For the first time in almost 80 years, Ireland is expanding veterinary education beyond UCD. From September 2026, two brand-new programmes at SETU and ATU will nearly double the number of Irish training places. If the Irish route doesn't suit, English-taught programmes across Europe offer a fully recognised alternative.
The Government's Veterinary Places Activation Programme (announced September 2024) is adding 80 new training places at SETU Waterford and ATU Letterkenny, joining UCD. With an estimated 450–500 Irish students currently studying veterinary medicine abroad, this expansion aims to bring more training home. Points are expected to drop — some analysts predict students in the 555–560 range may secure a place from 2026 onward.
All three Irish programmes require a minimum of 60 hours of animal handling work experience covering at least two animal categories (small and large animals). Start organising this early — it's a pass/fail requirement, not graded. Experience must be verified by the supervising professional. UCD requires Chemistry at H5; SETU requires Biology or Chemistry at H4; ATU additionally requires the Casper situational judgement test.
| School / Country | Location | Duration | Entry Route | Tuition / yr (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRELAND — CAO ENTRY (WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED) | ||||
|
UCD — University College Dublin DN300 |
Dublin | 5 yrs | CAO + H5 Chemistry + 60 hrs experience 590 points (2025) |
€2,500 |
|
SETU — South East Technological University SE526 New 2026 |
Waterford | 5 yrs | CAO + H4 Biology or Chemistry + 60 hrs experience Points TBC — first intake Sept 2026 |
€2,500 |
|
ATU — Atlantic Technological University AU375 New 2026 |
Letterkenny | 5 yrs | CAO + 60 hrs experience + Casper test Points TBC — first intake Sept 2026 |
€2,500 |
| EUROPEAN ALTERNATIVES — ENGLISH-TAUGHT PROGRAMMES | ||||
| 🇭🇺 Hungary University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest (UVMB) |
Budapest | 5.5 yrs | Entrance exam + interview | €12,480 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland Warsaw (WULS-SGGW), Wrocław |
Warsaw, Wrocław | 5.5 yrs | Biology + Chemistry entrance exam | €10,000 – €12,000 |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia University of Veterinary Medicine & Pharmacy, Košice |
Košice | 6 yrs | Biology + Chemistry exam (5 dates/yr) | €8,950 |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic VETUNI — University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno |
Brno | 6 yrs | Application + documents | €7,600 |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria Trakia University (Stara Zagora), Sofia |
Stara Zagora, Sofia | 5.5 yrs | Biology + Chemistry + English exam | €5,100 |
| 🇷🇴 Romania USAMV Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest |
Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest | 6 yrs | Grades-based / university exam | €5,000 – €6,000 |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) |
Kaunas | 6 yrs | School grades + motivation letter | €8,000 – €10,000 |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia Estonian University of Life Sciences |
Tartu | 6 yrs | Application + interview | €6,000 – €8,000 |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus Near East University, University of Nicosia |
Nicosia | 5 yrs | No entrance exam (Nicosia: holistic) | €10,000 – €18,000 |
Irish tuition reflects the student contribution under the Free Fees Initiative. European fees are approximate and vary by institution. All European programmes listed are English-taught, EAEVE-accredited DVM/MVDr degrees. Living costs are additional in all cases.
UCD has been Ireland's sole provider of veterinary education for decades and is one of only six European vet schools with full AVMA accreditation, meaning graduates can also practise in the United States and Canada. The five-year programme combines pre-clinical sciences in years 1–2, clinical training in years 3–4, and full-time rotations across the UCD Veterinary Hospital in year 5 — covering small animal, equine, farm animal, and diagnostic specialties.
UCD School of Veterinary MedicineSETU's programme introduces Ireland's first fully distributed clinical education model, where fifth-year students complete their clinical rotations across a vetted network of partner veterinary practices rather than in a single university hospital. The foundation and clinical phases (years 1–4) use scaffolded active learning on the Waterford campus, with animal biology, anatomy and husbandry classes at Teagasc Kildalton College. No Casper test — entry is based on CAO points and work experience alone. SETU reserves at least 15% of places for mature applicants.
