Study Veterinary Medicine in Ireland- Top Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, and Career Scope
Ireland is a country known for its medical education. Veterinary medicine courses in Ireland are offered by fewer universities but the programs are extremely good. Veterinary medicine courses offered by University College Dublin and the University of Limerick are one of the best.
The undergraduate courses are usually 3-4 years. University College Dublin also offers a four-year graduate entry program in veterinary medicine. It is for students who have already completed a degree in biological, biomedical, or animal sciences.
The average fee for studying veterinary medicine in Ireland is USD 20,000-USD 25,000. The average annual income of veterinary graduates is USD 45,000.
Veterinary Medicine in Ireland- Overview
| Programs Offered | BSc, MVB |
| Program Duration | 3-5 years |
| Average Annual Tuition Cost | USD 20,000-25,000 |
| Basic Eligibility Criteria | Basic High School Diploma with Biology |
| Entrance Exams | None |
| IELTS/TOEFL Requirement | Required |
Why study Veterinary Medicine in Ireland?
- Ireland has top-ranked universities in veterinary medicine like University College Dublin.
- Lectures, tutorials, and practical classes are held in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories.
- Huge international student community that gives an exposure to different cultures, and traditions.
- Lecturers who are enthusiastic and have extensive research, academic, and industry experience
- Research projects and opportunities will enhance the student’s understanding of veterinary science
- Cost of medical studies in Ireland is comparatively low as compared to countries such as the US or UK.
What will you learn?
Studying in Ireland will give you a mountain of opportunities in different areas from research, internships, project works, and excellent study materials and modules. Modules in a range of Veterinary Medicine degrees could include:
- Zoological medicine
- Animal physiology and behavior
- Cells and genes
- Practical skills for animal behavior
- Population ecology and wildlife management
- General pathology and concepts of infectious disease
- Veterinary research and evidence-based veterinary medicine
- Emerging diseases, public health, and sustainability
- Principles of biology
Popular degrees for pursuing Veterinary Medicine in Ireland
| University | Courses | Annual Fees in Euro | Annual Fees in USD |
| University College Dublin | Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) | 32,570 | 34198.5 |
| MVB (Hons) Graduate Entry | 32,570 | 34198.5 | |
| BSc Veterinary Nursing | 26,400 | 27720 | |
| Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone | BSc in Bioveterinary Science | 20,000 | 21000 |
| BSc in Veterinary Nursing | 17500 | 18375 | |
| University of Limerick | Bachelor of Science in Equine Science | 17,590 | 18469.5 |
*Note: Costs in EUR have been converted to USD at the exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.05 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.
University College Dublin
University College Dublin has one of the most famous vet schools in the country. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin (UCD) was established in 1946 making it one of the first.
UCD School of Veterinary Medicine is the only school of Veterinary Medicine in Ireland accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI). UCD is ranked 33rd in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The school is known for its global student community, faculty coming from all over the world, leading research, top-quality teaching, and technology.
Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a research-led university with an applied, industry-focused offering, world-class research, and development. Upon graduation, students will be academically qualified to participate in a research degree program at TUS or other universities.
Graduates of this Bioveterinary Science BSc(Hons) degree (graduate entry program) are eligible to pursue a variety of discipline-relevant Level 9 and 10 research programs, such as an MSc, MPhil, or Ph.D. The major goal of TUS is to create bioveterinary scientists.
University of Limerick
Founded in 1972, The University of Limerick is a public research university institution in Limerick, Ireland. The university provides a stellar course in Equine Sciences.
The general goal of the program is to provide you with degree-level competency in Equine Science disciplines, as well as a choice of professional study in either Equitation (the art or practice of horse riding or horsemanship) or Equine Business Management.
Graduates of the curriculum contribute to the horse industry’s continuous development by applying their science, equitation, and business management knowledge, skills, and research.
Admission Requirements for Veterinary Medicine in Ireland
Getting into a veterinary medicine program in Ireland is comparatively easier than studying MBBS/medicine in Ireland.
Most universities in Ireland accept at least a high school diploma for Veterinary medicine programs. Most universities require candidates to have studied English and biology or at least chemistry in high school.
Undergraduate Admission Requirement
- A candidate must have completed high school from a recognized board in their country with at least 50% in Biology.
- They must have taken English in high school if they wish to study medicine in English.
- Most universities have their own entrance test. Candidates need to clear that test to secure admission to that university.
- Most universities also require the candidates to take an English language Proficiency Test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Postgraduate Admission Requirement
- Undergraduate in a similar field.
- Certain work experience is required by some universities
- Most universities also require the candidates to take an English language Proficiency Test like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Interview
- Personal Statement
University College Dublin Graduate Entry Program in Veterinary Medicine
UCD has one of the best medical schools in Ireland. Candidates who have studied and will complete a degree in an appropriate biological, biomedical, or animal science discipline may be considered for the 4-year Graduate program in Veterinary Medicine with the award of MVB at UCD.
The students need to have a GPA of 3.2 or above and have studied any of the following subjects:
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- General Biology
- General inorganic chemistry with lab
- Microbiology
- Cellular biology
Those candidates with a non-science degree or lacking some prerequisites will be considered for entry to the 5-year MVB program.
Applicants are expected to have gained relevant work experience in handling animals. Two letters of recommendation are required.
Career Scope after Veterinary Medicine in Ireland
A veterinary medicine degree qualifies you to work as a vet in clinical practice. It opens doors to careers in areas ranging from government veterinary services, research, and public health to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and charity work.
Graduates are well-prepared for jobs in veterinary diagnostics and pharmaceutical research, as well as veterinary, medical, and nutritional sales, as well as hospital and forensic laboratory work.
The average starting salary for veterinary graduates is about USD 51,000 in Ireland
Jobs directly related to a Veterinary Medicine degree include:
- Private Practice
- Veterinary hospital manager
- Public health veterinarian
- Consultant
- Animal nutritionist
- Veterinary surgeon
- Higher education lecturer
- Nature conservation officer
- Research scientist (medical)
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Science writer
- Zoologist