Pet ownership has seen a rise in numbers over the years, surging exponentially during COVID-19. In the US, 66% of households (about 86.9 million homes) reported owning a pet, so it’s no surprise that a rise in demand for veterinary science experts is taking place.
A 2023 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) revealed that 88% of pet owners prefer veterinarian-led care for their pets and that 80% agree it would be dangerous for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian to make recommendations about life-or-death decisions for their pet.
But the healthcare sector isn’t the only one currently facing a global shortage, its animal counterpart is too.
Still, there’s hope to be had.
A 2019 report showed over 13,323 veterinary science students across the US. The number had increased by 2.3% compared to 2018, reflecting a positive outlook for future pet owners. More recently, data from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) revealed that the number of first-year veterinary students enrolled for the 2022-23 school year at US veterinary colleges exceeded 4,000 for the first time.
Unfortunately, the cost of a veterinary science programme has increased in recent years.
According to the VIN Foundation, the average cost for four years of veterinary school coupled with living expenses is at an all-time high. It is estimated to cost more than US$200,000 for residents and US$275,000 for international students.
Those interested in working with animals often consider a veterinary science degree. Source: AFP
Yes, these are big figures, but there’s no need to go into deep debt to realise your dream of becoming an animal whisperer.
Below are countries where you can earn your veterinary science degree at an affordable fee.
It’s a pricey but purposeful path
There’s no doubt that a veterinary science degree is expensive — hence this article. Still, despite its high cost, it’s a path worth taking.
Shangzhe Xie is a prime example.
Born and raised in Singapore, he had to pursue his dreams abroad in Australia, as no local university offered such a degree — a reality that remains unchanged to this day.
It’s a costly decision, but a fulfilling one.
“In the early days of my career as a vet, it was just helping sick animals and their owners — hoping they are both well and happy,” says Shangzhe. “But I wanted to look at things from a bigger picture, and the only way I could do it was through a PhD.”
And he did just that. Today, Shangzhe is working to improve medical access for birds.
In 2019, he and his team at Mandai Wildlife Reserve performed casque resection surgery and placed a 3D-printed casque prosthesis in a great hornbill with casque cancer.
“Most of the time, we’re forced to innovate because no one makes products or medication for every species we must manage,” says Shangzhe.
That’s when he turned to 3D printing — a method he has been exploring for years.
“We took a CT scan of the hornbill and sent the images to a team that we were working with at the National University of Singapore so they could design a cover for the hole. It worked,” shares Shangzhe. “With this discovery, we achieved a ‘cure’ for this hornbill.”
Since then, the great hornbill has remained cancer-free, and Shangzhe is now consulting others on similar cases worldwide, including the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the US by area.
11 of the cheapest universities to study veterinary science
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1. Utrecht University, The Netherlands
In the 2022/23 academic year, the Netherlands welcomed a total of 122,287 international students in its higher education institutions. Only 13 medical universities are available, and among them, only one institution offers a veterinary programme.
Utrecht University is ranked #5 in the QS World University Ranking by subject 2024. It offers a bachelor’s and master’s programme in veterinary medicine — note, however, that these are conducted in Dutch.
The annual cost of study for non-European veterinary students at Utrecht University is US$28,675.
Vets don’t just work with your standard household pets — you’ll have to learn about the different species and how to care for each of them too. Source: AFP
2. Norwegian Univerity of Life Sciences, Norway
Since 2023, international students are now required to pay tuition fees at public universities in Norway. Still, the cost of higher education remains relatively low as compared to the popular picks of the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Norwegian Univerity of Life Sciences (NMBU) is the only institution in the country with a veterinary science programme, and at a PhD level, no less.
The tuition fee here is upwards of US$24,655.
3. Harper Adams University, UK
This might be a surprise, considering that UK universities can charge an exorbitant fee. However, Harper Adams University‘s undergraduate degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) offers you the opportunity to explore a contemporary and exciting curriculum that meets the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competences.