SETU Veterinary MedicineATU's Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery is the first vet programme in Ireland's west or northwest. It emphasises rural, remote, and resource-limited veterinary medicine alongside global challenges like climate change, food security and One Health. The Casper test moderates raw points by assessing emotional intelligence — someone with stronger interpersonal skills could score higher overall than a higher-points candidate with lower Casper performance.
ATU Veterinary Medicine & SurgeryAn estimated 450–500 Irish students are currently studying veterinary medicine abroad, primarily in Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. All programmes listed are English-taught, EAEVE-accredited and produce qualifications automatically recognised across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC.
Yes. Veterinary qualifications from EU/EEA universities accredited by the EAEVE are automatically recognised by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI). Graduates can register and practise in Ireland without additional exams. Always confirm the specific programme holds current EAEVE accreditation before applying.
The University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest (UVMB) is Europe's only standalone veterinary university. Founded in 1787, it has over 30 years' experience teaching international students — 67% of its student body comes from 50 different countries. The 5.5-year DVM programme is fully EAEVE-accredited and AVMA accreditation is in preparation.
Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW) is the most popular destination for Irish vet students abroad, with a well-established 5.5-year DVM programme and strong Irish/UK student networks. Entry requires Biology and Chemistry entrance exams, and living costs are very affordable at €500–€800 per month.
The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice uniquely offers a graduate entry pathway — students with a relevant Bachelor's degree can enter at 2nd or 3rd year. Biology and Chemistry entrance exams are held five times per year, giving flexibility for timing your application.
VETUNI in Brno charges just €7,600 per year for a 6-year EAEVE-accredited programme. Trakia University in Stara Zagora is the most affordable option at approximately €5,100 per year — with monthly living expenses as low as €350–€500. Both have well-established English tracks.
If your points are strong (570+), all three Irish programmes are realistic. If you're in the 520–560 range, the new SETU and ATU programmes may bring the threshold within reach. Below that, apply to one or two European schools in parallel — many have rolling admissions or multiple exam dates.
ATU is the only Irish vet programme using the Casper SJT. If you're strong on empathy, communication and ethical reasoning but your Leaving Cert points are slightly lower, the Casper can boost your combined score significantly (up to 300 extra points).
Ireland's €2,500/yr student contribution means a 5-year degree costs ~€12,500 total. Compare that with Hungary at €12,480 per year (€68,640 total for 5.5 years). Bulgaria at €5,100/yr for 5.5 years totals ~€28,050. Factor in living costs too.
UCD centres clinical training in its own Veterinary Hospital. SETU's distributed model sends you into real-world vet practices. ATU focuses on rural medicine with a brand-new teaching hospital. In Europe, Budapest offers a unique equine clinic, while Poland and Slovakia provide extensive large-animal experience.
Didn't get the points for DN300, SE526 or AU375? There are several strong alternative routes — some lead directly back into veterinary medicine, others open up rewarding animal-focused careers in their own right.
If you hold (or are completing) an honours degree in a biological, biomedical or animal science discipline, you can apply for UCD's accelerated 4-year graduate entry programme. You'll join combined classes with DN300 students from second year onward and graduate with the same MVB qualification.
The GAMSAT is the same exam used for graduate entry medicine, so if you're prepared for one you can apply for both.
UCD's 4-year BSc Veterinary Nursing is accredited by both the VCI and ACOVENE. Train across small animal, farm animal and equine nursing with clinical rotations in the UCD Veterinary Hospital. A registered profession in Ireland since 2015.
Graduate vet nurses in Ireland earn €28,000–€32,000 starting, rising to €35,000+ with experience. Some later use this as a stepping stone to graduate entry veterinary medicine.
Science degrees with strong animal biology content can qualify you for UCD's graduate entry (DN301) later. These courses also lead to excellent careers in farm management, food safety, wildlife conservation and pharmaceutical research.
Complete a Level 8 degree with a 2.2 or above, then sit the GAMSAT for DN301. A proven pathway used by many practising vets.
If you narrowly missed the cut (560–585 range), repeating one or two subjects to gain an extra 15–30 points is practical — especially with the 2026 expansion potentially lowering thresholds. The additional year can also give you time to build stronger work experience.
With 80 extra places from 2026, analysts expect the combined threshold across all three programmes to settle in the 555–570 range. A strong repeat year could make the difference.
