Reviewed by:
Akhil Katakam
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 2/14/24
There are many excellent veterinary schools worldwide to choose from. Whether you’re interested in studying in the U.S., Asia, or Europe, there’s a top vet school waiting for you. Read on to learn more!
You’ve finally made it through your undergraduate courses, and you’ve got your sights set on vet school. You’ve been dreaming of this moment for a while. You’ve completed the first steps to pursue your dream. Now, you need to decide which vet school you want to apply to.
Even though there are fewer vet schools than medical schools in the U.S., you still have many options. Having so many choices might be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what you want to gain from vet school.
You want to give yourself the best chance of success, and what better way to do that than to attend one of the best vet schools in the world? But what are the best veterinary schools in the world? Does it truly matter? Are these schools the best fit for me?
You may be stressed about the options, and that’s why we’ve devised the perfect guide to the top veterinary schools in the world to help you narrow down your choices.
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Best Vet Schools in the U.S. and Canada
These are the best veterinary schools in North America. Each school has plenty of veterinarian classes and other options for future students. Some of these schools even offer pathways you haven’t thought about yet. Read on to discover what the best schools for veterinarians are in the U.S. and Canada!
UC Davis
With more than $70 million in annual research funding, UC Davis reigns as one of the top vet schools in the country. This school provides a strenuous education and the most residency options for its students. UC Davis is a top contender for the best veterinary college in the world.
- Rank: 1
- Location: Davis, CA
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents
First Year: $32,913.93
Second Year: $32,913.93
Third Year: $32,913.93
Fourth Year: $37,071.53
Non-Residents
First Year: $45,158.93
Second Year: $45,158.93
Third Year: $45,158.93
Fourth Year: $49,316.53
Colorado State University
Colorado State University provides an informative veterinary medicine education while also providing programs in which students can receive dual degrees, like their D.V.M and M.B.A combined program.
- Rank: 2
- Location: Fort Collins, CO
- Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $39,323
Non-Residents: $63,542
Cornell University
Cornell University strives to create the next generation of successful veterinarians. They offer a rigorous program as well as internship opportunities for their prospective students.
- Rank: 3 (Tie)
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $41,098
Non-Residents: $61,284
Ohio State University
Ohio State University works hard to provide an adequate veterinary medicine education while also providing unique programs for students to explore, such as Comparative and Translational Oncology.
- Rank: 3 (Tie)
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Acceptance Rate: 21.43%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $35,650
Second Year: $35,500
Third Year: $35,650
Fourth Year: $53,329
Non-Residents:
First Year: $77,392
Second Year: $35,510
Third Year: $35,660
Fourth Year: $53,344
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University unites innovative medical care with a love for animals. They strive to shape their students into caring and efficient veterinarians.
- Rank: 5 (Tie)
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Acceptance Rate: 16.7%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $24,985
Non-Residents: $55,674
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania stands as the only vet school to originate within a medical school. They excel in areas like germ cell biology and comparative medical genetics.
- Rank: 5 (Tie)
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Acceptance Rate: 18.63%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $61,686
Non-Residents: $71,688
University of Florida
The University of Florida has a diverse vet program that offers a variety of options to prospective students. Aspiring vets can choose to specialize in small or large animals.
- Rank: 7 (Tie)
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Acceptance Rate: 13.7%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $28,790
Non-Residents: $45,500
University of Georgia
Accumulating an astounding 7,500 living alumni, the University of Georgia remains as an impressive veterinary school.
- Rank: 7 (Tie)
- Location: Athens, GA
- Acceptance Rate: 9.22%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $17,514
Second Year: $17,514
Third Year: $26,271
Fourth Year: $17,514
Non-Residents:
First Year: $47,176
Second Year: $47,176
Third Year: $55,892
Fourth Year: $47,176
University of Wisconsin – Madison
The University of Wisconsin provides a teaching hospital on campus to give prospective students experience in the field of veterinary medicine. They also offer dual programs.
- Rank: 7 (Tie)
- Location: Madison, WI
- Acceptance Rate: 4.94%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $33,021
Non-Residents: $53,245
Texas A&M University – College Station
Texas A&M University provides three years of intense education and laboratory experience. It uses the final year of the program for clinicals so students can earn real-life experience working with animals.
