Skip to main content

Pathway · Veterinary Medicine

Getting into Veterinary Medicine: every step from Year 10 to your offer

Vet school is competitive, and every school asks for something slightly different. Strong grades in Chemistry and Biology, real animal experience, a school’s own forms and a good interview. Here is what matters when, and how we help.

We pair students with tutors who know the subject and the route, at the stages where it counts.

Facts checked against official sources on 6 November 2026.

Veterinary Medicine at a glance

Apply by
6pm on 15 October, a year before starting (15 October 2026 for 2027 entry). UCAS hasn’t published the 2028-entry date yet.
Choices
No more than four courses across medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses combined, out of five UCAS choices in total.
Schools
The RCVS lists the UK and Ireland vet schools it accredits or is accrediting. Check a school is on its list.
Typical offers
Mostly AAA with Chemistry, and usually Biology. Cambridge asks A*AA, Nottingham AAB, UCLan AAB or ABB and SRUC ABB (2027 entry).
Admissions tests
No national test. Cambridge sets the ESAT. Nottingham, Glasgow and Surrey set their own online tests, and most others use a form or questionnaire.
Experience
It ranges from none required (Bristol) to 140 hours (RVC) or five weeks (Nottingham). Most want vet practice and other animal work.
Interviews
Mostly multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), from November to March. Some are recorded online (Liverpool, Surrey). Bristol’s standard route has no interview.
Competition
The Vet Schools Council puts the chance of a place at about 50%, but each applicant applies to four schools. Cambridge says 6 applications per place.

Start here

Which year is your child in?

Pick a year to see what to do now. The timeline below marks where you are.

Year 12: what to do now

Programmes, gateway years and experience

  1. Watch for Sutton Trust summer school applications: RVC’s 2025 window ran 14 January to 6 March
  2. Check gateway deadlines: Liverpool’s foundation year closes 13 January 2027 (mature applicants)
  3. Book placements early: RVC counts the last 18 months, Nottingham the last three years
  4. Make Year 12 exams count: they shape predicted grades

The journey

The vet timeline

  1. 1

    Year 10 to 11

    GCSEs and A-Level choices

    Chemistry is needed almost everywhere, and most schools want Biology too. Some schools weigh GCSEs: Bristol gives them 10% of its ranking.

  2. 2

    Year 12, autumn to January (you are here)

    Programmes and gateway years

    RVC’s 2025 Sutton Trust window ran 14 January to 6 March. Liverpool’s foundation year closes 13 January 2027 (mature applicants). RVC’s Gateway closes on the last Wednesday in January.

  3. 3

    Year 12, spring to summer

    Work experience

    RVC wants 70 hours in practice and 70 with live animals within 18 months. Nottingham wants five weeks within three years. Liverpool wants 15 days.

  4. 4

    Year 12, July to September

    Summer schools and choosing schools

    Summer schools run in July and August. Cambridge applicants register for the ESAT: in 2026 booking closed on 28 September.

  5. 5

    Year 13, by 15 October

    Apply through UCAS

    Up to four vet courses. Schools then send their own forms, often with deadlines in the last week of October.

  6. 6

    Year 13, October to November

    School forms and online tests

    Experience forms were due 22 October at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Harper and Keele, and 29 October at Liverpool. Nottingham’s online test follows, with two weeks to finish.

  7. 7

    Year 13, November to March

    Interviews

    RVC interviews in the UK from late November to December. Harper and Keele runs MMIs from November to January. Glasgow and Edinburgh interview until February or March.

  8. 8

    Year 13, January to August

    Offers and results

    RVC makes offers from January, and most applicants hear by early to mid-February. Offers depend on results, and RVC doesn’t use Clearing.

Scroll along the journey →

Honest priorities

What vet schools look at

Every vet school publishes its own method, and they differ more than medical schools do. This is the overall picture.

  • Matters most

    A-Level grades and predictions

    Most offers are AAA, with Chemistry and usually Biology. Contextual offers drop to ABB at Bristol, Nottingham and RVC.

