Vet School For International Students
Admissions requirements for applicants from outside the U.S.
At Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, we give serious consideration to all international vet school candidates showing the potential to succeed in our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program curriculum. That goes for our staff too, as we offer a diverse faculty hailing from all over the globe there to assist you with the transition.
Our DVM program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA-COE) representing the highest levels of achievement for veterinary medicine education recognized in the United States.
Where You Will Study
Students complete the seven-semester preclinical curriculum comprised of classroom learning and early hands-on animal interaction on our St. Kitts campus.
The successful completion of the preclinical curriculum is followed by a three-semester (45 weeks) clinical year at one of our AVMA-accredited affiliate veterinary schools. During this time, you will participate with your affiliate school’s students in rotations, while remaining enrolled and graduating from Ross Vet.
International Veterinary School Requirements
International students are encouraged to apply. Our admissions committee takes a holistic view of the admissions process, reviewing not just grades and test scores, but so much more: your experience with animals and exposure to animal medicine, personal character, interpersonal skills, motivation, and passion for the profession. We look at:
- Grades from prerequisite coursework
- GRE Score
- References
- Personal statement
- Personal admissions interview (virtual)
Ross Vet School Prerequisites
The prerequisite coursework below applies to students applying for the January 2026 semester or later. If you are applying for a start date in 2025, see the accordion marked 2025.
These are organized by subject and include semester hours, laboratory requirements and other pertinent details. We require a minimum of 48 credits of college work, but we strongly recommend that you complete your undergraduate program.
We require a grade of C minus (-) or better in all prerequisite coursework. Vet school prerequisite coursework completed within 10 years of your application year is preferred but not required.
Not sure if your previous coursework meets the requirements? Review our academic catalog here. Still have questions? Contact our Admissions department today to get clarification.
Your required coursework includes:
- Two semesters (or 3 quarters)
- Minimum credits: 8 semester credits (or 12 quarter credits)
- Two semesters (or 3 quarters)
- Minimum credits: 8 semester credits (or 12 quarter credits)
- One semester
- Minimum credits: 4 semester credits (or 6 quarter credits)
- One semester
- Minimum credits: 4 semester credits (or 6 quarter credits)
- Must have algebra, trigonometry, or calculus as a prerequisite
- One semester
- Minimum credits: 3 semester credits (or 4-5 quarter credits)
- Must be an upper-level (300/3000 or higher) course with organic chemistry as a prerequisite
- One semester
- Minimum credits: 3 semester credits (or 4-5 quarter credits)
- Lab recommended, but not required
- One semester of college-level pre-calculus, calculus, or statistics
- Minimum credits: 3 semester credits (or 4-5 quarter credits)
- One semester of English composition or another writing-intensive course
- Canadian students may satisfy English requirements in 3 possible ways: (1) one course or one semester of a course that had a 40% essay requirement for the overall mark in the course, (2) International Baccalaureate, and (3) Advanced Placement English.
- Minimum credits: 3 semester credits (or 4-5 quarter credits)
- The Admissions Committee strongly encourages applicants to take a variety of upper-level (300/3000 or 400/4000) science courses to help demonstrate academic readiness for the DVM program. A minimum of 6 semester credits (or 9 quarter credits) of advanced science coursework are required. Suggested courses include Genetics, Physiology, Nutrition, Microbiology, Immunology, Organic Chemistry II, and Physics II.
- A minimum of 6 semester credits (or 9 quarter credits) of Humanities and/or Social Science coursework are required. Courses in communication, wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion are encouraged.
- The Admissions Committee will review and consider any graduate coursework (e.g., master’s, PhD) in the admissions process, but graduate coursework is not required to apply to the DVM program.
Please note that we will accept CLEP B-level scores for applicants who have previously successfully completed specified coursework but whose coursework is outdated. Note that the Chemistry CLEP is only for General Chemistry, not Organic Chemistry. Please see list below for accepted CLEP exams and credits:
- General Biology with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 6 credits
- General Chemistry with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 6 credits
- Calculus with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 4 credits
- Pre-Calculus with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 3 credits
- College Composition modular with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 3 credits
Explore the breakdown of prerequisite coursework required. These are organized by subject and include semester hours, laboratory requirements and other pertinent details. We require a minimum of 48 credits of college work, but we strongly recommend that you complete your undergraduate program. We require a grade of C or better in all prerequisite coursework. Vet school prerequisite courses must have been completed within 10 years of the desired semester start date. Your required coursework includes:
Not sure if your previous coursework meets the requirements? Contact our Admissions department today to get clarification.
- Biology: Two semesters of General Biology (eight semester hours) with laboratory.
- Cell Biology or Genetics: One course (three semester hours); Lab is recommended but not required.