- Rank: 10
- Location: College Station, TX
- Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $26,320
Second Year: $26,694
Third Year: $27,068
Fourth Year: $29,160
Non-Residents:
First Year: $42,022
Second Year: $42,640
Third Year: $43,256
Fourth Year: $45,549
Auburn University
As the seventh-oldest vet school, Auburn University has produced around 7,000 veterinarians and 550 specialists.
- Rank: 11 (Tie)
- Location: Auburn, AL
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $29,608
Non-Residents: $50,992
Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers five different departments in which students can earn their D.V.M. Some of these departments include Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Pathology.
- Rank: 11 (Tie)
- Location: Ames, IA
- Acceptance Rate: 8.08%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $28,491
Non-Residents: $48,639
Purdue University – West Lafayette
Purdue University has produced 3,000 veterinarians, but they don’t just offer students seeking a D.V.M. They also offer a veterinary nursing program.
- Rank: 11 (Tie)
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Acceptance Rate: 18.27%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $22,931
Second Year: $22,931
Third Year: $22,931
Fourth Year: $24,993
Non-Residents:
First Year: $47,759
Second Year: $47,759
Third Year: $47,759
Fourth Year: $49,866
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota has produced 4,000 veterinarians. They also provide unique additions to the program, such as dairy, swine, and avian medicine.
- Rank: 11 (Tie)
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Acceptance Rate: 7.3%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $34,582
Non-Residents: $62,122
Michigan State University
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University provides an invigorating four-year vet program composed of various departments. These departments range from pathobiology and toxicology. They also have a veterinary nurse program.
- Rank: 15
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $15,814
Non-Residents: $23,718
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois started to offer veterinary courses in 1870, shortly after its founding. They have since grown to be the first to offer an online program.
- Rank: 15 (Tie)
- Location: Urbana, IL
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $29,708
Non-Residents: $53,214
Washington State University
Washington State University boasts its accreditation from 4 accrediting agencies. This university is also ranked highly for its extramural research support.
- Rank: 15 (Tie)
- Location: Pullman, WA
- Acceptance Rate: 11.2%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $27,332
Second Year: $27,332
Third Year: $27,332
Fourth Year: $38,934
Non-Residents:
First Year: $62,936
Second Year: $27,332
Third Year: $27,332
Fourth Year: $38,934
Tufts University
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is the only veterinary school in New England. The school offers One Health programs that focus on initiatives like wildlife conservation.
- Rank: 18
- Location: North Grafton, MA
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $61,118
Non-Residents: $67,618
Kansas State University
Kansas State University prides itself on its dedication to the welfare of animals. They provide various track opportunities for prospective students, like their Exotic Animals track.
- Rank: 19 (Tie)
- Location: Manhattan, KS
- Acceptance Rate: 11.1%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: $25,742
Non-Residents: $56,304
Virginia Tech – University of Maryland
Virginia Tech – University of Maryland provides an in-depth veterinary program that blends medical and scientific knowledge with clinical experience. Students perform several clinical rotations throughout the program to get plenty of hands-on experience. This university also gives different tracks for students to pursue, such as the equine track and even a mixed-species track.
- Rank: 19 (Tie)
- Location: Blacksburg, VA
- Acceptance Rate: 15.1%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $24,177
Second Year: $24,177
Third Year: $16,466
Fourth Year: $24,177
Non-Residents:
First Year: $55,388
Second Year: $55,388
Third Year: $37,720
Fourth Year: $55,388
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri blends veterinary medicine education with two years of hands-on experience. Students learn a broad range of studies, like oncology and dentistry, to determine their specialty.
- Rank: 21
- Location: Columbia, MO
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents:
First Year: $32,184
Second Year: $32,184
Third Year: $36,184
Fourth Year: $32,184
Non-Residents: $75,398
University of Guelph
Based in Canada, The University of Guelph provides a vigorous veterinary medicine program that branches off into three different pathways: Clinical Studies, Pathobiology, and Population Medicine.
- Rank: 1 (in Canada)
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
Annual Tuition Cost
Canadian Residents: 10,127.59 CAD ($7401)
International: 87,795 CAD ($64,161)
As you can see, the top vet schools in North America vary in tuition costs and the tracks they offer. This gives you plenty of options to choose from when you’re ready to apply. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are vet schools outside of the region as well.
