The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies Bicentenary

Early Acceptance

Students at selected institutions are invited to apply for early acceptance to our 4-year Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine Programme

Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh

Video: Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh (2023)
An introduction to Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh for prospective students.

What is Early Acceptance?

Early Acceptance is where a student in their Junior Year is invited to submit a free direct application to our 4-year Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine Programme for entry post-graduation. This differs from the typical Vet School application process where students ordinarily apply in their Senior Year.

Eligibility

To apply for Early Acceptance, you must be:

  • In your Junior Year on an appropriate programme at a selected institution*
  • On track to graduate with a GPA of 3.4 or above (on a 4-point scale)
  • Achieving grade C or better in our prerequisites:
    • Biology/Zoology
    • Physics
    • Biochemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Mathematics/Statistics

If any prerequisites are still to be achieved, these would be included in any offer conditions.

We also look for evidence of relevant animal handling experience.

*Early Acceptance is only available to students at selected institutions – if you are unsure whether it is available to you, please get in touch via the contact details at the bottom of the page.

Work Experience

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.

Finances

Tuition Fees

All candidates for the 4-year programme are considered on a full-fees basis.

The tuition fee for 2025 entry is £39,700 per year.

The tuition fee for 2026 entry will be confirmed by summer 2025.

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 Scholarships

Living Costs

In addition to fixed living costs for rent and the like, 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:

Student Living Costs

How to Apply

Applications for 2026 entry via Early Acceptance are now open.

Your Early Acceptance 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 an Early Acceptance 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.

Complete a Work Experience Summary Form

Candidate Interviews

All selected applicants will be required to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

The aim of our interviews is to measure aptitude as part of a holistic assessment of candidates.

Interviews in North America normally take place in early February, in San Francisco and New York.

Candidate Interviews

What Happens Next?

Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of a place by the end of March.

Any offer will be conditional upon you graduating with a GPA of 3.4 or above (on a 4-point scale) and achieving stated grades in any remaining prerequisites.

Useful Links

Four-Year BVM&S Programme

University Accommodation

Student Support

Mr Garry Tainsh

Senior International Partnerships Officer

  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Contact details

Address

Street

The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus

City
Midlothian
Post Code
EH25 9RG