University of Hong Kong Partnership

A partnership between the University of Hong Kong and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

In partnership with the University of Hong Kong, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies offers BBiomedSc students from HKU the opportunity to undertake a year of study at the Dick Vet following the second year of their degree. Students can subsequently elect to return to Edinburgh after completing their HKU degree and enrol for the remaining three years of the veterinary degree to gain a BVM&S.

This innovative collaboration and structure allows HKU students to obtain a BBiomedSc degree and BVM&S in a combined total of just seven years compared to the eight years this would take studying separately in the two institutions.

Read the Partnership Guides

White outline of the Hong Kong skyline against a red background

HKU Partnership Guide

BVM&S 2025 Entry Guide (Partnerships)

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must be:

in the second year of your BSc Biomedical Sciences degree at HKU;
achieving good grades;
on track to obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above at the end of second 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

Extra-Mural Studies

All UK veterinary programmes include Extra-Mural Studies - this is mandated by UK law and overseen by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The aim of EMS is to enable students to gain practical experience in as many aspects of veterinary work as possible, including the handling of animals and the achievement of proficiency in routine techniques.

Within the framework specified by the RCVS, students choose their own placements to best align with their unique learning needs and interests. Here at Edinburgh, we have a dedicated team which supports students throughout the EMS process.

EMS is completed during holiday (vacation) periods and is generally unpaid. Edinburgh students complete a wide range of diverse and interesting placements, building on the skills they have been taught at university and developing into world-class graduates.

There is a requirement for students to complete 10 weeks of Animal Husbandry EMS (AHEMS) during the Foundation Phase of the programme (Year 1 of the four-year programme).

Then, during the Clinical Phase (Years 2, 3 and 4 of the four-year programme), a further 20 weeks of Clinical EMS (CEMS) must be completed.

How to Apply

The following documents are required as part of your application:

Application Form (available from your HKU advisor)
Personal Statement (up to 500 words)
Resume/CV
Work Experience Summary
Official Transcript
Academic Reference

Deadline

All elements of your application should be submitted to your HKU advisor by the October deadline (please confirm the exact date with your HKU advisor).

HKU-endorsed applications will subsequently be transmitted to the University of Edinburgh for our consideration.

Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the initial stage of the selection process by mid-December.

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 Asia normally take place in January, in Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

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.