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Registering as a veterinary surgeon – UK graduates

As a graduate of a UK veterinary school, you will need to join the Register of Veterinary Surgeons in order to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK.

Please read the information below carefully before beginning your application to register with the RCVS.

Join the Register

Student using mobile phone

How to register as a Member of the RCVS

There are a few options for registering once your degree has been awarded:

Register as a UK-practising member with effect from the day your degree is conferred 

If you wish to be admitted to the Register with effect from the day on which your degree is conferred, you will need to apply via the online registration system and pay the registration fee by Friday, 2 June 2023.

Register as a UK-practising member after 2 June 2023

If you would prefer to delay registering until later in the year, you can apply via the online registration system up until 1 September 2023.

Please note that you will not legally be able to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK without being registered, so please leave enough time for the registration process to take place before you are due to start working. Applications will usually be completed within seven days. 

If you wish to register after 1 September 2023, you will require a video registration appointment to complete the process.

Register as a 'Practising outside of the UK' member

If you do not intend to practise in the UK, then you are not required to register with the RCVS.

You are, however, very welcome to join the Register as a 'Practising outside the UK' member if you wish.

The 'Practising outside the UK' membership is for veterinary surgeons who are undertaking veterinary surgery or associated veterinary activities outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

Overseas practising members are not permitted to practise in the UK and their indemnity insurance may be invalid in the UK unless they change their membership category to UK Practising.

To register as a 'Practising outside of the UK' member via the online system you will be asked if you will be practising ‘In the UK’ or ‘Not in the UK’.

Please choose ‘Not in the UK’ and then you will be admitted as 'Practising outside the UK'. The registration fee of £189 also applies to this membership type.

In order to maintain your name on the RCVS Register as a veterinary surgeon 'Practising outside the UK' an annual renewal fee is payable; this is currently £189.

If you would prefer to delay registering until later in the year, you can apply via the online registration system up until 1 September 2023.

If you wish to register after 1 September 2023, you will require a video registration appointment to complete the process.

Join the Register

If you have any questions or need any assistance please email Tash Goodwin Roberts, UK Graduation Lead or phone 0207 202 0707.

Frequently Asked Questions

Filter FAQs

Registering as a vet – UK graduates

  • What fee will I need to pay?

    The registration fee for 2023 is £189 and will cover your registration with the RCVS until 31 March 2024.

    From 31 March 2024, you will need to renew your registration annually in order to remain on the Register of Veterinary Surgeons.

    Please note, payment receipts will be sent to the email address provided.

  • What ID do I need to supply when registering?

    In order to apply you will need to upload a copy of the identifying pages of your valid passport or EU ID card.

    If you do not have a valid passport or EU ID card to hand, then please proceed with your application and we will contact you and ask you to provide alternative ID.

  • I need to start working as a veterinary surgeon before my degree is conferred, what do I need to do?

    If you want to start practising (subject to certain conditions) ahead of the conferment of your degree and full registration with the RCVS, you can apply for temporary registration.

    To meet the criteria you must:

    • be a graduand from Cambridge, Glasgow or Nottingham
    • have passed your final exams
    • have completed all the requirements for a recognised UK veterinary degree. 

    Further information about this type of registration and how to apply can be found on the Temporary Registration page.

  • Can I use the title ‘Dr’?

    RCVS-registered veterinary surgeons can use the courtesy title ‘Dr' in conjunction with the descriptor ‘veterinary surgeon’ or 'MRCVS'.

    If you wish to use the title ‘Dr’ please select this title when you apply to register online.

  • What happens after I am admitted to the Register?

    You will receive a ‘Welcome’ email within 72 hours of joining the Register. If you do not receive this, please check your spam folder, and contact us if you cannot find it there.

    Please ensure you read the email thoroughly, as it will contain important information including:

  • What happens if I don’t pass my exams?

    If you have applied to register with the RCVS, and paid your fee, but do not pass your exams first time, we will hold your application open, and your fee, until you have taken your re-sits.

     

  • When will I receive my certificate of registration?

    If you are a student at Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, Liverpool, or Nottingham, you will be presented with your certificate at your graduation ceremony.

    If you are a student at Edinburgh, Surrey or the RVC, your certificate will be sent to your correspondence address in mid-August.

     

  • When will my degree be awarded/conferred?

    Your degree will be conferred on (one of) the following date(s):

    • Bristol - 16 June 2023
    • Cambridge - 1 July 2023
    • Edinburgh - 24 May 2023 or 16 June 2023
    • Glasgow - 30 June 2023
    • Liverpool - 20 June 2023
    • Nottingham - 19 July 2023
    • Surrey - 3 July 2023
    • University of London (The RVC) - 14 June 2023

    If you have any questions about this, please contact your university. 

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