A Fulfilling Career Path: Becoming a Veterinarian and Studying Abroad
If you have a deep love for animals and enjoy taking care of them, a career as a veterinarian could be the most rewarding and meaningful path for you. Whether you're interested in treating pets, livestock, or wildlife, veterinarians play an essential role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals around the world. It all begins with a degree in veterinary medicine, and if you're looking to study abroad, there are some top-notch veterinary schools globally that offer excellent education and training.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best veterinary schools around the world, based on the latest global university rankings for 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the rankings from major platforms such as Times Higher Education, QS Rankings, and Shanghai Rankings.
World University Rankings 2022 - Veterinary Science
Times Higher Education (THE) provides a comprehensive overview of global university rankings, evaluating institutions based on research, teaching, citations, international diversity, and industry income. In the 2022 rankings for veterinary science, the top institutions are:
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University of Cambridge, UK
- Known for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research, Cambridge is a global leader in veterinary education.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US
- While more famous for its engineering and tech programs, MIT also excels in life sciences, including veterinary medicine.
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Stanford University, US
- Stanford offers world-class veterinary training, particularly in biomedical research and veterinary epidemiology.
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Cornell University, US
- Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine is renowned for its advanced research, clinical training, and focus on public health.
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University of Washington, US
- With its focus on both clinical care and research in veterinary sciences, the University of Washington offers a comprehensive veterinary education.
QS Rankings 2021 - Veterinary Science
QS World University Rankings are known for assessing institutions on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, research output, and international student presence. The top veterinary schools according to QS Rankings for 2021 are:
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Royal Veterinary College, UK
- The RVC is one of the best veterinary schools globally, offering a wide range of courses in veterinary science, including clinical practice, animal welfare, and research.
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University of California, Davis, US
- UC Davis offers an excellent veterinary program known for its research excellence in animal health, infectious diseases, and surgery.
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Utrecht University, Netherlands
- Utrecht's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is one of the leading veterinary schools in Europe, offering advanced clinical and research training.
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University of Edinburgh, UK
- Known for its strong veterinary program, Edinburgh offers a wide range of veterinary disciplines, including small and large animal practice.
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Cornell University, US
- Cornell ranks highly due to its innovative research and cutting-edge veterinary training programs, particularly in veterinary clinical sciences.
Shanghai Rankings 2021 - Veterinary Science
The Shanghai Rankings (ARWU) are known for their focus on research output, international collaboration, and faculty quality. In the Shanghai Rankings 2021 for veterinary science, the top schools are:
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Ghent University, Belgium
- Ghent University is highly ranked in veterinary science due to its commitment to animal health research and international collaboration.
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Nanjing Agricultural University, China
- Nanjing is a leader in veterinary education in Asia, known for its research contributions to veterinary science.
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University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
- This university specializes in veterinary education and research, particularly in areas like animal health, welfare, and public health.
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University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Known for its research in veterinary epidemiology and public health, Copenhagen provides world-class veterinary training.
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Royal Veterinary College, UK
- The RVC continues to shine in research and veterinary care, making it one of the top veterinary schools globally.
Student Reviews: Insights from Top Veterinary Schools
To make a well-informed decision about which veterinary school to apply to, reading student reviews can offer valuable insights into the academic environment, teaching quality, and campus life. Here are some reviews from students at some of the best veterinary schools in the world:
University of California, Davis
"Amazing experience overall. The professors are amazing and genuinely care about their students. I feel supported and know where to seek help if I need it. I feel completely at home and feel like I made the right decision about where to go to college. I couldn’t ask for a better school."
Utrecht University
"My study experience is working excellent until now. The program is much more satisfying and radical than I expected. I have gained so much knowledge and broadened my critical thinking. It has been an intense but positive experience, and I am really glad that I had this opportunity."
University of Guelph
"If you study at Guelph, it will become your new home. The professors truly want you to succeed, and there are amazing bursary and scholarship opportunities. The study abroad programs are phenomenal – I participated in one myself, and I miss Guelph every day."
Ghent University
"I loved my experience at Ghent University. The academic program was of a high standard, and I received great support from the lecturers. The city itself is beautiful and culturally active, and I met a lot of international students. I would highly recommend coming here."
Conclusion
Becoming a veterinarian is a deeply fulfilling career, and choosing the right veterinary school is a key step toward your success. Whether you’re interested in studying at a world-class institution in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or beyond, there are many top-ranked veterinary schools to choose from. The schools listed above not only offer world-class education but also provide opportunities to grow as a researcher, clinician, and advocate for animal health.
If you're passionate about animals and looking to make a positive impact on the world, pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine at one of these top institutions can set you on a path to a rewarding and meaningful career.