What is different about veterinary medicine applications?

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The road to qualification in veterinary medicine is lengthy, requiring plenty of hard work and dedication. The first step is gaining placement onto a veterinary medicine degree course. Places are competitive, with an acceptance rate in the UK of around 50%, and there are several aspects of the application process which differ from the majority of undergraduate degrees.

Subjects studied

To be accepted onto a veterinary medicine degree course, candidates will need a strong academic background with particular grounding in scientific subjects. All veterinary schools will require applicants to take A-level biology and at least two additional subjects. Most schools prefer science subjects such as chemistry, physics or mathematics, though some may accept a third A-level in a non-science area.

Entry requirements range from BBC to A*AA, however with courses being as competitive as they are, university admissions departments most commonly ask for AAA. Some will consider GCSE and AS level results too. Keep this in mind and start preparing as early as possible by maintaining consistent grades throughout secondary school and sixth form.

Want to see what entry requirements might be? Research veterinary courses here!

Admissions tests

Typically, there are no entrance exams needed for veterinary schools in the UK, with the exception of the Cambridge Veterinary School, where applicants must complete the Natural Sciences Aptitude Test.

Application deadline

One very important thing to remember is that applications to veterinary medicine courses are submitted much earlier than for other subjects. The deadline for application is October in the year before your course begins, compared to January in the following year for other subjects.

If you're looking to begin your veterinary medicine course in September 2025, you'll need to have submitted your application by 15 October 2024.

University choices

Another specific detail is that you’ll get to choose just four universities for veterinary medicine, with the fifth UCAS choice being reserved for a back-up option in a different subject area. The fifth choice can be at the same university as one of the four veterinary options, and ideally should carry lower entry requirements.

Experience and interviews

Most schools conduct admissions interviews as part of the selection process. The format for the interview varies between schools, and can include multiple mini-interviews (MMI’s) with several scenarios, or fewer more in-depth discussions. Candidates may also be evaluated through individual or group tasks and supplementary questionnaires.

Prior work experience is expected as part of the admission process, although given the challenge of organising veterinary placements, most schools only require a couple of weeks. Universities are not just selecting students who they think will excel on the course, but also looking for future professionals who care deeply about animal welfare and can deal with the larger social, economic and ethical challenges of veterinary work.