- Chemistry:
- One semester of General Chemistry (four semester hours) with laboratory.
- One semester of Organic Chemistry 1 (four semester hours) with laboratory.
- Biochemistry: One semester of General Biochemistry or Biochemistry 1 (three semester hours). Note: Introductory or survey courses are not acceptable.
- Physics: One semester of Physics 1 (four semester hours) with laboratory. Note: Introductory or survey courses are not acceptable.
- Mathematics: One semester of college-level mathematics (three semester hours) to be chosen among pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics.
- English: One semester of English (at least three semester hours), preferably to include one semester of English Composition. Canadian students may satisfy English requirements in 3 possible ways: (1) one course or one semester of a course had a 40% essay requirement for the overall mark, (2) International Baccalaureate, and (3) Advanced Placement English.
- Electives/Humanities/Social Sciences: Nine semester hours; one of the courses to meet this requirement must be one of the following:
- Comparative Anatomy
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Physiology
- Spanish (or other foreign language)
- Public Speaking
- Introduction to business
CLEP Exam Information
Please note that we will accept CLEP B-level scores for applicants who have previously successfully completed specified coursework but whose coursework is outdated. Note that the Chemistry CLEP is only for General Chemistry, not Organic Chemistry. Please see list below for accepted CLEP exams and credits:
- General Biology with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 6 credits
- General Chemistry with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 6 credits
- Calculus with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 4 credits
- Pre-Calculus with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 3 credits
- College Composition modular with a passing score set at B-level equivalent to 3 credits
Academic Requirements
Applicants who have completed a BSc must have achieved at least an upper second-class honors (2:1).
Applicants possessing A-Level or similar courses should achieve the following PLUS complete at least one year of an appropriate biological science program at the university level with good grades achieved:
- Three A levels ABB-BBB, including Biology and Chemistry at A level and one other A level approved for a veterinary degree
- If Physics and Math have not been taken at A level, the candidate must have good passes in Physics and Math at GCSE level
Applicants should achieve the following in Year 12 PLUS have completed at least two years of an appropriate biological science program at the university level with good grades achieved OR BB at Advanced Higher in Chemistry and Biology plus one year of an appropriate science program at the university level, with good grades achieved:
- Five Highers AABBB/C
- Must have Chemistry and two of Biology, Math, Physics, plus two other subjects
- Must have good standard grade passes in each of Biology, Math and Physics
Applicants should achieve the following PLUS complete at least one year of an appropriate biological science program at the university level with good grades achieved:
- Minimum 32-36 points
- Must include higher level in Chemistry, Biology, and either Math or Physics
- If Physics does not form part of the IB diploma, candidates must possess GCSE Grade B or equivalent in this subject
The GRE is highly recommended, but not required for Ross Vet applicants. Applications that include the GRE, regardless of GRE score, will be given priority in the review process.
Ross Vet uses a holistic approach for selecting and admitting students to our DVM program. This means we take into account an applicant’s non-academic attributes and experiences in addition to important academic elements, such as GPA and GRE.
We utilize the GRE to better get to know each applicant as a “whole.” Our holistic review process helps ensure every applicant gets thoroughly evaluated as an individual and a fair shot at gaining admission to the DVM program.
ETS provides GRE Fee Reduction vouchers for individuals who meet eligibility requirements and can demonstrate financial need, for those who are unemployed, and for national programs that work with underrepresented groups. Visit the ETS website for more information.
If English is not your primary language or if you did not complete your undergraduate degree at a postsecondary institution where courses were taught in English, you must submit your official record of scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT. Minimum score requirements are: 25 Listening, 22 Writing, 22 Speaking, and 23 Reading. You may send your TOEFL scores to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine using school code #9614.
Additional Application Requirements
A personal statement is required as part of your application. Your personal statement gives us an idea of your skills, achievements, and motivation, which are important factors in assessing your application. It should refer to practical work experience in veterinary settings—including research. We recognize that such opportunities may not be available to all candidates.
Submit two letters of recommendation — one from a science professor and one from a veterinarian acquainted with your vet work — to the Admissions team along with your application. All letters must be on proper letterhead with contact information included and sent directly from the referee to our Office of Admissions.
International veterinary school students not from the U.S. or Canada must submit a WES Course-by-Course evaluation with your application package.
If your credentials are judged to be indicative of the potential for successful completion of the curriculum, you will be invited for interview generally within two to four weeks after initial application materials have been received. Your interview helps us assess your overall personal and academic background, maturity, adaptability, character, aptitude, and most importantly, your motivation to become a veterinarian. Interviews will be conducted virtually.
Policy on Non-discrimination
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, or age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. No qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs, or activities of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