  • Matters most

    Animal and vet experience, and what you learned

    Some schools set a minimum, such as Nottingham’s five weeks. Others score the reflection on it, such as Harper and Keele’s vocational experience form.

  • Matters most

    The school’s own form or questionnaire

    Bristol ranks applicants on grades and a questionnaire, with the questionnaire worth 70%. RVC scores a supplementary form. Late forms can end an application.

  • Matters a lot

    The interview

    RVC, Nottingham and Harper and Keele make offers on interview performance. Bristol’s standard route has no interview.

  • Matters, to some extent

    GCSEs

    Used very differently. Bristol gives them 10% of its ranking, while others set minimum grades, such as five at grade 7 at Liverpool and Surrey.

  • Helps

    Personal statement

    The Vet Schools Council says many schools don’t assess it. Others use it to screen or break ties. Cambridge doesn’t assess it but may ask about it.

Swipe for more →

Every stage we can support

From first conversation to results day

Twelve stages, from the first conversation to results day. Open any stage to see your to-do list and how we help.

  1. Any time, ideally Year 10 to 12

    Stage 1: A free consultation and a plan

    A first conversation about your child’s goals, grades and timeline, so nothing important is left to chance.

    Your to-do and how we help with A free consultation and a plan

    Your to-do

    • Bring recent reports and any mock or predicted grades
    • Note the courses or universities already on your list
    • Ask anything: we explain the whole route

    How Brainhub helps

    • A free consultation with someone who knows the veterinary medicine route
    • A written plan with next steps, key dates and the support worth having
    • Honest advice if a different course or route would suit your child better

    Book a free consultation →

  2. Year 10 to 11

    Stage 2: GCSEs that keep doors open

    GCSEs matter to some extent. Most schools set minimum grades, and Bristol scores them. Edinburgh asks for English at B or 6.

    Your to-do and how we help with GCSEs that keep doors open

    Your to-do

    • Aim for top grades in the sciences, maths and English
    • Check GCSE minimums at schools you might choose
    • Keep a list of animal and volunteering activities

    How Brainhub helps

    • GCSE tuition in the sciences, maths and English
    • Exam technique for the top grades

    GCSE tutors →

  3. Year 11

    Stage 3: Choosing A-Levels

    Chemistry is needed almost everywhere. Most schools also ask for Biology, though Bristol takes Chemistry plus one of Biology, Physics or Maths.

    Your to-do and how we help with Choosing A-Levels

    Your to-do

    • Take Chemistry, and usually Biology
    • Choose a third subject your child enjoys and will do well in
    • Check each school’s required subjects, and the science practical pass

    How Brainhub helps

    • Advice on A-Level choices for veterinary medicine
    • A head start on A-Level Chemistry and Biology over the summer

    How to choose A-Levels →

  4. Year 12 to 13

    Stage 4: A-Level grades and predicted grades

    Most offers are AAA, and Cambridge asks A*AA. Predicted grades decide whether your application is realistic, and Year 12 results feed them.

    Your to-do and how we help with A-Level grades and predicted grades

    Your to-do

    • Work steadily from the start of Year 12
    • Treat Year 12 mocks and end-of-year exams as real
    • Ask the school how and when predicted grades are set

    How Brainhub helps

    • A-Level Chemistry and Biology tutors
    • Past-paper practice matched to the exam board
    • A catch-up plan after a disappointing mock

    A-Level Chemistry tutors →

  5. Year 11 to 13

    Stage 5: Animal and vet experience

    Schools want to see what you learned from animals and vets. Most want both clinical and animal husbandry experience. RVC does not accept virtual experience.

    Your to-do and how we help with Animal and vet experience

    Your to-do

    • Find regular time with animals, such as a farm, stables or kennels
    • Arrange vet practice days early, and email many practices
    • Keep a diary: what you saw, what you learned, what surprised you

    How Brainhub helps

    • A written plan with dates for placements and applications
    • Mock interview questions built on your own experience
  6. Year 12

    Stage 6: Reading and understanding the profession

    Vet schools test whether you understand the job, including the hard parts. Reading and virtual courses give you something real to say.

