• Subject Guide
Veterinary Science
The UK has multiple veterinary schools — 6 with AVMA accreditation — providing a clear pathway to practice in Canada and the US.
Why Study Veterinary Science in the UK?
For North American students who want to become vets, the UK offers one of the most compelling alternatives to domestic programs. Canadian and US veterinary school acceptance rates are brutal — typically under 15% at most institutions, with many schools receiving 10+ applications per available place. UK veterinary schools offer more places, world-class training, and for AVMA-accredited schools, a clear pathway back to licensing in North America.
Key Advantages
More Places Available
UK vet schools collectively train significantly more veterinarians per year than Canada, which has only 5 vet schools for the entire country.
World-Ranked Programs
The Royal Veterinary College, Edinburgh, Bristol, Nottingham, and Liverpool consistently rank among the top veterinary schools globally.
AVMA Accreditation
Several UK vet schools hold full AVMA accreditation, meaning graduates can sit the NAVLE and practice in North America.
Flexible Entry Routes
Apply directly from high school for a 5-year BVetMed or BVM&S degree — no pre-vet degree required. If you already hold a degree, select universities offer an accelerated 4-year graduate entry programme.
⚠ Critical — Read Before Applying
AVMA accreditation is school-specific and must be verified. Not all UK veterinary schools hold AVMA accreditation, and accreditation must be in place at the time of your graduation — not just when you apply. Always verify the current AVMA accreditation status of your chosen school directly at avma.org before applying.
Attending a non-AVMA-accredited school means you will need to complete the ECFVG or PAVE certification program before you can sit the NAVLE — a significant additional time and cost commitment.
UK Vet Schools with AVMA Accreditation
Always verify current accreditation status at avma.org as accreditation is reviewed periodically.
Programs at Top UK Universities
5 programs across 3 universities
One of the oldest veterinary schools in the UK with dedicated equine, farm, and small animal hospitals on campus.
Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine combines animal science with clinical training at the Veterinary Health Innovation Engine.
Unique combination of veterinary pathology, parasitology, and animal welfare science. Pathway to graduate veterinary medicine.
RCVS-accredited veterinary nursing programme. Hands-on clinical training at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.
The UK top-ranked veterinary school. World-class animal hospital and research facilities at Camden and Hawkshead campuses.