Cal Poly Partnership

A partnership between California Polytechnic State University and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

In partnership with California Polytechnic State University, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies offers students who successfully complete three years of study on the Cal Poly BS Animal Science programme the opportunity to enter onto the accelerated 4 year BVM&S Programme. This agreement allows students to graduate with an internationally accredited veterinary degree in a combined total of 7 years and receive a qualification from both Cal Poly (BS) and the University of Edinburgh (BVM&S).

Partnership Guides

Cal Poly Partnership Guide (1.76 MB / PDF)

BVM&S 2025 Entry Guide (Partnerships) (2.95 MB / PDF)

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Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply you must be at least in your second year of study at Cal Poly, achieving good grades in all Major Courses, and be on track to obtain an overall GPA of 3.4 or above (on a 4 point scale) by the end of your third year. We also look for evidence of relevant animal handling experience.

Work Experience

We do not request specific types of work experience or state days/weeks required, as it depends to some extent on the opportunities available to you. The broader your experience the better, but you should not gain experience to the detriment of your academic studies. You should, however, gain both veterinary practice and animal work experience.

Finances

Tuition Fees

All candidates for the 4-year programme are considered on a full-fees basis.

The tuition fee for 2025 entry is £39,700 per year.

The annual tuition fee for the BVM&S degree is fixed for the full duration of the course.

R(D)SVS International Scholarships

The School offers two scholarships for overseas students beginning their studies on the BVM&S. Each scholarship is worth £5,000 per year and is tenable for the duration of their degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress.

R(D)SVS International Scholarships

Living Costs

In addition to fixed living costs for rent and the like, you will also need to consider initial, annual and miscellaneous costs (deposits, bedding, textbooks, insurance, travel, etc).

The most up-to-date information on estimated living costs is available on the University website:

Student Living Costs

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applications are now closed. Applications for the next cycle will open in September.

Your partnership application is made up of 3 elements - Application Form, Additional Documents, and Work Experience Summary Form.

1. Application Form

Complete and submit an online application form.

Complete a Partnership Application Form

2. Additional Documents

After submission of an application form, please send the additional documents listed below to vetug@ed.ac.uk (BVM&S Admissions Team):

Transcript

An up-to-date academic transcript from your home institution.

Letter of Recommendation

An academic reference from your home institution (can be submitted directly to vetug@ed.ac.uk by the referee if preferred).

Resume/CV

A summary of your educational background, including any English Language tests achieved to date (if applicable).

Personal Statement

A personal statement of up to 500 words.

Send Your Additional Documents by Email

3. Work Experience Summary Form

Please also complete an online Work Experience Summary (WES) form detailing veterinary/animal-related work experience (paid and unpaid).

Please disregard any mentions of a 22 October deadline - this is only for candidates applying via UCAS.

Once you click the "Submit WES Form" button at the bottom of the page, this sends us your form automatically - you do not need to send us a copy by email.

Please ignore any instructions to upload your WES to a EUCLID account – this is only for candidates that apply via UCAS.

Complete a Work Experience Summary Form

Candidate Interviews

All selected applicants will be required to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

The aim of our interviews is to measure aptitude as part of a holistic assessment of candidates.

Interviews in North America normally take place in early February, in San Francisco and New York.

Candidate Interviews

What Happens Next?

Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of a place by the end of March.

If you are offered a place, you must successfully pass the first years of your degree at the required standard and meet our English language requirements. You are required to pass all of the science modules which make up the first years of your programme.

Students on this pathway will transfer credits from Year 1 of the BVM&S programme to their Cal Poly BS Animal Science, which will satisfy final year credit and allow them to graduate from their BS.

Vet Student Experience - Danielle Poll

Applying for Entry as a Graduate

In addition to the accelerated partnership route (for entry after 3 years of study), we are pleased to facilitate direct applications to the 4 year BVM&S Programme from students in their final year of study at Cal Poly (for entry post-graduation).

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for graduate entry, you must be in your final year of study on the Cal Poly BS Animal Science programme, achieving good grades in all Major Courses, and be on track to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.4 or above (on a 4 point scale). We also look for evidence of relevant animal handling experience.

Application Process

You are invited to apply via the How to Apply section above. The process mirrors that of the accelerated partnership route, with the same required documents and deadlines.

Questions?

If you have any questions about applying for entry as a graduate, please get in touch with a University of Edinburgh representative via the contact details at the bottom of the page.