University of Alberta Partnership
A partnership between the University of Alberta and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
In partnership with the University of Alberta, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies offers students who have successfully completed three years of study on an eligible UAlberta BSc programme the opportunity to enter onto the accelerated 4 year BVM&S Programme. This agreement allows students to graduate with an internationally accredited veterinary degree in a combined total of 7 years and receive a qualification from both UAlberta (BSc) and the University of Edinburgh (BVM&S).
Download Partnership Brochure - 2023 Entry
Introduction
- Video: Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh
- An introduction to Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh for prospective students.
To be eligible to apply you must be at least in your second year of study at the University of Alberta, achieving good grades in all Major Courses, and be on track to obtain an overall GPA of 3.4 or above (on a 4 point scale) by the end of your third year on one of the following programmes:
- BSc in Animal Health, Companion and Performance Animals Major
- BSc in Animal Health, Food Animal Major
- BSc in Agriculture, Animal Science Major
We also look for evidence of relevant animal handling experience.
Students successfully completing the BVM&S are eligible to transfer up to 30 credits towards the programmes outlined above, thus allowing them to graduate from their BSc.
We do not request specific types of work experience or state days/weeks required, as it depends to some extent on the opportunities available to you. The broader your experience the better, but you should not gain experience to the detriment of your academic studies. You should, however, gain both veterinary practice and animal work experience.
Tuition Fees
All candidates for the 4-year programme are considered on a full-fees basis.
The tuition fee for 2023 entry is £35,200 per year.
The annual tuition fee for the BVM&S degree is fixed for the full duration of the course.
R(D)SVS International Scholarships
The School offers two scholarships for overseas students beginning their studies on the BVM&S. Each scholarship is worth £5,000 per year and is tenable for the duration of their degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress.
R(D)SVS International Scholarship
Living Costs
We estimate students will need approximately £750 per month for living costs, including room and board. In addition to these expenses, you will also need to consider initial, annual and miscellaneous costs (deposits, bedding, textbooks, insurance, travel, etc).
The most up-to-date information on estimated living costs is available on the University website:
How to Apply
Partnership applications for 2023 entry are now closed. Applications for 2024 entry will open in September 2023.
Your partnership application is made up of 3 elements - Application Form, Additional Documents, and Work Experience Summary Form.
1. Application Form
Complete and submit an online application form.
Complete a Partnership Application Form
2. Additional Documents
After submission of an application form, please send the additional documents listed below to vetug@ed.ac.uk (BVM&S Admissions Team):
Transcript
An up-to-date academic transcript from your home institution.
Letter of Recommendation
An academic reference from your home institution (can be submitted directly to vetug@ed.ac.uk by the referee if preferred).
Resume/CV
A summary of your educational background, including any English Language tests achieved to date (if applicable).
Personal Statement
A personal statement of up to 500 words.
Send Your Additional Documents by Email
3. Work Experience Summary Form
Please also complete an online Work Experience Summary (WES) form detailing veterinary/animal-related work experience (paid and unpaid).
Please disregard any mentions of a 22 October deadline - this is only for candidates applying via UCAS.
Once you click the "Submit WES Form" button at the bottom of the page, this sends us your form automatically - you do not need to send us a copy by email.
Please ignore any instructions to upload your WES to a EUCLID account – this is only for candidates that apply via UCAS.
All selected applicants will be required to attend an Assessment Day/Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
The aim of our BVM&S Assessment Days is to measure aptitude as part of a holistic assessment of candidates.
Assessment Days are normally arranged between December and March each year.
Assessment Days for the 2023 cycle will be conducted in-person.
Assessment Days in North America will take place in early February, in San Francisco and New York.
Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of a place by the end of March. If you are offered a place, you must successfully pass the first years of your degree at the required standard and meet our English language requirements. You are required to pass all of the science modules which make up the first years of your programme.
In addition to the accelerated partnership route (for entry after 3 years of study), we are pleased to facilitate direct applications to the 4 year BVM&S Programme from students in their final year of study at the University of Alberta (for entry post-graduation).
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for graduate entry, you must be in your final year of study at the University of Alberta, achieving good grades in all Major Courses, and be on track to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.4 or above (on a 4 point scale) on one of the following programmes:
- BSc in Animal Health, Companion and Performance Animals Major
- BSc in Animal Health, Food Animal Major
- BSc in Agriculture, Animal Science Major
We also look for evidence of relevant animal handling experience.
Application Process
You are invited to apply via the How to Apply section above. The process mirrors that of the accelerated partnership route, with the same required documents and deadlines.
Questions?
If you have any questions about applying for entry as a graduate, please get in touch with a University of Edinburgh representative via the contact details at the bottom of the page.
- Video: BVM&S student experience - Canada
- A BVM&S student from Canada discusses her experience of studying at the University of Edinburgh.
Admissions Presentation

Easter Bush Campus

Your University of Alberta advisor
UAlberta ALES Student Services
2-06 Agriculture-Forestry Centre | +1 780-492-4933 | questions.ales@ualberta.ca
Mr Garry Tainsh
BVM&S International Partnerships Officer
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Contact details
- Email: garry.tainsh@ed.ac.uk
Address
- Street
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus- City
- Midlothian
- Post Code
- EH25 9RG