    Your to-do and how we help with Reading and understanding the profession

    Your to-do

    • Try the free virtual work experience course from Nottingham
    • Follow veterinary news and the RCVS website
    • Think about animal welfare, the cost of care and ethics

    How Brainhub helps

    • Mock interview practice on ethics and welfare questions
    • Feedback on how you explain what you have learned
  7. Year 12, from the autumn

    Stage 7: Summer schools and outreach

    Free programmes give real insight. Some help with work experience or lead to a guaranteed interview. Most close well before the UCAS deadline.

    Your to-do and how we help with Summer schools and outreach

    Your to-do

    • Check who can apply to each programme below
    • Put every application window in your calendar
    • Ask your school which schemes it supports

    How Brainhub helps

    • Help choosing the programmes that fit, in the written plan
    • Application answers checked before you submit

    See the programmes →

  8. Year 12 summer to September

    Stage 8: Choosing four schools

    You can apply to no more than four vet courses. Schools weigh forms, experience and interviews very differently, so choose where your profile is strongest.

    Your to-do and how we help with Choosing four schools

    Your to-do

    • Read each school’s admissions statement
    • Match your choices to your experience and grades
    • Consider a gateway year as your fifth choice if you are eligible

    How Brainhub helps

    • A strategy session to shortlist four schools that suit your profile
    • A check of each school’s requirements against your grades
  9. Year 13, October to November

    Stage 9: School forms and online tests

    Most schools send their own form or test after you apply, with short deadlines. Late or incomplete forms can end an application.

    Your to-do and how we help with School forms and online tests

    Your to-do

    • Check each school’s deadline the day you apply
    • Write answers about experience and motivation in your own words
    • Take Nottingham’s online test in one sitting, within its window

    How Brainhub helps

    • Help planning answers to experience and motivation questions
    • Feedback on drafts before you send them
  10. Year 12 summer to September

    Stage 10: Personal statement

    Three questions sharing 4,000 characters. Many vet schools don’t assess it, but it still goes to every school and some use it to break ties.

    Your to-do and how we help with Personal statement

    Your to-do

    • List your animal and vet experiences and what you learned
    • Write a first draft over the summer
    • Leave time for your school to write its reference

    How Brainhub helps

    • Feedback on the personal statement
    • Comments that say what to write instead, not just what to cut

    Personal statement guide →

  11. Year 13, November to March

    Stage 11: Interview preparation

    Most schools use multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), and some are recorded online. RVC and Nottingham make offers on interview performance.

    Your to-do and how we help with Interview preparation

    Your to-do

    • Practise answering out loud, with a timer
    • Reread your experience diary and your forms
    • Prepare for ethics, motivation and teamwork stations

    How Brainhub helps

    • Mock MMIs and recorded-style interview practice
    • Feedback on structure, ethics and communication
    • A final mock before each real interview
  12. Year 13, January to August

    Stage 12: Offers, results day and next steps

    Offers depend on your A-Level results. If results fall short, there are options: resits, reapplying, a gateway year or another route in.

    Your to-do and how we help with Offers, results day and next steps

    Your to-do

    • Choose your firm and insurance offers
    • Keep working: the offer still needs the grades
    • Have a plan B ready before results day

    How Brainhub helps

    • A-Level revision and exam preparation
    • A written plan for reapplying or a different route
    • Support on results day

    A-Level results morning →

Admissions tests

Admissions tests and school forms

There is no UCAT for vet school. Edinburgh says it doesn’t use the BMAT, UKCAT, MCAT or VCAT. Instead, most schools use their own forms or online tests, sent after you apply.

