- Desire2Study
- Jul 4
- 9 min read
Choosing to study veterinary medicine is a life-changing decision for students who are passionate about animals, science, and healthcare. For Irish students, the road to becoming a vet can be incredibly competitive, with limited places available in Ireland and strict entry requirements. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the veterinary medicine study options in Ireland and compare them with exciting alternatives abroad.
We’ll explore well-established veterinary universities in Europe where Irish and international students can start studying veterinary medicine in English, with degrees recognized across the EU. Whether you’re considering veterinary schools abroad due to limited spaces at home, or looking for a more flexible and affordable route, this guide will help you understand your options and make an informed choice.
Table of Contents:
Why Study Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary medicine is more than a profession—it's a calling for students passionate about animal health, welfare, and science. Vets play an essential role in society, working with pets, livestock, wildlife, and public health agencies. With increasing awareness about zoonotic diseases and food safety, the global demand for qualified veterinarians continues to grow.
In Ireland, the profession is well-respected, and the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) ensures high educational and licensing standards. Becoming a vet offers not just job security but also the emotional reward of helping animals and their owners. Whether you envision yourself in a small animal practice, on farms, in research, or policy work, veterinary medicine provides diverse career paths.
However, gaining admission to veterinary school in Ireland is notoriously competitive. As a result, many students are exploring alternative routes to start studying veterinary abroad at accredited institutions.
Where Can You Study Veterinary Medicine in Ireland? University College Dublin (UCD)
Ireland currently has only one university offering a veterinary medicine degree – the University College Dublin (UCD). UCD’s School of Veterinary Medicine is internationally respected and is the only AVMA-accredited veterinary school in Ireland. Students apply through the CAO system, and places are strictly limited.
This makes UCD the sole option for those who wish to study veterinary medicine within Ireland, resulting in intense national competition. Despite its quality and facilities, the lack of alternatives poses challenges for many students.
Limited Places and High Veterinary Entry Requirements in Ireland
Gaining a place at UCD's veterinary program is one of the most competitive processes in Irish higher education. In 2024, entry points reached 601, placing it above even some medicine and dentistry programs. Each year, only around 80 to 90 students are admitted, leaving hundreds of highly capable applicants without a place.
Even students with exceptional academic results often fall short due to the extremely high veterinary entry requirements. This bottleneck leads many aspiring vets to consider alternatives abroad—where admission criteria are more holistic, more places are available, and the path to qualification is clearer and more accessible.
Is There Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine in Ireland?
Unlike medicine, Ireland does not currently offer a dedicated graduate entry veterinary medicine program. UCD requires all applicants to enter the 5-year undergraduate track, regardless of prior degrees.
This means students who complete a related science degree in hopes of entering later as a graduate must start veterinary medicine from the beginning if accepted. There are no shortened 4-year veterinary pathways for graduates in Ireland, unlike in some other countries.
This lack of flexibility pushes many Irish science graduates to explore veterinary schools abroad that do accept graduate entry students or offer a more accessible admission route.
Why Irish Students Are Choosing Veterinary Schools Abroad?
A growing number of Irish students are choosing to pursue veterinary medicine abroad. The reasons are clear: limited places, ultra-high entry points, and lack of graduate pathways in Ireland.
Veterinary universities in Europe offer more accessible entry requirements, English-taught program, and internationally recognized degrees. These universities also tend to focus more on interviews, motivation, and science background than raw points alone.
Additionally, the cost of studying abroad is often more affordable than it seems as many countries have lower tuition fees.
Choosing a veterinary medicine university in Europe gives students the chance to follow their passion without compromising on quality or future career prospects.
Best Veterinary Universities in Europe Taught in English
Several accredited veterinary schools abroad offer full English-language programs, attracting hundreds of Irish and international students each year. These institutions meet EU and VCI standards, ensuring graduates are eligible for registration and practice in Ireland and across Europe.
Desire2Study partners with top veterinary universities that combine academic excellence, early clinical exposure, and strong international student support.