Find More North American Vet Schools
To discover even more top vet schools, check out our veterinary program comparison platform! You’ll be able to compare and contrast vet schools in the US based on a number of factors like class size, campus location, and more.
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Best Vet Schools in Europe
Below, you’ll find the top 5 best colleges for veterinary medicine in Europe. If you decide to apply to these vet schools, make sure you check that you meet the prerequisites, as they might differ from the U.S. prerequisites. Even if you attend a college with a vet major, you may need additional requirements.
Discover some great schools for aspiring veterinarians below!
Royal Veterinary College – University of London
The Royal Veterinary College remains one of the largest vet schools in the world. The university provides a variety of programs in veterinary medicine as well as veterinary nursing. The school is considered one of the best vet schools in the world.
- Rank: 3 (United Kingdom)
- Location: London, UK
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
Annual Tuition Cost
UK Residents: 9,250 GBP ($12,601.57)
International: 41,500 GBP ($50,717,98)
Utrecht University
Utrecht University is the only vet school in the Netherlands. This university provides a challenging vet program with clinicals as well as research placement options.
- Rank: 1 (Netherlands)
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Acceptance Rate: We could not find an exact acceptance rate for this university, but most acceptance rates of vet schools range from 10% to 15%.
Annual Tuition Cost
EU, Surinamese, or Swiss Students: €4802 ($5072.41)
Non-EU: €14,665 ($15,490.82)
University of Glasgow
Founded in 1862, the University of Glasgow offers a competent vet program that molds successful veterinarians.
- Rank: 4 (United Kingdom)
- Location: Glasgow, UK
- Acceptance Rate: We could not find an exact acceptance rate, but most acceptance rates of vet schools range from 10% to 25%.
Annual Tuition Cost
Scotland Residents and EU: £35,175 ($42959.23)
English, Welsh, and Northern Irish Residents: £35,175 ($42959.23)
International Students: £35,175 ($42959.23)
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers an intimate learning experience for prospective students. Their small class size provides a more personal vet program.
- Rank: 7 (United Kingdom)
- Location: Cambridge, UK
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
Annual Tuition Cost
UK Residents: £9,250 ($11299.94(
International: £67,194 ($82085.20)
Vet schools outside of the U.S. provide similar learning experiences for prospective students as those inside the U.S. Though these options are more expensive than schools in the United States, you don’t have to give up hope if you find that you are struggling to get into mixed-species U.S. vet schools.
Best Vet Schools in Oceania
Some of the best veterinary colleges around the world are found in Oceania. The two schools below are ordered by their respective world ranks. Read on to learn more about some of the best vet school programs.
The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney’s vet school uses research-driven teaching and cutting-edge technology to teach its students. Its “One Health” framework ensures you understand the link between human medicine, veterinary medicine, and the environment.
Rank: 2 (Australia)
Location: Sydney, Australia
Acceptance Rate: 30% (estimated, may be lower)
Annual Tuition Cost
Resident: 59,000 AUD ($42,000)
Non-resident: 72,000 AUD ($45,817.20)
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne offers flexible course offerings for all your veterinary interests. After you take core courses, you’ll be able to follow your own interest areas with the school’s “Tracks program.”
Rank: 3 (Australia)
Location: Parkville, Australia
Acceptance Rate: Because of the university’s guaranteed entry for high-achieving domestic students, we could not find an exact acceptance rate for this school.
Annual Tuition Cost
Resident: AUD$$64,288 ($40,903,24)
Non-resident: $80,448 ($51185.04)
Best Vet Schools In Latin America and Asia
If you’re wondering which colleges offer veterinary programs in Asia or Latin America, these three schools are ranked highest in their regions.
The University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo’s Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences focuses on animal medicine and research at the molecular, cellular, and in vivo levels to understand disease and animal health.
- Rank: 3 (Japan)
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Acceptance Rate: 35% for total enrolment, but no specific information was found about its veterinary program.
Annual Tuition Cost
Residents: ¥520,800 ($4,500)
Non-residents: There is no evidence on the University of Tokyo’s website that suggests international students must pay additional fees.
Universidade de São Paulo
The Universidade de São Paulo School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science organizes its teaching through six departments, including Pathology, Internal Medicine, and Surgery.