  • ESAT

    Cambridge Veterinary Medicine: all applicants

    What
    The Engineering and Science Admissions Test, which replaced the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment. It covers school-level maths and science, with some choice of sections.
    When
    Register separately from UCAS. In 2026, booking closed on 28 September.
    Fee
    A fee applies, waived for UK applicants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds

    ESAT tutors →

  • Situational judgement test

    University of Nottingham

    Format
    Scenario-based multiple-choice questions. You have 60 minutes, though it should take about 30. Complete it in one sitting.
    When
    Sent after the 15 October deadline, with two weeks to finish
    Tests
    Empathy and client relationships, professional integrity, resilience and teamwork. You must complete it to be shortlisted.
  • Online tests for shortlisted applicants

    Glasgow and Surrey

    Glasgow
    An online ethical reasoning test of about 45 minutes. A good score leads to an interview.
    Surrey
    An online questionnaire based on the RCVS Day One Competences. It sorts applicants into interview, waiting list or reject.
  • School forms and questionnaires

    Most schools, in place of a test

    Bristol
    A Veterinary Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire. It carries 70% of the ranking, with A-Levels 20% and GCSEs 10%.
    RVC
    A supplementary form, due within five days of RVC receiving your application. RVC sends no reminder, and applicants who miss it go no further.
    Harper and Keele
    A vocational experience form, due by midnight on 22 October in 2026. Applications aren’t progressed until it is submitted.
    Others
    Experience forms at Glasgow and Edinburgh (22 October) and Liverpool (29 October)

Swipe for more →

Free summer schools and programmes

Free vet summer schools and programmes

Free programmes, mostly for students at UK state schools who meet widening participation criteria. Some help you meet work experience requirements, and one leads to a guaranteed interview. Windows are short, so check now.

  • Sutton Trust Summer School at RVC

    Royal Veterinary College with the Sutton Trust

    • Year 12
    • UK state school
    • Free

    A week-long residential split between RVC’s Camden campus in London and its Hawkshead campus in Hertfordshire. No prior animal experience is needed.

    Who
    Year 12 students (Year 13 in Northern Ireland, S5 in Scotland); 50 places
    When
    In 2026 it ran from 17 to 21 August. For 2025, applications ran from 14 January to 6 March. No 2027 dates are published yet.
    Cost
    Free, with travel, accommodation and food covered
    Who can apply to Sutton Trust Summer School at RVC
    • Attend a state school
    • From an under-represented background and meet other widening participation criteria, such as free school meals eligibility
    • Meet, or be on track to meet, the entry requirements for RVC’s Veterinary Gateway
    • Selected on achieved or predicted grades against the Gateway requirements

    Official page for Sutton Trust Summer School at RVC ↗

  • RVC Scholars Programme

    Royal Veterinary College

    • Year 12
    • State school
    • Free

    One Saturday a month over 18 months, at Camden, Hawkshead and online. Scholars who enrol full-time at RVC may receive up to £3,000 a year for up to four years.

    Who
    Year 12 students predicted to meet the BVetMed entry requirements; 10 places
    When
    Runs over 18 months. The application window isn’t stated in the source.
    Cost
    Free
    Who can apply to RVC Scholars Programme
    • UK or Irish national, or settled status
    • Predicted to meet the BVetMed entry requirements
    • Either at a state-funded school and eligible for free school meals now or during secondary school, or identify as Asian, Black, Mixed or Other ethnic group
    • Under 21 when joining

    Official page for RVC Scholars Programme ↗

  • RVC Work Experience Support Programme

    Royal Veterinary College

    • Work experience
    • State school
    • Free

    Supported work experience for students who have struggled to find placements. Applicants selected for it don’t need to meet RVC’s standard work experience requirement.

    Who
    Students aged about 17 applying to the BVetMed or Accelerated BVetMed; 10 to 20 places
    When
    Apply through UCAS by 15 October. Sessions run in the October half term, the February half term and August.
    Cost
    Free
    Who can apply to RVC Work Experience Support Programme
    • UK or Irish national, or settled status
    • Applying to the BVetMed or Accelerated BVetMed through UCAS by 15 October
    • Not yet completed 140 hours of work experience
    • Under 21, and from a state school with free school meals, or from an under-represented ethnic group

    Official page for RVC Work Experience Support Programme ↗

  • Pathways to Veterinary Medicine

    University of Nottingham

    • Year 12
    • State school
    • Free

    An 18-month programme of evening online sessions with a summer residential. It includes Nottingham’s five-day Sutton Trust Summer School in July.

