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Veterinary surgeons from EAEVE-approved or accredited schools may apply to register with the RCVS, providing the school was approved or accredited at the time that you gained your qualification.
To check whether your qualification is accepted by the RCVS, please refer to the table below, noting the date of EAEVE approval/accreditation.
English language requirements
You must also be able to 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 refer below under ‘How do I register with the RCVS? – Which documents do I need to apply?’ for more information on this, as well as other documents you will need to supply in order to register with us.
RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership
If you have previously failed all or part of the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership, you will unfortunately be required to sit the full examination again, even if you currently meet the above requirements. The RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership takes place once a year; please visit the page to see the relevant dates.
Updated on 5 January 2024
| School | Qualification | Approval/Accreditation date |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Veterinary Medicine | June 2019 - June 2026 | |
| Diploma in Veterinary Medicine | June 2019 - July 2026 |
How do I register with the RCVS?
If you gained your qualification from the above EAEVE-approved schools, please read the information below to learn about the application process.
Which documents do I need to apply?
All applicants must provide documents relating to identification, qualifications and a letter of good standing, as outlined below.
Identification
- A certified colour photocopy of the identifying page and front cover of your valid passport
- 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
- An A4 certified photocopy of your primary veterinary qualification in its original language
- A certified English translation* of your primary veterinary qualification, 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 University 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.
How do I apply?
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.
I'm not sure if I am eligible to register
If the university where you received your veterinary degree does not appear on the list above, or your school was not EAEVE-approved at the time you gained your qualification, then you will have to sit and pass the Statutory Membership Examination in order to be accepted onto the RCVS Register.
Please note: Temporary Registration cannot be granted if you are looking to work as a veterinary surgeon in general practice. If the country or region where you received your veterinary degree is not eligible for full registration, and you want to work in general veterinary practice, then you will need to sit and pass the Statutory Membership Examination in order to be accepted onto the Register.
If you have previously failed all or part of the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership, you will unfortunately be required to sit the full examination again, even if you currently meet the above requirements. The RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership takes place once a year; please visit the page to see the relevant dates.
To find out more, contact the Registration Department on [email protected] or 020 7202 0707.
Important Notes
Applications can be received up to six months before you would like to be admitted. Please avoid submitting your application any earlier than this as we will not be able to hold it open for you.
We aim to process all applications within four calendar weeks** of receiving your application, payment and all supporting documents in the correct format.
All applications are processed in order of the date they are received. We unfortunately cannot fast track an application.
**During busy periods, our processing times can increase to six calendar weeks. We will inform you of this where relevant. Our priority will always be to process your application as quickly as possible, and we thank you for your patience.