These competences describe the knowledge, skills, and attributes required of veterinary students upon graduation to ensure that they are prepared for their first role in the profession and safe to practise independently — perfect for aspiring veterinarians.
The annual tuition for international students here is US$23,977.
As a veterinary science student and as a vet later on in your career, you’re bound to come across more animal species and breeds than the average person. Source: AFP
4. Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
The Autonomous University of Barcelona‘s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is the only academic institution in Catalonia to have been awarded a quality assurance certificate from the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) in recognition of its quality training of professional veterinarians.
Its bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine is taught primarily in Catalan (69%) and Spanish (30%), with a little English thrown in the mix.
With each credit costing up to 18.46 euros (approximately US$19.29 at the time of writing), the total tuition fee of the 300-credit programme comes up to US$5,787.
5. IPB University, Indonesia
While many might be uncertain about pursuing their studies in Indonesia due to the language barrier, you won’t have that a problem at IPB University. Here, they cater well to international students, with the four-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science taught entirely in English.
Better yet, the cost of living here is relatively low, allowing you to not only earn your degree at an affordable cost, but to also immerse yourself in the cultural richness and wonders that Indonesia has to offer.
Tuition here costs around US$1,834 per year.
Veterinarians protect the health and well-being of pets and other animals. Source: AFP
6. University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) is the only specialised university in its field in Austria and the only Austrian educational institution offering instruction in veterinary medicine.
Here, 61% of students pursuing their degrees come from a rural background. The tuition fee is low, with many students (citizens of Austria, the European Union, the European Economic Area, and those of the Swiss Confederation) being exempted from paying the fees throughout their studies.
International students who have a “Permanent Residence – EC” or “Permanent Residence – EU” issued by relevant authorities are exempted as well. Those who aren’t on the list pay up to US$1,518 per year.
7. University of Zurich, Switzerland
Aside from its high standards and picturesque location, Switzerland is renowned as one of the best countries to study medicine, including veterinary medicine.
The country’s top university, the University of Zurich, offers a veterinary medicine programme and is even ranked as one of the leading veterinary medical universities in Europe, ranked #4 in the QS World University Ranking by subject 2024.
The cost of pursuing a five-year bachelor’s in veterinary medicine programme here starts as low as US$1,371 per year.
8. University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Germany
With over 458,210 international students, Germany is considered one of the most popular study abroad destinations. The country is home to 49 universities ranked as the best in the world and 19 veterinary science programmes.
The University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo) is one of the top universities in the country for the field of veterinary medicine. Education here costs US$1,000 per year for international students looking to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s programme in veterinary medicine.
9. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), Lithuania
Aside from being ranked among the top universities in Lithuania, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) is the only institution in the country that trains veterinarians and veterinary food safety specialists.
LSMU is one of the most affordable places in Europe to study veterinary science. It is known for its modern facilities, hands-on clinical training, and high-quality education. Here, you will gain practical skills through the university’s animal clinics and research centres.
The cost of studying veterinary medicine at LSMU costs around 9,000 euros (US$10,579.50) for years one to three, and 10,500 euros (US$12,342.75) for your final year.
10. University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia
When you choose to study veterinary science at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice (UVMP), in Slovakia, you are choosing an EAEVE-approved institution known for its practical and hands-on training in animal health and food safety.
UVMP was the first school of veterinary medicine in Slovakia, and it remains the only institution in the country offering courses in veterinary medicine today.
It is one of the most affordable options in Europe for studying veterinary science, costing 8,950 euros (approximately US$10,519.38) per year.
11. Trakia University, Bulgaria
Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, is one of the top universities in the country and is one of the best institutions for studying veterinary medicine.
With access to modern veterinary clinics, laboratories, and research facilities, you will get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare for a career in the field.
The tuition fees is affordable at around 8,200 euros (US$9,631.31) per year, with living costs in Stara Zagora much lower than in bigger European cities.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on September 9, 2025.
