for all the interested students out there.
The schools that were featured in the article are currently the best performing vet schools in the world.
Of course, there are dozen more similar vet schools, but these here are the crème de la crème.
We’ve presented only essential information about each of the schools.
For more information (especially for international students), make sure to visit the schools’ official websites or contact them directly.