EAEVE-accredited programmes in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Bulgaria produce fully recognised veterinary qualifications. Around 450–500 Irish students are currently studying this way. You can register with the VCI and practise in Ireland without additional exams upon graduation.
Slovakia's Košice programme uniquely offers graduate entry — complete a relevant Bachelor's first and enter at 2nd or 3rd year.
Ireland is experiencing a significant veterinary shortage, particularly in rural and large-animal practice. Demand for veterinary services is projected to grow 3.7% annually to 2033.
Starting salaries for newly qualified vets in Ireland have risen substantially in recent years due to the shortage, with graduates now commanding €40,000–€50,000. Vets with 2–5 years' experience typically earn €55,000–€68,000, while senior practitioners can earn €70,000–€90,000 or more. Practice owners and specialists can earn well above €100,000. Many practices also offer CPD allowances, vehicle allowances, VCI/VDS fee coverage, and relocation bonuses.
Sources: Glassdoor Ireland (Dec 2025), Indeed Ireland (Nov 2025), Agriland salary survey. Figures are indicative and vary by practice type, location and specialisation.
Small animal, farm animal, equine, mixed practice, emergency and critical care, or specialist referral hospital work. The most common path — and the one with the greatest shortage.
DAFM veterinary inspectors, FSAI, local authority roles, TB testing and disease control, meat plant inspection. High demand for government vets currently.
Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, university research, vaccine development, clinical trials, and regulatory science. Ireland's large pharma sector offers strong opportunities.
Zoo veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal conservation, national parks, or international organisations like WHO, FAO and OIE working on One Health initiatives.
Racehorse and sport horse veterinary work, stud medicine, equine surgery, and performance assessment. Ireland's world-renowned horse industry creates strong niche demand.
Practice ownership and management, pet food industry, animal insurance, agri-tech companies, veterinary supply, and consulting.
Vet admissions has more moving parts than almost any other CAO course — work experience logs, Casper registration, European applications, and multiple deadlines spread across 18 months.
Begin accumulating your 60 hours of animal handling as early as possible. Contact local vet practices, farms, equine yards, and wildlife centres now — placements fill fast.
Research European entrance exam requirements now. Confirm your LC subject choices include Chemistry (required for UCD) or Biology/Chemistry (SETU). Attend open days if available.
Aim to have at least 40–50 hours done before 6th year begins. Get log sheets signed and verified by supervising vets/farmers as you go — don't leave this until the end.
The CAO portal opens in early November. List all three Irish vet programmes (DN300, SE526, AU375) in any order. Simultaneously, begin European university applications (many open November–January).
Submit your CAO application by 5:15pm on 1 February. Make sure DN300 (UCD), SE526 (SETU), and/or AU375 (ATU) are listed. This is also the deadline for most DARE/HEAR supporting documentation.
If you're applying for ATU AU375, you must complete the Casper SJT by end of February. Scored out of 300, combined with moderated LC points (max 565) for a maximum combined score of 865. Miss it and your ATU application is invalid.
Most European vet school applications close between March and May. You can apply to European and Irish programmes simultaneously.
The Change of Mind facility closes at 5:15pm — last chance to reorder or add vet programmes. Separately, UCD work experience documentation must be submitted by this date.
For the inaugural 2026 intake only, SETU and ATU have extended their work experience submission deadline to the end of July. UCD's deadline remains 1 July.
Results are released mid-August. For ATU, remember your Casper score (max 300) is combined with moderated LC points (max 565) — your actual combined score may differ from LC points alone.
First round offers are issued approximately one week after results. If you get a vet offer — accept it! If not, watch for Round 2 and subsequent rounds where points may drop slightly.
Registration and orientation begin in September at UCD (Belfield), SETU (Waterford), or ATU (Letterkenny). If you're heading to Europe, most programmes also start in September/October. Either way — you're on your way to becoming a vet.
You can list all three Irish programmes on your CAO form in any preference order. SETU and ATU are brand-new for 2026 — first-year cutoffs will only be known after August 2026 offers. Start your 60 hours of work experience as early as possible, and if applying to ATU, register for the Casper test before the end of February.
If you're considering European options, many have early deadlines (January–March for September entry). You can apply to both the CAO and European universities simultaneously.