Program: 6-year MSc in Veterinary Medicine
Language: Entirely taught in English
Accreditation: EAEVE-accredited and compliant with EU Directive 2005/36/EC
Tuition Fees: Approx. €9,000/year (first 3 years), €10,500/year (final 3 years)
Highlights:
Only veterinary faculty in Lithuania
Strong emphasis on clinical training from early years
Small group teaching in simulation centers and animal clinics
International student support and Erasmus+ exchange opportunities
Recognized across the EU, USA, Canada, and other countries
Program: 6-year DVM in Veterinary Medicine
Language: Fully taught in English
Accreditation: EAEVE-accredited and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
Tuition Fees: Approx. €8,950/year
Highlights:
Only veterinary university in Slovakia
Hands-on training in 5 specialized clinics (small animals, equine, farm animals, exotics)
Strong research involvement and international partnerships
Affordable living costs and vibrant student life in Košice
Graduates eligible to practice across Europe and globally
Program: 5.5–6-year DVM in Veterinary Medicine
Language: Entirely taught in English
Accreditation: EAEVE-accredited and aligned with EU veterinary standards
Tuition Fees: Approx. €12,480/year
Highlights:
Over 230 years of veterinary education tradition
1,800+ hours of hands-on clinical experience
Specialized clinics for small animals, equine, farm animals, and exotics
Multicultural campus with students from over 50 countries
Located in the heart of Budapest, offering rich cultural and academic life
Program: 5-year DVM in Veterinary Medicine
Language: Entirely taught in English
Accreditation: CYQAA-accredited; EAEVE accreditation in progress
Tuition Fees: Approx. €20,000/year (with study scholarships available)
Highlights:
First veterinary school in Cyprus
Curriculum aligned with RCVS, AVMA, and EU standards
Early exposure to animal care and One Health approach
Advanced facilities including anatomy and clinical skills labs
Option for US/Canadian students to complete clinical training at University of Minnesota
These veterinary universities in Europe offer recognized qualifications, early clinical practice, and student-centered education. All programs are taught in English and follow the EU directive for veterinary education, ensuring full compliance for VCI registration in Ireland post-graduation.
Admission Requirements for Veterinary Medicine in Europe
Admission to veterinary schools abroad varies by country and university but is generally more accessible than in Ireland. Most programs require:
Good secondary school grades, especially in science subjects (Biology and Chemistry are often mandatory)
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or equivalent, if not from an English-speaking school)
Entrance exam (sometimes required in biology/chemistry)
Interview (often focused on motivation and understanding of the profession)
Unlike the rigid CAO system, these schools consider the full profile of a student, not just exam scores. This gives Irish students a fairer opportunity to start studying veterinary and make their dream to become a veterinarian happen.
Recognition of Veterinary Degrees from Europe
Students often ask if veterinary degrees from abroad will be recognized in Ireland. The answer is yes—provided you graduate from an EU-accredited institution.
All Desire2Study partner universities meet the standards set by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and are compliant with EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Graduates are eligible to register with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) without additional exams, just like UCD graduates. This means students who study medicine veterinary abroad can return home fully qualified and ready to work in Ireland or anywhere in the EU.
Do You Need an Internship After Veterinary School?
Unlike medicine, where graduates in Ireland must complete a mandatory one-year internship, veterinary graduates do not need to complete a formal post-graduate internship to start practicing in most cases.
If you graduate from the only veterinary school in Ireland — University College Dublin (UCD) — and your degree is recognized by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), you can apply for registration and begin working immediately. Although there is no required internship year, many new graduates choose to join internship or graduate development programs in clinics to gain practical experience.
For students who study veterinary abroad in Europe, degrees from EU-accredited veterinary universities are automatically recognized under the EU Directive 2005/36/EC. This means you are eligible to register and begin practicing across the EU, including Ireland, without needing to complete an internship year. Countries like Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania and Cyprus offer fully recognized veterinary programs with integrated clinical training, so graduates are considered practice-ready.
In short: If you choose to study veterinary medicine abroad, especially at one of the accredited veterinary schools in Europe, you can start your veterinary career right after graduation — no extra year of internship required.
