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☝️ The most important facts in brief
- Studying veterinary medicine abroad as an alternative due to limited study places and high grade requirements in Germany.
- Advantages: More study places, NC-free admission procedure, cultural experience, expansion of foreign language skills, international environment.
- Study opportunities in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Switzerland and Austria.
- Languages of instruction vary, e.g. English, German.
- Study structure: Foundation year, diagnosis and treatment, internships, specialisation, costs vary depending on the university and cost of living.
📖 Table of contents
Studying veterinary medicine abroad is not only an alternative for many because only six German universities offer the programme. In addition, as in human medicine, the required grade point average is high and the rush is great. But you shouldn't let this discourage you, because we'll show you how you can get closer to your dream of a career as a vet by studying abroad.
Advantages of studying veterinary medicine abroad
The admission requirements for studying veterinary medicine in Germany are high and it is difficult to get a place. Many students are therefore drawn abroad. Many universities there offer more study places and an NC-free admission procedure. Studying abroad also gives students the opportunity to gain an insight into a different culture, live in exciting student cities, improve their foreign language skills and make friends in an international environment.
Where is it possible to study veterinary medicine abroad?
There are a large number of countries in Europe that offer veterinary medicine courses. This is possible in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Switzerland and Austria. We give you an overview of the universities.
Estonin University of Life Sciences, Tartu - Estonia
The University of Tartu (EMÜ) has been offering veterinary studies for over 175 years. The programme begins each winter semester and lectures are held in English. The aim of the university is to promote a positive attitude to life among students and to teach them how to treat animals and their owners well.
Latvian University of Life Science and Technology, Jegalva - Latvia
The University of Jelgava (LLU) offers the veterinary degree programme in English. The education at LLU is internationally recognised. Under the concept of "One Medicine - One Health", the university combines human, animal and environmental health in its lecture programmes.
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas - Lithuania
The University of Kaunas also offers an English-language veterinary degree programme. The approximately 1250 students are supervised in small groups by tutors and mentors. Thanks to the university's numerous Erasmus partnerships, you can also complete parts of your degree programme in other countries such as Finland, Spain and Germany.
Wroclaw University of Enviromental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw Poland
In October each year, the veterinary degree programme in English starts at Wroclaw University. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is highly recognised in Poland and abroad for the quality of its education and achieves excellent results in university rankings.
University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Hungary
At the University of Budapest, the veterinary medicine programme is offered in German as well as English. The university campus has a strong international flavour, with over half of the students coming from abroad. The university has various veterinary clinics where the practical part of the training takes place.
University of Zagreb, Zagreb- Croatia
At over 350 years old, the University of Zagreb is one of the oldest in Europe. It is possible to study veterinary medicine there in English. Around 25 new students start each year, which means that students receive intensive support.
Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern and Zurich, Switzerland
The veterinary medicine programme at the Vetsuisse Faculty is offered at the Bern and Zurich campuses. Since the winter semester 2021, the curriculum of the veterinary medicine degree programme has been modernised to meet the requirements of the Bologna Process. The programme is divided into a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. The language of instruction is German. Examinations can be taken in German or French.
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) is the oldest veterinary education centre in the German-speaking world and the only one in Austria. The university specialises in research and an early introduction to practice.
Where can you study veterinary medicine abroad in German?
The universities in Bern, Zurich and Vienna offer veterinary medicine programmes in German. But there is also the opportunity to study in German in Budapest.
What are the requirements for studying veterinary medicine abroad?
Universities abroad have different selection procedures for studying veterinary medicine. The basic requirement for all universities is the Abitur. The grade point average usually plays a subordinate role, although some universities expect your grades in science subjects such as biology or chemistry to be no lower than 3.0.
Selection tests are sometimes organised, e.g. in Tartu. The International Student Admission Test (ISAT) is a general aptitude test that tests qualitative and critical thinking.
If the lectures are held in English, you will also need proof of your language skills. These should be at least at B2 level. Accepted language certificates are TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 61), IELTS (minimum score: 5.5) or Cambridge English Test (minimum score 160).
How is studying veterinary medicine abroad organised?
The structure and content of the veterinary medicine degree programme abroad differs slightly between the various universities. In all countries, however, the programme lasts five and a half to six years and is roughly structured as follows:
The first year of study serves to build up a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of animals, as well as the basics of animal husbandry. You have lectures in biology, zoology, botany, genetics and cell biology, as well as chemistry, biophysics, microbiology, virology and parasitology.
From the second year onwards, you will build on the knowledge you have gained so far to learn more about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various diseases and pathologies in the animal organism.
In parallel to the theoretical lectures, you will have internships in cooperating clinics to acquire the practical skills of a veterinarian.
In your final year of study, you have the opportunity to focus on a specific area of veterinary medicine. This could be large animal, small animal or equine medicine, for example.
How much does it cost to study veterinary medicine abroad?
The Costs for the study programme of veterinary medicine abroad depend on the university and the cost of living in the respective city.
The University of Tartu, for example, charges tuition fees of 9,440 euros per year, at LLU it is 9,000 euros per year and in Lithuania it is 8,244 euros in the first year. This increases annually to 9,674 euros in the 4th year. The university in Poland has slightly lower tuition fees of 7,500 euros. In Zagreb, you will have to pay annual tuition fees of 9,000 euros. In Bern and Zurich, tuition fees are between CHF 984 and CHF 1279 per semester.
The university in Vienna has the lowest tuition fees at 16.50 euros per semester. In Budapest, they top the list of costs at 12,480 euros per year.
The cost of living varies greatly depending on the country and, of course, depends entirely on your lifestyle. In Bern or Zurich, for example, you can expect to spend more on rent or food. This is significantly lower in Hungary. This puts the high study costs into perspective.
What should I bear in mind when applying to study veterinary medicine abroad?
To apply to your chosen university abroad, you will need notarised copies of your certificates, ID cards and previous internships, some of which will need to be translated into English. You should take care of obtaining your documents in good time so that you can submit them in full within the Application deadline can submit.
We are happy to help you with your application process!
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