Europe

All applicants must provide documents relating to identification, qualifications and a letter of good standing, as outlined below.

Identification

In exceptional circumstances where you do not have a valid passport we may be able to accept:

A certified colour photocopy of your valid EU identity card

2. A recent passport photo

On the reverse of the photo write 1) your name in full  2) your date of birth  3)  your signature. Both sides of the photo can be photocopied and submitted with your other documents.

Qualification

2. A certified English translation* of your primary veterinary qualification, where necessary

Along with the 2 documents above, applicants from the countries below will need to supply the following additional documents:

Belgium (Ghent and Liège)

• A certified photocopy of your Annexe/Supplement attached to your Diploma

Italy

• A certified photocopy of your Diploma di abilitazione all’exercizio della medicina veterinaria (l'esame di stato) (Diploma of qualification to practice veterinary medicine (State Examination Certificate)
• A certified English translation* of your State Examination Certificate, where necessary

Slovakia

• A certified photocopy of your State Examination Certificate
• A certified English translation* of your State Examination Certificate, where necessary

Slovenia

• A certified photocopy of your Sprièevalo o opravljenem državnem izpitu s podroèja veterinarstva (Certificate of having passed the state examination in the field of veterinary medicine)
• A certified English translation* of your State Examination Certificate, where necessary

English language requirements

You must demonstrate that you can communicate in English at an appropriate level.

This can be demonstrated by taking either the International Language Testing System (IELTS) or the veterinary version of the Occupational English Test (OET).

Please see our language guidance for more information about these requirements. Please note this guide is for individuals applying for full registration only.

Letter of good standing

You will also need to submit a letter of good standing. Its content and author will vary depending on which of the below categories you fall into:

a. Applicants registering within 3 months of the date of their graduation:

A letter of good standing from the Dean / Principal / Rector of your veterinary school / college.

This should be a formal letter on university headed paper, issued after the date you graduated, and should be sent directly to the RCVS by the University, as evidence of your good standing.

The letter should confirm:

• the exact date of graduation [DD/MM/YYYY]
• that you were a student of good standing, including where relevant details of any cautions or criminal convictions, as well as absolute and conditional discharges and spent convictions, or any adverse findings, including disciplinary proceedings against you.

If the letter is not being sent directly to the RCVS from the University then you will need to get it certified.

b. Applicants registering more than 3 months after the date of their graduation and who are registered with a registration / licensing authority:

A letter or certificate of good standing from your current registration / licensing authority.

This should be sent directly to the RCVS by the registration / licensing authority and state that:

• you are registered to practise as a veterinary surgeon by that authority
• you are of good professional standing and good character, and there is no charge of unprofessional conduct or a criminal offence outstanding against you, including where relevant details of any cautions or criminal convictions, as well as absolute and conditional discharges and spent convictions, or any adverse findings, including professional disciplinary proceedings against you
• you hold a veterinary degree

If the letter is not being sent directly to the RCVS from the registration authority then you will need to get it certified.

c. Applicants who are not registered with a registration / licensing authority:

If you are not currently registered with an authority, please submit your application and the RCVS will contact you with further instructions upon receipt of your application.

Please note that letters of good standing are only valid for 3 months after the date of issue and must be valid on the day of the registration appointment.

If you are a new graduate, your letter of good standing will only be valid for 3 months after the date of graduation.

If your letter of good standing is not in English you will be required to provide a certified English translation* with it.

* A certified translation is one that has been stamped / signed / sealed by a qualified or official translator, or by a translation company, certifying its accuracy.

Please ensure you have read all the information above and that you have your required documents ready before you apply.

For information on applying, please visit the How to apply page.