Top 10 Vet Schools In UK In 2024

By Rhea S
Jun 13, 2024 •
uk vet schools

If you are an avid animal lover or a social change maker, then a veterinary medical degree could be a great career option for you. UK vet schools are the most esteemed institutions, providing the best medical knowledge and equipment and having strong alumni. You will get a chance to work for a cause by treating diseases, disorders, and injuries of animals of all kinds. 

UK vet schools provide a range of programmes to support the growth of the medical industry and society. UK vet schools offer hands-on training and exposure in the first year only. 

This guide will provide detailed information on vet colleges in UK and how to pursue a career in veterinary field. 

Top 10 Universities In the UK To Study Veterinary Medicine

Both veterinary and nursing degree programmes require learning hands-on practical skills that are important. Vet colleges in UK try to deliver the teaching concepts and practices in a way that suits the individual student. There are various veterinary degree UK offers to consider, including:

  • Animal Behaviour BSc 
  • Veterinary Biosciences BSc 
  • Veterinary Medicine BVetMed or BVMS 
  • Veterinary Nursing & Companion Animal Behaviour BSc


In veterinary medicine, you will learn about the anatomy, health, medicine and treatment of animals. We have curated a list of high-ranking veterinary schools UK which offer affordable and globally recognised qualifications. Here is the list of the 10 most reputed vet colleges in UK with modern facilities and utilities:

1. University Of Cambridge 

The University of Cambridge is ranked number 1 in the UK for veterinary medicine courses. Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge allows you to study the scientific basis and clinical veterinary science. Study veterinary science foundations for the first three years, then apply your knowledge to a veterinary practice as a clinical student for the last three years.

  • Course: BVetMed
  • Course Duration: 6 years, full-time
  • Course Fee: £67,194 per year

2. University Of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, ranked 12th in the UK (Complete University Guide). Its entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe, creating a surreal experience at Edinburgh.

  • Course: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S)
  • Course Duration: 4 Years for GEP (Graduate Entry Programme), 5 Years for students with high school qualifications
  • Course Fee: £34,200 per year

3. University Of Liverpool

A global community of 28,000+, the University of Liverpool is the original redbrick university. It’s a programme with in-depth clinical and research-based training and a hugely motivated, dedicated teaching staff.

  • Course: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) 
  • Course Duration: 5 Years
  • Course Fee: £38,000 per year

4. University Of Surrey 

The University of Surrey is a research-led university in Guildford, UK, with a beautiful campus and contemporary learning facilities. The university has a holistic perspective and ground-breaking research labs that aim to counter global challenges, promote innovation, and deliver real-world impact.

  • Course: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science (BVMSci) degree
  • Course Duration: 5 Years
  • Course Fee: £38,000 per year

5. University Of Nottingham 

The University of Nottingham provides a global experience and supports international students through financial support and scholarships. It has a global reputation for its high teaching standards.

  • Course: (BVM BVS) degree
  • Course Duration: 5 Years
  • Course Fee: £38,000 per year

6. University Of Glasgow 

The University of Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Its heritage and inevitable story began in 1451, and it has inspired countless others ever since. Multiple courses offer hands-on training in veterinary medicine.

  • Course: (BVMS) degree
  • Course Duration: 5 Years
  • Course Fee: £35,175 per year

7. University Of Bristol

The University of Bristol is home to world-class facilities, from modern laboratories to historic libraries. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The campus is situated in the heart of Bristol, a lively and green city in South West England. 

  • Course: (BVSc) degree
  • Course Duration: 5 Years
  • Course Fee: £38,000 per year

8. Royal Veterinary College, University Of London

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK’s most established independent veterinary school. It provides globally acclaimed veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, and biological sciences programmes. Clinical students acquire practical experience by working at the RVC’s four hospitals.

  • Course: (BVetMed) degree
  • Course Duration: 5 Years
  • Course Fee: £36,760 per year

9. Harper Adams University

Harper Adams University is specially focused on food production, animal health, and living environments. It is dealing with the world’s sustainability problems and taking on food security, sustainable technologies, and natural resource management.

  • Course: Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs) degree
  • Course Duration: 4 Years
  • Course Fee: £17,550 per year

10. Writtle University College

Writtle University College is now part of the ARU (Anglia Ruskin University), which has joined together. This enhances the quality and research development across the campus. ARU Writtle offers courses in agriculture, horticulture, animal management and care, sports, and wellbeing.

