Pet ownership has seen a rise in numbers over the years. As of 2024,66% of households (about 86.9 million homes) in the US reported owning a pet, so it’s no surprise that a rise in demand for veterinary science experts is taking place.
With that surge, it’s no surprise that there is increased demand for veterinarians across the globe.
A 2019 report showed over 13,323 veterinary science students across the US. The number had increased by 2.3% compared to 2018, reflecting a positive outlook for future pet owners. More recently, data from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) revealed that the number of first-year veterinary students enrolled for the 2022-23 school year at US veterinary colleges exceeded 4,000 for the first time.
Unfortunately, the cost of a veterinary science programme has also increased in recent years.
According to the VIN Foundation, the average cost for four years of veterinary school coupled with living expenses is at an all-time high. It is estimated to cost more thanUS$200,000for residents and US$275,000 for international students.
Below are countries where you can earn your veterinary science degree at an affordable fee.
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11 of the cheapest universities to study veterinary science
1. Utrecht University, The Netherlands
In the 2022/23 academic year, the Netherlands welcomed a total of 122,287 international students in its higher education institutions. Only 13 medical universities are available, and among them, only one institution offers a veterinary programme.
Utrecht Universityis ranked #5 in the QS World University Ranking by subject 2024. Itoffers a bachelor’s and master’s programme in veterinary medicine — note, however, that these are conducted in Dutch.
For the academic year of 2026-2027, the tuition for non-European veterinary students at Utrecht University is 28,416 euros, or
US$32,464.43.
2. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
Since 2023, international students are now required to pay tuition fees at public universities in Norway. Still, the cost of higher education remains relatively low as compared to the popular picks of the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Norwegian Univerity of Life Sciences (NMBU) is the only institution in the country with a veterinary science programme, and at a PhD level, no less.
The tuition fee here is upwards of US$28,293.
3. Harper Adams University, UK
This might be a surprise, considering that UK universities can charge an exorbitant fee. However, Harper Adams University‘s undergraduate degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) offers you the opportunity to explore a contemporary and exciting curriculum that meets the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competences.
These competences describe the knowledge, skills, and attributes required of veterinary students upon graduation to ensure that they are prepared for their first role in the profession and safe to practise independently — perfect for aspiring veterinarians.
The annual tuition for international students for the 2026/27 academic year will pay 4,000 (US$5,296.90) pound sterling during their placement year and 17,160 pound sterling (US$22,723.70) for all courses. for a total of US$28,020.60.
With an increasing number of pets, the job of a veterinarian is becoming more popular. Source: Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels
4. Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
The Autonomous University of Barcelona‘s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is the only academic institution in Catalonia to have been awarded a quality assurance certificate from the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) in recognition of its quality training of professional veterinarians.
Its bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine is taught primarily in Catalan (69%) and Spanish (30%), with a little English thrown in the mix.
With each credit costing up to 17.69 euros (approximately US$20.21 at the time of writing), the total tuition fee of the 300-credit programme comes up to US$6,063.
5. IPB University, Indonesia
While many might be uncertain about pursuing their studies in Indonesia due to the language barrier, you won’t have that a problem at IPB University. Here, they cater well to international students, with the four-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science taught entirely in English.
Better yet, the cost of living here is relatively low, allowing you to not only earn your degree at an affordable cost, but to also immerse yourself in the cultural richness and wonders that Indonesia has to offer.
Tuition here costs around US$850 per semester and around US$6,800 for all eight semesters.
Vets are trained to handle a wide range of animals, from household pets to exotic zoo animals. Source: Gustavo Fring via Pexels
6. University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) is the only specialised university in its field in Austria and the only Austrian educational institution offering instruction in veterinary medicine.
Here, 61% of students pursuing their degrees come from a rural background. The tuition fee is low, with many students (citizens of Austria, the European Union, the European Economic Area, and those of the Swiss Confederation) being exempted from paying the fees throughout their studies.
International students who have a “Permanent Residence – EC” or “Permanent Residence – EU” issued by relevant authorities are exempted as well. Those who aren’t on the list pay up to US$1,518 per year.
7. University of Zurich, Switzerland
Aside from its high standards and picturesque location, Switzerland is renowned as one of the best countries to study medicine, including veterinary medicine.
The country’s top university, theUniversity of Zurich, offers a veterinary medicine programme and is even ranked as one of the leading veterinary medical universities in Europe, ranked #4in the QS World University Ranking by subject 2024.
The cost of pursuing a five-year bachelor’s in veterinary medicine programme herestarts as low as US$1,371 per year.
8. University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Germany
With over 458,210 international students, Germany is considered one of the most popular study abroad destinations. The country is home to49 universities ranked as the best in the world and19 veterinary science programmes.
TheUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo) is one of the top universities in the country for the field of veterinary medicine. Education here costs US$1,000 per year for international students looking to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s programme in veterinary medicine.
9. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), Lithuania
Aside from being ranked among the top universities in Lithuania, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) is the only institution in the country that trains veterinarians and veterinary food safety specialists.
