HOW TO PURSUE VETERINARY SCIENCE COURSE?
Introduction
Veterinary science is an important, rewarding field concerned with the medical care of treatment and welfare of animals. A Veterinary course covers all aspects of learning by a student in diagnosing and treating diseases in animals, performing surgical operations, and contributing to public health through the study of zoonotic diseases. Becoming a veterinarian requires years of academic study in combination with practical experience and a strong passion for animal welfare.
Details on pursuing a Veterinary course, more so the opportunities abroad but also highlights the options in India, have been provided in the article below.
Why Undertake a Veterinary Science Course?
Studying Veterinary Science has ceased merely to be a career but an engagement to better the life of fauna and thereby improve human health. Following are some reasons why one must opt for a career as a veterinary abroad:
Love for animals: Those who have a deep love for animals, a career in veterinary sciences offers very good prospects to have a direct beneficial effect on them.
Various Career Options: Veterinary Science opens up a wide range of career opportunities. One can either go into private practice as a veterinarian or get involved in research work, public health, or wildlife conservation.
Preventive Medicine: Veterinarians are very helpful in the prevention and control of diseases amongst animals, which have very important repercussions on public health.
(Suggested Read: How to study a Zoology Course abroad?)
Research and Innovation: Veterinary Science offers various opportunities to research different animal diseases, genetics, and behaviors, many of which have led to various advances in veterinary medicine and animal science.
Contribution to Society: Guaranteeing the health and welfare of animals contributes to the total health of ecosystems and human societies.
Veterinary Course: A Global Perspective
Courses in Veterinary Science are available at almost all levels of learning from different parts of the world. The courses generally have three different levels: undergraduate studies, BVSc; postgraduate studies, MVSc; and PhD. Students may also pursue diploma courses in order to acquire certain skills that increase employability.
Though veterinary education is well established in India, studying abroad introduces the students to newer research, state-of-the-art technologies, and best practices followed globally.
(Note: As discussed above, look out for best places to pursue higher education abroad for career growth)
Best Countries to Study Veterinary Abroad
United States
- Overview: Veterinary studies in the U.S. comprise the best schools in the world with advanced and sophisticated facilities and the highest level of research opportunities.
- Top Universities in the USA for veterinary are
- University of California, Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- Course duration: A typical DVM degree is 4 years. Eligibility: A good academic background in biology, chemistry, physics plus good scores in tests like GRE.
- Cost: Tuition fees range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year depending on the university.
United Kingdom
- Overview: The UK has some of the world's best veterinary programs with an extreme emphasis on clinical practice and research.
- Top Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Royal Veterinary College.
- Course Duration: 5 or 6 years to a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine - BVM or Bachelor of Veterinary Science - BVSc.
- Eligibility: High school with science subjects; passing exams such as A-levels or their equivalent.
- Cost: International students' tuition: from £20,000 to £38,000 yearly.
Australia
- Overview: Australian veterinary courses are focused on large exposure in domestic and exotic animals.
- Top Universities: University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland.
- Course Duration: 5 years - BVSc.
- Eligibility: The minimum requirement for admission is a high school diploma with science subjects. English proficiency tests include IELTS or TOEFL.
- Cost: Tuition costs vary from a minimum of AUD 30,000 to as high as AUD 60,000 annually.
(Suggested Read: Step by step process to study in Australia)
Canada
- Overview: Canada offers world-class education in veterinary studies, with ample scope for students to participate in large animal and small animal study along with research.
- Top universities: University of Guelph, University of Calgary, and Université de Montréal.
- Course duration: DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) takes four years.
- Admissibility: Undergraduate degree in a related field, competitive GPA, and MCAT or GRE scores.
- Cost: CAD 20,000–CAD 50,000 in tuition per year.
Germany
- Overview: Provides highly reputable veterinary education with a strong emphasis on research for very low or no tuition for international students.
- Top Universities: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
- Course Duration: 5 to 6 years for a degree in Veterinary Medicine.
- Eligibility: A high school certificate with intimate knowledge of sciences, and proficiency in the German language.
- Cost: In general, the course is fee-based, but the universities and colleges here are the cheapest compared to other countries. Each year, tuition fees are normally priced between €1,500 and €3,000.
