Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)

You will be entitled to work as a veterinarian in the UK as soon as you have earned your BVetMed degree and, have registered as a Member of the RCVS. Following the UK’s departure from the EU graduates seeking to work in EU member states, with the exception of Ireland, should consult the regulatory authority of the country in which they wish to pursue employment. The Federation of Veterinarians in Europe maintains a useful list of contacts here.

Reciprocal arrangements between the RCVS and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), and the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), allows BVetMed Graduates to practice in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa without requiring any further qualifications, visa requirements notwithstanding.

• For further information about practicing in Australia and New Zealand, see www.avbc.asn.au 
• For further information about practicing in South Africa, see www.savc.org.za
• For further information about practising in Ireland, see www.vci.ie 

American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA)

The Council on Education (CoE) of the AVMA recognises the BVetMed degree as equivalent to those awarded by veterinary colleges in North America. Some of the USA and Canada’s major veterinary employers recruit actively among our final year students. If, after graduating, you intend to work in North America, for most veterinary jobs you will be required to have sat and passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) as well as satisfying state/provincial veterinary board requirements where relevant – just as you would if graduating from any North American school, and notwithstanding any visa requirements. Passing the NAVLE does not guarantee a work visa in the USA or Canada.

The RVC currently holds probationary AVMA accreditation status and is actively seeking to regain full accreditation which it must do by April 2026. The process of accreditation and the consequences of losing accreditation are outlined on the AVMA website. Should a school lose accreditation, graduates of that school who have yet to pass the NAVLE would be required to qualify for the NAVLE by alternative pathways. RCVS (UK) and EAEVE (Europe) accreditations would be unaffected should AVMA accreditation be lost.

Pass rates for the NAVLE are an important aspect of AVMA accreditation.  In 2023/24, the most recent year for which figures are available, our pass rate was 60%. The pass rate required by the CoE Standard for Outcomes Assessment is 80%. For further information on the NAVLE, please visit www.icva.net/navle.

The RVC is committed to ensuring ongoing support for our students wishing to take the NAVLE and provides 12-week NAVLE Support Programmes, starting in the penultimate year and leading up to each exam sit, to help students to pass the NAVLE exam.

The NAVLE Support Programme provides:

• Funded access to VetPrep
• Funded access to three ICVA self-assessment tests
• Online sessions on revision techniques and NAVLE strategies
• 1:1 sessions to review preparation techniques and approaches to the exam
• Dedicated support resources

From 2025 the ICVA Veterinary Education Assessment (VEA) will be used with students in the penultimate year of their programme to help them get used to the test taking environment for the NAVLE and to help them approach their study for the NAVLE more effectively.

For current students and staff: The NAVLE area in the Student Hub on LEARN has a full range of FAQs about RVC’s accreditation status and about our NAVLE Support Programme (sign-in required) or write to navle@rvc.ac.uk 

Information for prospective students

What is AVMA accreditation? 

The Council on Education (CoE) of the AVMA recognises the BVetMed degree as equivalent to those awarded by veterinary colleges in North America. If, after graduating, you intend to work in North America, for most veterinary jobs you will be required to have sat and passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) as well as satisfying state/provincial veterinary board requirements where relevant – just as you would if graduating from any North American school, and notwithstanding any visa requirements.  Passing the NAVLE does not guarantee a work visa in the USA or Canada.

What does it mean that the RVC is on probationary accreditation status with the AVMA?

The RVC currently holds probationary status and is actively seeking to regain full accreditation which it must do by April 2026. The consequences of losing accreditation are outlined on the AVMA website. Should a school lose accreditation, graduates of that school who have yet to pass the NAVLE would be required to qualify for the NAVLE by alternative pathways. RCVS (UK) and EAEVE (Europe) accreditations would be unaffected should AVMA accreditation be lost.

Pass rates for the NAVLE are an important aspect of accreditation and the only one of eleven standards in which the RVC is currently deficient.

In the event of the RVC losing AVMA accreditation – what effect would this have on students currently enrolled on the BVetMed intending to practise in North America?

We are continuing to seek clarification from the AVMA regarding the status for currently enrolled students upon their graduation.

If I join the RVC, would I be able to transfer to another vet school?

Yes, provided another school agrees to provide a place. To discuss transfers, you can contact us at NAVLE@rvc.ac.uk 

When will we know if the RVC has regained full accreditation?

The earliest we will have confirmation will be in the Spring of 2026. However, it is possible that a final outcome may not be known until significantly later.

Can I defer this year’s offer?

The RVC considers requests for deferrals in exceptional circumstances. Any requests must be made in writing and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would not consider probationary accreditation status to be an exceptional circumstance. Any applicant deferring their entry to September 2026 will be expected to meet all terms of their offer, including payment of their deposit, by 31 August 2025.

I deferred my offer from last year.  What should I do?  Will you refund my deposit?

If you no longer wish to attend the RVC, we can withdraw your acceptance and are able to refund your deposit in these circumstances. Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@rvc.ac.uk) to discuss this further.

I have accepted the RVC offer but want to change my mind.  What do I do?

If you no longer wish to attend the RVC, you can withdraw your acceptance. Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@rvc.ac.uk) so that we can advise on the next steps to do this. If you wish to take up an offer from a different school, we would advise you contact that school in the first instance.

I applied through VMCAS and need to respond to my offer by 15 April, is it possible to get an extension on this decision?