    Who
    Year 12 students (Year 13 in Northern Ireland, S5 in Scotland); 35 places
    When
    Runs over 18 months, with five days in person in July. The application window isn’t stated in the source.
    Cost
    Free
    Who can apply to Pathways to Veterinary Medicine
    • Always attended a state school
    • Currently studying three or more A-Levels, including a science
    • Meeting more of the additional criteria improves your chance of a place
    • Completing it may lead to an enhanced contextual offer or the Nottingham Potential Bursary, both subject to change

    Official page for Pathways to Veterinary Medicine ↗

  • Destination Vets

    University of Liverpool

    • Year 12
    • Local students
    • Free

    A two-day programme in mid-July for students with a strong interest in veterinary science.

    Who
    Year 12 students aged 16 to 18; 12 places
    When
    Mid-July. Applications open in February and close in early May.
    Cost
    Free, with travel, lunch and protective equipment provided
    Who can apply to Destination Vets
    • A strong interest in veterinary science
    • Academic ability
    • At least one widening participation criterion
    • Currently open to local students only, non-residential

    Official page for Destination Vets ↗

  • Future Vet Programme

    Harper and Keele Veterinary School

    • Year 12
    • Guaranteed interview
    • Free

    Four sessions between February and May, two at Harper Adams and two at Keele. The Vet Schools Council says completing it guarantees an interview.

    Who
    Year 12 students on a suitable Level 3 pathway; 25 places
    When
    February to May. The application window isn’t stated in the source.
    Cost
    Free
    Who can apply to Future Vet Programme
    • On a suitable Level 3 pathway
    • Meet at least one widening participation criterion
    • The Vet Schools Council’s guide says completing the programme guarantees an interview, not an offer

    Official page for Future Vet Programme ↗

  • Diversity Summer School

    University of Edinburgh

    • Age 16+
    • Residential
    • Free

    A week-long residential at Easter Bush in mid-July, with accommodation at Pollock Halls.

    Who
    UK residents aged 16 or over, on track for the entry requirements; 15 places
    When
    Mid-July. The application window isn’t stated in the source.
    Cost
    Free
    Who can apply to Diversity Summer School
    • UK resident, aged 16 or over
    • On track to meet the entry requirements
    • At least one of: a widening participation criterion, a minority ethnic group, rural residence, male, disability, state school attendance, or mature (21 or over)

    Official page for Diversity Summer School ↗

  • Veterinary Summer School

    University of Lancashire with Medivet

    • Age 16 to 17
    • Residential
    • No course fee

    A residential in the first week of August for students planning to apply to veterinary medicine the following October.

    Who
    UK residents aged 16 to 17; 20 places
    When
    First week of August (the 2026 summer school). The application window isn’t stated in the source.
    Cost
    No course fees, with accommodation and meals provided. Travel is your own cost.
    Who can apply to Veterinary Summer School
    • UK resident
    • Planning to apply to veterinary medicine the following October
    • On track for the entry requirements
    • Plus one of: an under-represented ethnic group, contextual admissions criteria, or significant educational disruption

    Official page for Veterinary Summer School ↗

  • Vet Vibes: Veterinary Taster Day

    University of Bristol

    • Years 10 and 11
    • Contextual offer
    • Free

    A taster day at Bristol Veterinary School in Langford, with 50 places. The 2026 day ran on 28 March from 9am to 4pm.

    Who
    Mainly Years 10 and 11, though all ages may apply
    When
    The 2026 day was on 28 March. No 2027 date or deadline is published.
    Cost
    Free
    Who can apply to Vet Vibes: Veterinary Taster Day
    • Eligible for a contextual offer through a widening participation initiative
    • Complete the online form; places are confirmed after eligibility is checked with your school or college

    Official page for Vet Vibes: Veterinary Taster Day ↗

  • Virtual work experience course

    University of Nottingham

    • Any age
    • Online
    • Free

    A free online course on how practices are structured, the bodies that govern the profession, daily challenges and roles beyond general practice.