- Rank: 1 (Brazil)
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
Annual Tuition Cost
The school does not list tuition fees for DVM students.
Seoul National University
The Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine was the first university to gain accreditation in Asia. The school’s program offers courses on many animals, including poultry, horses, and more.
- Rank: 1 (South Korea)
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Acceptance Rate: 15% across all programs, but we could not find data on its DVM program.
Annual Tuition Cost
No information on current tuition was found, but 2015 tuition rates were approximately $4,700 per semester. The university explains that their current tuition rates are $6,000 per semester on average but do not supply exact numbers.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Vet School
To get the best jump-start possible on your veterinary career, you’ll need to choose the right vet school. This may seem overwhelming due to all the choices you have but don’t worry. Here are some factors you should think about.
Available Programs & Requirements
Pay close attention to the programs that your desired schools offer. Look into different specialties and program offerings. You’ll need to make sure that you can actually study what you’re interested in before you apply to vet school.
You may also want to pay attention to the vet program duration. How long are you willing to stay in veterinary school? Look at how long the vet programs take and see if it fits with your personal goals and aspirations.
Be sure to pay attention to the requirements for each vet school as well, as they may differ. Some veterinary schools may be harder to get into than others. Pay attention to the prerequisites and be sure that you can complete them during your undergrad.
Location
It may be exciting to attend vet school in a different country or even continent, but make sure that it’s also a practical choice before you jump in headfirst. Do you have the means and resources to move far away? Will there be a language barrier?
In many cases, being an international student may also be more expensive. This brings us to our next point:
Cost
While there are many financial aid options available, veterinary school can be very costly. It can be very difficult to get out of debt once you’re in it, so be sure not to choose a school that is too far out of your price range.
School Culture
In order to truly thrive in vet school, you need to feel comfortable in the school’s community. Consider the mission, vision, and values of each school before you decide. Sometimes, it’s also helpful to talk to past students to get a feel for the culture.
The World’s Best Veterinary Schools: FAQs
If you still have questions about the world’s best veterinary schools, read on to learn more and get the answers you need.
1. Does It Matter Where I Earn My Vet Degree?
We all know that schools like Harvard and Yale provide clout, and while earning a DVM from UC Davis or Cornell might catch the eye of employers, most people are impressed by your scores, not where you earned your degree.
You can always strive to apply to the top schools, but if you can’t get in, don’t let this discourage you from pursuing a DVM from another school. Employers want to know that you have the medical knowledge and that you can provide the best care for the patients. The best way to showcase your knowledge is by earning good grades in your classes and scoring high on the NAVLE.
2. What Is the Best Veterinary College In the World?
Although different sites have different veterinary school rankings, UC Davis and the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London are considered some of the best veterinary schools in the world.
3. What Region Has the Best Veterinary Schools In the World?
Most of the top-ranked veterinary schools worldwide are in North America., the U.K., Europe, or Oceania, although excellent schools can be found around the globe.
4. Why Should I Consider Earning My DVM Abroad?
There are many reasons you may want to consider vet schools around the world. Some students may want to gain a greater global understanding or grasp the opportunity to live in another country for four years. Studying abroad can help you expand your international network and eventually practice veterinary medicine in another country. Some schools abroad are also cheaper than U.S. schools.
5. Out of the Best Vet Schools in the U.S., Which is Easiest to Get Into?
Vet schools are competitive. Of all U.S. schools listed above, the highest acceptance rate is 15%. Therefore, there really isn’t an “easiest” school to get into.
6. How Do I Choose Between All the Best Vet Schools in the World?
School selection can be challenging, especially when there are so many top-ranked veterinary schools worldwide to choose from. The best vet school in the world for you is the one whose culture and offerings align best with your interests and professional goals.
Consider what you want to do with your DVM once you graduate, which schools offer courses that excite you, and the school’s location.
Where In the World Will You Go to Vet School?
Becoming a veterinarian proves to be an exciting but challenging journey. You get the opportunity to turn your passion into a career alongside some of the brightest students. Though there are fewer vet schools than medical schools, you still have many options through the top veterinary schools in the world. No matter what pathway you decide to follow, you’ll be able to find a vet school that suits your needs.
Whether you want to attend school in the U.S. or elsewhere, you have plenty of schools to choose from. We hope this guide helps you narrow down your options to make the selection process a little easier.