  • Course: Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs) degree
  • Course Duration: 4 Years
  • Course Fee: £17,550 per year

Veterinary Medicine Scholarships In the UK

If you aspire to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s in veterinary or animal science abroad but have concerns about the expenses, your worries end here. 

Here, we compiled a list of scholarships offered by various programmes to decrease your financial burden and increase your chances of getting a veterinary degree. For Indian students who want to pursue a career in a veterinary degree, the UK is the best choice. UK vet schools  provide various scholarships:

  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies: It offers £5,000 per year scholarships for the duration of a degree programme. Applicants must be UK or international graduates who have been offered a place on a full-time BVM&S programme but have not already been there.
  • Gates Cambridge: It offers scholarships to outstanding applicants from outside the UK who are committed to improving the lives of others and have leadership potential.
  • Royal Veterinary College: It offers fully funded clinical training internships, including a fee scholarship and a monthly stipend of £17,200 per year.

Vet Colleges in UK offer competitive scholarships for International students based on the following points:

  • Academic Merit 
  • Financial Needs
  • Handsome IELTS
  • Diversity
    Performance at Interviews.
  • The Applicant’s Scholarship Statement.

Veterinary Degree Schools In The UK

United Kingdom Veterinary schools have varying academic and job experience requirements. The Vet Schools Council has created a detailed reference to admissions processes and entrance criteria across all schools, including financing options and broadening participation projects.

To become a veterinarian and work in the UK, you must complete a degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Degrees last five or six years if studied full-time. 

Easiest Vet School To Get Into The UK

This is a tricky question because veterinary medicine is one of the most challenging degrees to get into in the UK. Getting an invitation to the vet colleges in UK is based on various factors. 

  • There are numerous ways to get into United Kingdom Veterinary Schools. It differs from person to person. 
  • Mainly it depends upon the circumstances and availability of the seats at these universities. 
  • Getting a veterinary degree UK is much more complicated and competitive than medicine due to limited resources and many applicants. 
  • The acceptance rate in some universities is higher than in others like Surrey, Harper & Keele & Aberystwyth.
  • The only requirement for pursuing veterinary courses in UK is that applicants must provide high academic achievement and an active interest in animal welfare. 
  • The typical conditional offer for the standard degree programme ranges from AAB to A*AA at A-level, but some veterinary schools offer places at different grades. 
  • No vet colleges in UK ask for a straight A*. The admissions process for veterinary medicine starts earlier than other courses. 
  • Completing the admission process as soon as possible is advised. 

Careers In Veterinary Medicine

Many students study at UK vet schools for a veterinary medicine degree to become surgeons or nurses without knowing other options, such as animal behaviourists, veterinary pathologists, or research scientists. The veterinary field is rewarding and physically challenging, for example, if you have to operate on a critically injured animal. Below are the types of jobs that a person can take up in the field with the average salaries: 

Job PositionAverage Salary (GBP)
Veterinary Doctor£40,000 – £60,000
Veterinary Surgeon£45,000 – £70,000
Animal Care Specialist£30,000 – £45,000
Veterinary Officer£50,000 – £80,000
Cattle Breeder£35,000 – £50,000
Animal Breeder£32,000 – £48,000
Vet Doctor in NGOs£35,000 – £50,000
Animal Research Scientist£42,000 – £65,000

FAQs

1. Which United Kingdom Veterinary school is the easiest to get into?

After watching previous trends, the Royal Veterinary College appears to be the easiest to crack: In 2017, there were just three U.K./EU applicants for each place and four applications from outside the U.K. and EU. The Royal Veterinary College also had the most seats available—270.

2. What is the number 1 veterinary school in the UK?

As per the latest ranking, UK Vet Schools such as the University of Cambridge, Edinburgh (Royal Dick) Vet School and Liverpool Vet School come in consecutive rows as number 1, 2 and 3, respectively. 

3. What type of vet earns the most money UK?

After a veterinary degree in the UK, becoming a veterinary specialist can quickly boost your earnings and lifestyle. Salaries range from £60,000 to £100,000 or more, depending on the field. 

4. Which country is best for vet school?

UK vet schools are the most prestigious ones. According to the latest QS World University Rankings by subject, the top universities for veterinary science are the Royal Veterinary College, the University of London, and the University of Cambridge. 

5. What subjects are needed to get admission to vet colleges in UK?

Many UK Vet Schools require an A in biology, an A in chemistry, and an A in a third subject. Some courses ask for either biology or chemistry rather than both.


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