(Check Out: Are there any scholarships to study in Germany?)
Veterinary Courses in India
India also offers deeper veterinary education into different levels. The design of the courses is to equip the student sufficiently so that one is confident enough to practise veterinary medicine from the urban setting to the most interior drop in India.
Undergraduate: The most standard BVSc veterinary course has a duration of 5 years. In general terms, student selection is usually based on the NEET score.
Post Graduate Courses: One can also take up Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) as a program for specialization in surgery, pathology, pharmacology, etc. Admission is through ICAR AIEEA scores.
(Suggested Read: All about Pharmacology course to study abroad)
Top Colleges in India: Some of the top colleges for veterinary sciences in India are Indian Veterinary Research Institute- IVRI, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University-TANUVAS, and Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University-KVASU.
Are there any Career Prospects for Veterinary graduates?
Veterinary course graduates have immense scope of work. They can work in private practice, research, work with government services or animal welfare organisations. Mentioned below are few of the common job profiles under this domain −
- Veterinarian: Diagnosis and treatment of animal health issues either in clinics or hospitals.
- Animal Surgeon: Surgery on injured or ill animals for treatment.
- Animal Pathologist: Study of diseases in animals and its causes and effects.
- Wildlife Veterinarian: Work with wildlife in conservation areas or zoos.
- Veterinary Researcher: Do research for the betterment of health and treatment of animals.
Fees
The course fee for veterinary science varies a lot for different countries and institutions. Studying abroad usually involves a greater tuition fee. But international students often have the accessibility to scholarships and other financial aids. In India, the government colleges also cost less than the private colleges.
Conclusion
Veterinary courses are the most respectable and dignified profession that a student could ever dream of, taken either in India or abroad. The field is multi-dimensional from clinical practice to research, with opportunities to contribute much to the improvement of animal health and welfare. Adequately trained and educated veterinarians can make a good contribution toward both economic and health benefits for society.
FAQS
What entrance exams are required for Veterinary Science courses?
- Answer: In India, the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is required for admission to undergraduate veterinary programs. For postgraduate courses, the ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination) is commonly used. Abroad, entrance exams like the GRE or MCAT may be required, depending on the country and institution.
Which are the top countries to study Veterinary Science abroad?
- Answer: Some of the top countries for studying Veterinary Science include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany. These countries offer world-renowned programs with excellent facilities and research opportunities.
What are the top universities for Veterinary Science abroad?
- Answer: Leading universities include:
- United States: University of California, Davis; Cornell University; Colorado State University.
- United Kingdom: University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Royal Veterinary College.
- Australia: University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland.
- Canada: University of Guelph, University of Calgary, Université de Montréal.
- Germany: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
What is the duration of a Veterinary Science course?
- Answer: The duration of veterinary courses varies by level and country:
- Undergraduate (BVSc or equivalent): 5 to 6 years.
- Postgraduate (MVSc or equivalent): 2 to 3 years.
- Doctoral (PhD): 3 to 5 years.
- Diploma courses: 1 to 2 years.
What is the cost of studying Veterinary Science abroad?
- Answer: Tuition fees for veterinary courses abroad can vary significantly:
- United States: $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: £20,000 to £38,000 per year.
- Australia: AUD 30,000 to AUD 60,000 per year.
- Canada: CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
- Germany: €1,500 to €3,000 per year (low or no tuition in many cases). Scholarships and financial aid may be available for international students.
What career opportunities are available after completing a Veterinary Science course?
- Answer: Graduates can pursue careers as veterinarians in private practice, animal surgeons, wildlife veterinarians, animal pathologists, veterinary researchers, or work with animal welfare organizations. They can also specialize in areas like wildlife conservation, epidemiology, or public health.
What is the average salary for a veterinarian in India and abroad?
- Answer: In India, the average salary for a veterinarian ranges from INR 2.8 LPA to INR 6 LPA. Abroad, salaries can vary widely:
- United States: $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: £30,000 to £45,000 per year.
- Australia: AUD 60,000 to AUD 100,000 per year.
- Canada: CAD 60,000 to CAD 90,000 per year.