    Who
    Anyone applying to veterinary medicine, especially if placements are hard to find
    When
    Any time
    Cost
    Free, according to Nottingham and the Vet Schools Council. The council’s widening participation document lists £35 for similar courses, so check the current price.
    Who can apply to Virtual work experience course
    • Open to anyone
    • Counts for up to one week of Nottingham’s five-week requirement
    • Liverpool needs a virtual placement only if you can’t secure a five-day vet practice placement
    • RVC does not accept virtual experience

    Official page for Virtual work experience course ↗

Swipe for more →

Dates are the latest published, mostly for 2026, and nothing is published yet for 2027. Entries without their own page link to the Vet Schools Council’s widening participation document. Always check the official page.

Interviews

Vet school interviews: MMIs and panels

Most interviews run from November to March. Formats differ more than in medicine, so check each school. Practise out loud, with a timer.

  • Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs)

    RVC runs six five-minute stations and a 10-minute group task, all in person. Harper and Keele’s MMI is on site, with activities of about 10 minutes.

  • Recorded online interviews

    Liverpool’s is six recorded questions of up to four minutes each. Surrey’s is seven recorded questions. Both are finished in one sitting, in under an hour.

  • Panel interviews

    Nottingham interviews online on Microsoft Teams for about 30 minutes, with a short video-observation task. Glasgow’s panel has two members and covers experience and personal qualities.

  • Cambridge

    Usually two interviews of about 25 minutes, with two interviewers each. Some Colleges interview online and others in person.

  • No interview at Bristol

    Bristol’s standard route ranks applicants on grades and the questionnaire. Its gateway applicants are interviewed.

  • Offers rest on the interview

    RVC, Nottingham and Harper and Keele base offers on interview performance, so the interview matters more than the stage before it.

Swipe for more →

Open days and admissions teams

Open days and talking to vet schools

Vet schools hold open days and applicant days, often in the summer and autumn. Check each school’s events page for dates, and email the admissions office with questions, because rules differ by school.

Questions worth asking

  • How much experience do you expect, and which kinds count?
  • Do you accept virtual experience?
  • How do you select: a form, a test, an interview, or a mix?
  • How do you use GCSEs and the personal statement?
  • Do you make contextual offers or run a widening participation scheme?
  • What is your policy on resits and reapplying?

If it doesn’t work out first time

There is more than one way into vet school

Many future vets don’t get in first time. A clear plan B keeps the goal alive.

  • Reapply the next year

    Check each school’s rules. RVC allows up to two applications to the BVetMed, and Edinburgh doesn’t normally enter resit applicants into selection.

  • Gateway and foundation years

    RVC’s Veterinary Gateway (typically CCC, five GCSEs at grade 4), Bristol’s (D108, BBC) and Nottingham’s (D190, BBC). RVC’s Gateway can be your fifth choice because it isn’t a veterinary application.

  • Foundation routes for other applicants

    Nottingham’s Preliminary Year is for strong students without the science A-Levels. Liverpool’s Year 0 is for mature learners, and Harper and Keele run foundation routes needing 70% in year zero.

  • Graduate entry

    A four-year course at RVC, Edinburgh and Bristol for those with a 2:1 in a related science. Cambridge’s is five years. Liverpool and Harper and Keele also have graduate routes.

  • A related degree first

    SRUC’s veterinary bioscience routes, where 70% in the first or second year guarantees an interview but not a place, and other animal science degrees.

Swipe for more →

Talk to someone who has been through it

Book a free consultation. We look at your child’s grades, experience and timeline, then suggest the next steps. No obligation.

Book a free consultation

Questions parents ask about vet school

  • When should my child start preparing for vet school?

