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)
REQUIRED PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK
You must have completed university-level coursework which should include the listed vet school prerequisite courses. While you may apply with up to two pending courses, it is highly recommended you complete your undergraduate coursework before applying. Vet school prerequisite courses must have been completed within 10 years of the desired semester start date.
Not sure if your previous coursework meets the requirements? Contact our Admissions department for clarification.
Two semesters of General Biology (or equivalent) with laboratory.
One course (equivalent to 3 credits or more); laboratory is recommended but not required.
One semester of General Chemistry (or equivalent) with laboratory.
One semester of Organic Chemistry 1 (or equivalent) with laboratory.
One semester of General Biochemistry or Biochemistry 1 (or equivalent).
Note: Introductory or survey courses are not acceptable.
One semester of Physics 1 (or equivalent) with laboratory.
Note: Introductory or survey courses are not acceptable.
One semester of university-level mathematics to be chosen among pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics (or equivalent).
One semester of English, preferably to include one semester of English Composition.
Canadian students may satisfy English requirements in three possible ways: (1) 2 semesters of University humanities where essays composed at least 40% of the overall mark, (2) International Baccalaureate, and (3) Advanced Placement English.
Three courses (equivalent to 9 credits or more); one of the courses to meet this requirement must be one of the following:
- Comparative Anatomy
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Physiology
- Foreign language
- Public Speaking
- Introduction to business
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
You are required to submit GRE scores as part of your application. While Ross Vet does not have a minimum score requirement, the Admissions Committee will use the scores to assist in the admissions decision. If you took the test more than one time you must submit all the results prior to enrollment.
You may send your GRE scores to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine using school code #2639.
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.