Yes, please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@rvc.ac.uk) to discuss this further.

I applied via VMCAS, is my deposit due by 15 April and can I hold off paying it whilst I consider this information?

You do not need to pay your deposit to accept your offer of a place. If you have already fulfilled your offer conditions, we recommend you pay your deposit as soon as possible; ideally by 31st May 2025 so that you can start your visa application as early as possible. If your offer is conditional on academic results or other conditions, then you should not pay your deposit until you have met all these conditions.

What are you doing to remedy the situation?

As outlined here we are fully committed to addressing our current deficiency in Standard 11 and regaining full accreditation. For more information see the AVMA website.

Where do I direct any further questions?

For prospective students please email acq@rvc.ac.uk

For current students please email NAVLE@rvc.ac.uk 

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Accreditation Reports

The BVetMed degree underwent a joint professional body accreditation visit in November 2018. The RVC prepared a Self Evaluation Report for the November 2018 accreditation visit and the visit reports of each professional body can be found on their webpages via web-links provided below:

• RCVS – accredited to 2025, www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/accrediting-primary-qualifications/accrediting-veterinary-degrees/visitations/
• Council on Education of the AVMA – accredited to 2025, www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation
• EAEVE visit reports, as approved by ECOVE – accredited to 2025, https://www.eaeve.org/esevt/ser-and-visitation-report-of-visited-establishments

Please note that the BVSc degree is not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) nor by EAEVE (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education).

Our FdSc and years one to three of the BSc Veterinary Nursing courses are accredited in the UK by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and in the EU by the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nursing Education (ACOVENE).

These bodies set the standard for the delivery of veterinary nursing education in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

For further information about the RCVS accreditation, see https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/accrediting-primary-qualifications/accrediting-veterinary-nursing-qualifications/ 

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Our Graduate and Postgraduate Certificates in Advanced Veterinary Nursing in: 

• Anaesthesia & Analgesia  

• Emergency & Critical Care 

• Medical Nursing   

Are accredited in the UK by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) which means RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurses on these programmes have the option to gain a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing qualification awarded by the RCVS.  

Candidates applying for and enrolling with the RCVS CertAVN in Medical Nursing, Emergency & Critical Care or Anaesthesia & Analgesia must meet the specific requirements as set out by the RCVS, to include: 

Be on the current RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. 

Have evidence of sufficient CPD from the point of entry onto the RCVS Register for Veterinary Nurses (in line with the RCVS requirements) prior to registration for the RCVS CertAVN. 

During their studies, be employed in, or have agreed access to placement in, a suitable professional environment, tailored to their area of focused study. 

Before commencing studies, enrol with the RCVS specifying the accredited university or awarding organisation where they plan to undertake their studies and the title of the qualification.   

Registration for the RCVS CertAVN will be valid for up to five years.  Further information: www.rcvs.org.uk  

Our Biological Science programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

This symbol of excellence is highly regarded by employers and demonstrates our ability to develop your skills and expertise throughout your course. Not only does this mean you will gain an in-depth understanding of the subject, but that you also will have the opportunity to contribute to advancements in science through research projects.

The following courses received Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology  in January 2021 for five years following an independent and rigorous assessment:  

Accreditation

• BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences    
• BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Sciences        
• BSc (Hons) Animal Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics       
• BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences)

The following courses have been advanced accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in February 2021 for five years following an independent and rigorous assessment

Advanced Accreditation

• BSc in Bioveterinary Sciences with a Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Research    
• BSc in Biological Sciences with a Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Research           
• MSci in Bioveterinary Sciences   
• MSci in Bioveterinary Sciences with a Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Research         
• MSci in Biological Sciences        
• MSci in Biological Sciences with a Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Research         
• MSci Applied Biological Research         
• MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research         
• MSci Wild Animal Biology (WAB) (to be phased out - final cohort expected to graduate in 2024)  
• MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences)        
• MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences) with a Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Research

The reports can be found here.  

For more information see www.rsb.org.uk    

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) quality assures veterinary degrees at UK vet schools by means of specific accreditation standards.

Graduates from accredited schools join the RCVS register as members allowing them to practise veterinary surgery in the UK.

Aberystwyth University, the Royal Veterinary College and the RCVS are working together to ensure that the new degree meets these standards and that graduates will be eligible for registration. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, veterinary degrees must have a “recognition order” from the Privy Council before graduates can automatically be eligible for registration with the RCVS.

The Privy Council will take advice from RCVS on this. The process takes a number of years as full approval cannot be considered until after the RCVS undertakes a formal inspection of the full course and its standards in 2026 when the first cohort of students will have completed their degrees.

Until that time, both institutions are liaising regularly with the RCVS to ensure that progress towards accreditation is maintained.

Should any unforeseen issues arise, the Veterinary Surgeons Act includes a provision to help ensure that those completing their final exams in an as-yet-unapproved degree may still be allowed to register, in that the Privy Council may invite the RCVS to set examinations for any students attending a non-approved UK veterinary degree course, or alternatively appoint RCVS External Examiners to oversee the standard of the final year examinations. Students who pass the RCVS-controlled examinations would then be able to register with the RCVS and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK, regardless of the outcome of the degree’s accreditation process. This is in line with the arrangements for any new veterinary degree programmes. 

Please note that the BVSc degree is not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) nor by EAEVE (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education).