LSMU is one of the most affordable places in Europe to study veterinary science. It is known for its modern facilities, hands-on clinical training, and high-quality education. Here, you will gain practical skills through the university’s animal clinics and research centres.
The cost of studying veterinary medicine at LSMU costs around 9,000 euros (US$10,579.50) for years one to three, and 10,500 euros (US$12,342.75) for your final year.
10. University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia
When you choose to study veterinary science at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice (UVMP), in Slovakia, you are choosing an EAEVE-approved institution known for its practical and hands-on training in animal health and food safety.
UVMP was the first school of veterinary medicine in Slovakia, and it remains the only institution in the country offering courses in veterinary medicine today.
It is one of the most affordable options in Europe for studying veterinary science, costing 8,950 euros (approximately US$10,519.38) per year.
11. Trakia University, Bulgaria
Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, is one of the top universities in the country and is one of the best institutions for studying veterinary medicine.
With access to modern veterinary clinics, laboratories, and research facilities, you will get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare for a career in the field.
The tuition fees is affordable at around 8,200 euros (US$9,631.31) per year, with living costs in Stara Zagora much lower than in bigger European cities.
12. King Mihai I University of Life Sciences, Romania
Previously known as Banat University of Agricultural Sciences, this Romanian university is tucked away in Timișoara, also known as “Little Vienna” or City of Roses. It’s a vibrant city in western Romania renowned for its stunning Austro-Hungarian architecture, vast green spaces, and rich cultural heritage.
Tuition is 7,000 euros (about US$8,000) per year. According to the university website, there are 45 vacant spots per academic year for a six-year training in veterinary medicine, conducted in English.
Veterinarians in the US make a median salary of roughly $125,510 annually. Source: University of Veterinary Sciences Brno
13. University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
The University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (VETUNI) — formerly known as UVPS — is the only university in the Czech Republic offering a veterinary medicine degree.
The university is located in Brno, a city in the Czech Republic known for its modernist buildings. Established in 1918, the university’s English-taught Master’s programme is internationally accredited and awards the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
According to the university website, the cost of living in the Czech Republic is significantly cheaper than in other EU countries at 650 euros (US$742.68) per month. Specifically, the university says: “This will allow you to live well, even if you do not rob a bank.
A doctoral study programme in English there is 4,700 euros
What it’s really like to work in veterinarian science
Even if you are a pet lover, working as a vet is not going to be easy. The degree involves not just academic rigour, but significant mental, physical, and emotional strain. Students must absorb vast amounts of medical knowledge while simultaneously developing hands-on clinical skills across a huge range of species.
Aspiring vets are also encouraged to gain real-world experience well before they graduate.
“It’s a tough degree, and everyone pursuing a veterinary medicine and science degree is incredibly intelligent,” Hing Tong Lee, a Malaysian who pursued a Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Edinburgh, shared with Study International.
“Before you apply for vet school, you should volunteer at vet practices, especially a busy one,” adds Lee. “Many vet schools – like the Royal Veterinary College – require you to have hours of work experience in the field as an entry requirement.”
The emotional weight of the profession can also be daunting. Students must build resilience around deeply difficult moments, including euthanasia.
“It’s definitely an emotion that’s very difficult to describe – it’s very personal, and it’s an incredibly difficult decision and a distressing moment,” Lee says. “I do still tear up in front of owners, and that’s because I feel very strongly for them. Euthanasia is never easy, and it will never be for me. But slowly and surely, I’m building that resilience and hoping to be that dependable veterinarian that owners can go to.”
Despite the challenges, many who study veterinary science describe it as a uniquely fulfilling pursuit, shaped by a genuine love for animals and a drive to keep learning.
Shangzhe Xie is a prime example.
Born and raised in Singapore, he had to pursue his dreams abroad in Australia, as no local university offered such a degree — a reality that remains unchanged to this day.
It’s a costly decision, but a fulfilling one.
“In the early days of my career as a vet, it was just helping sick animals and their owners — hoping they are both well and happy,” says Shangzhe. “But I wanted to look at things from a bigger picture, and the only way I could do it was through a PhD.”
And he did just that. Today, Shangzhe is working to improve medical access for birds.
Frequently asked questions about studying veterinary science
What is the #1 veterinary school in the world?
The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, holds the top spot according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
International/EU Students have to pay a tuition of 50,360 British pound sterling (US$66,686.21) per year for standard veterinary medicine degrees.
How many years is a veterinary science education?
It’s typically 5–6 years for an undergraduate veterinary degree in most countries (such as the UK and Australia), or 4 years as a graduate-entry Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in the US — though that requires a prior bachelor’s degree, making it 7–8 years total.
What is the highest vet salary?
It depends on specialisation. Yes, there are also specialisations with vets.
Veterinary specialists can earn $200,000–$500,000+ annually, with board-certified surgeons and emergency specialists at the top end. More broadly, board-certified specialists typically command salaries between US$150,000 and US$200,000 annually, with top earners in surgical and research roles exceeding that.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on June 23, 2026.