Graduates from countries like Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, and Cyprus can typically start working immediately after registering with their national veterinary body or the VCI (in Ireland) — assuming the school is recognized.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Veterinary Medicine Abroad?
The cost of studying veterinary medicine abroad varies depending on the country and institution. Here are the current tuition fees for Desire2Study partner veterinary universities in Europe:
Košice, Slovakia: €8,950/year
Kaunas, Lithuania: from €9,000/year
Budapest, Hungary: €12,480/year
Nicosia, Cyprus: €20,000/year
Living costs range from €500 to €1000/month depending on the country, with Central and Eastern Europe being more affordable.
Irish students can apply for funding via many banks in Ireland which offer educational loans. Desire2Study also provides guidance on budgeting, accommodation, and study scholarships when available.
How to Study Veterinary Abroad?
Desire2Study is Europe’s most trusted and knowledgeable study abroad agency, specializing in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
We support Irish and international students from the first enquiry to successful admission and beyond. Our services include:
Personalized advice on where to study medicine veterinary
Application preparation and best fit vet university selection
Entrance exam prep (if required)
Interview coaching and document checks
Ongoing support while studying abroad
We only work with fully accredited veterinary universities in Europe. Our mission is to help aspiring students start studying veterinary abroad with confidence and peace of mind. To start veterinary university application process , contact Desire2Study so we can help you choose the best school and prepare you for the exam and interview.
FAQ – Veterinary Medicine Abroad for Irish Students
Can I become a vet if I don't get into UCD?
Yes. Many Irish students study at veterinary schools abroad that offer high-quality, accredited English-taught programs.
Are veterinary degrees from Europe recognized in Ireland?
Yes, if the university meets EU and VCI standards. All Desire2Study partners are fully accredited.
What are veterinary entrance requirements to study abroad?
Usually science subjects, proof of English, and sometimes an entrance exam or interview.
Can I get a loan to study abroad?
Some Irish banks may provide support for eligible students.
How do I apply to veterinary university in Europe?
Apply with Desire2Study as we help students to choose the right program, prepare your application, and guide you every step of the way.
What are the best countries to study veterinary medicine abroad?
Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, and Cyprus are among the best countries to study veterinary abroad due to their quality, facilities, vet degree recognition, and affordability.
Is there a graduate entry veterinary program abroad?
Some universities are more flexible and may accept students with previous science degrees into the standard 5- or 6-year program without extra entry restrictions.
Do I need to complete an internship after graduating abroad?
It depends on the university, but if you graduate from the vet schools which Desire2Study is representing, you don’t have to do an internship.
Can you study veterinary science online?
No, it is not possible to study veterinary online.
Can you study veterinary in Hungary?
Yes, Hungary is home to one of the most respected veterinary schools in Europe: the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest. It offers a fully English-taught 6-year veterinary medicine program, accredited across the EU and recognized in Ireland.
How long does it take to study veterinary medicine?
Most veterinary medicine programs in Europe take 6 years to complete. This typically includes preclinical, clinical, and hands-on training components leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
Can you study veterinary nursing?
Yes, veterinary nursing is offered in English at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia. It’s a respected program with modern facilities and EU-wide recognition.
Can I study veterinary without biology?
It depends on your other subjects and overall grades. However, if you haven’t taken biology in school, it’s strongly recommended to complete a biology preparation course before starting veterinary studies. This ensures you're ready for the scientific foundation of the degree.
Where can I study veterinary medicine abroad?
Many countries offer veterinary programs, but not all are taught in English. Accredited English-taught programs are available in countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, and Cyprus. Contact Desire2Study for expert advice on where and how to apply based on your academic profile.
How should I prepare to study veterinary medicine abroad?
You should focus on biology and chemistry basics, improve your academic English, and gain some animal-related volunteer experience if possible. Desire2Study offers tailored guidance, preparation resources, mock up interviews and admission support to help you get into a vet school abroad.
How Can I Contact Desire2Study?
You can fill a contact form on our website or book a free online consultation.