    Proper preparation starts in Year 12, but Year 10 and 11 set it up: strong GCSEs, A-Levels with Chemistry and usually Biology, and regular time with animals.

  • How many vet schools are there in the UK?

    The RCVS lists the UK and Ireland vet schools it accredits or is accrediting, and some, such as UCLan and SRUC, are newer. Check a school is on the RCVS list before applying.

  • How many vet schools can you apply to?

    No more than four courses across medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science combined, from five UCAS choices in total. You only need one offer.

  • Which A-Levels do you need for vet school?

    Chemistry nearly always, and Biology at most schools. Bristol takes Chemistry plus one of Biology, Physics or Maths. Most offers are AAA, Cambridge asks A*AA, and Nottingham asks AAB.

  • Is there an admissions test for vet school?

    Not a national one. Cambridge sets the ESAT. Nottingham sets an online situational judgement test, and Glasgow an ethical reasoning test for shortlisted applicants. Many schools use their own form or questionnaire.

  • How much work experience does my child need?

    It varies. RVC asks for 70 hours in practice and 70 with live animals within 18 months. Nottingham asks for five weeks, Liverpool for 15 days, and Bristol sets no requirement. Check each school before you plan placements.

  • Do GCSEs matter for vet school?

    To some extent, and it varies. Bristol gives GCSEs 10% of its ranking, while Liverpool and Surrey ask for five at grade 7. Check each school before you choose.

  • What are MMIs for vet school?

    Multiple mini-interviews: a series of short stations testing communication, ethics, empathy and teamwork. RVC uses in-person MMIs, and Liverpool and Surrey use recorded online ones.

  • Are there free programmes for aspiring vets?

    Yes, for students who meet the criteria. The Sutton Trust summer school at RVC, RVC’s Scholars Programme and Work Experience Support Programme, Nottingham’s Pathways and Liverpool’s Destination Vets are free. Check who can apply to each.

  • How does Brainhub help with vet school applications?

    We start with a free consultation and a written plan, then support each stage: A-Level Chemistry and Biology tuition, personal statement feedback and mock interviews.

Read next

Sources (34)
  1. UCAS: dates and deadlines for 2027 entry
  2. UCAS: filling in your application (the four-course limit)
  3. RCVS: how do I become a vet?
  4. RCVS: accrediting veterinary qualifications
  5. Vet Schools Council: admissions guide for UK veterinary schools, 2027
  6. Vet Schools Council: admissions guide, 2026
  7. Vet Schools Council: widening participation interventions
  8. Vet Schools Council: work experience
  9. Vet Schools Council: FAQs
  10. RVC: how we select for Veterinary Medicine, 2026 entry
  11. RVC: application, entry requirements and assessment policy
  12. RVC: applying to the RVC
  13. RVC: widening participation criteria, 2026 entry onwards
  14. RVC: Graduate Accelerated BVetMed
  15. RVC: BVetMed with Integrated Foundation Year
  16. RVC: Sutton Trust Summer School
  17. Sutton Trust: RVC summer school
  18. Sutton Trust: summer school eligibility
  19. Bristol: Veterinary Science admissions statement, 2027 entry
  20. Bristol: BVSc Gateway to Veterinary Science
  21. Bristol: Vet Vibes taster day
  22. Liverpool: Veterinary Science entry requirements
  23. Liverpool: how to apply for Veterinary Science
  24. Nottingham: vet how to apply
  25. Nottingham: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
  26. Nottingham: Gateway Year
  27. Nottingham: preliminary and gateway courses explained
  28. Edinburgh: Veterinary Medicine entry requirements
  29. Edinburgh: undergraduate admissions guide, 2025 entry
  30. Glasgow: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, 2027
  31. Cambridge: Veterinary Medicine (VetMB)
  32. Cambridge Veterinary School: how to apply
  33. Surrey: Veterinary Medicine and Science admissions process
  34. Harper and Keele Veterinary School: how to apply

Facts checked against official sources on 6 November 2026. Rules, dates and criteria change every year, so check each official page before you apply.