Study Veterinary Medicine in Budapest
That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, in conversation with Timothy O’Leary, M.V.B., M.R.C.V.S, Irish representative for the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest.
TF: Why should Irish students consider studying veterinary medicine in Budapest?
TOL: The university – which is EVMB accredited by EAVA – has over 30 years experience of teaching international students, with English being the language of instruction.
The degree is recognised in Ireland and internationally, with good job prospects on graduation in your own country.
There is a high level of veterinary training, a good Irish student community in Budapest and a cheap cost of living.
There is a unique horse equine clinic in Europe with its own horse isolation and bone surgery facilities.
TF: What are the entry requirements?
TOL: There is an entrance exam in biology and chemistry, and applicants must have completed their Leaving Certificate.
There are two ways to get into our university to our undergraduate, master programme (in English):
- To sit for an entrance exam in biology, chemistry and English online
- To apply as a transfer student on the condition you have studied / you are still studying natural sciences at a university or a college like biology and chemistry.
In this way, you do not have to take part in the entrance exam in the two subjects; based on your previous studies, you can be accepted without it.
A-Level, Leaving Certificate results or IB with high grades in biology and chemistry could also substitute the entrance exam or the French ’BCPSt – Classe Preparatoire’ – can exempt you as well.
In the latter case, we will also need a detailed description of your studies (transcript of grades, syllabus), if it was BSc or MSc, undergraduate level. In the case of enough similarities, we may even grant some exemptions from our subjects.
TF: Are Leaving Cert points required or taken into consideration?
TOL: Entrance is not CAO points based – Students must matriculate secondary school Leaving Certificates.
But the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest appreciates a good Leaving Certificate, especially in the natural sciences, and readers must note that graduate entry is also possible.
TF: Do students need to sit specific science subjects at Leaving Cert level for entry?
TOL: Students need a good knowledge of biology and chemistry at Leaving Cert level to be successful in the entrance exam.
TF: How long is the course?
TOL: The curriculum for veterinary medicine takes 5½ years and parallels the standard curriculum found in most European veterinary programmes.
TF: The degree is recognised and validated by the VCI?
TOL: Yes, and throughout the EU, is internationally accredited.
After the completion of a board exam in Canada or the US, the graduates are entitled to a residency and to practise in North America.
TF: Approximately, how much does it cost to study veterinary medicine at the university?
TOL: Before the entrance examination:
- Application fee: €200
- Exam fee: €250
After the entrance examination:
- Registration fee: €220 Tuition fee: €7,700 (first semester) + €4,780 (second semester) = €12,480 (total/year)
- The deposit of €800 is payable two weeks after acceptance. It is part of the first semester’s tuition fee and is non-refundable.
TF: What is it like to study in Budapest?
TOL: UVMB is very popular with Irish students. There is a good Irish community, and you can be connected through social media.
Returning home can be easy– holidays similar to other vet universities.
TF: Is there a practical learning element – a module dedicated to work placement/experience in a practice?
TOL: During the summer months, placement can be completed in veterinary practices and the course includes a practical semester.
Clinical rotations offer the students practical experience in small animal medicine and surgery.
A field station of the school outside the city has a large animal equine clinic which is used for practical training.
Practical work at the school’s field stations and state farms, as well as the practitioner veterinarians, is part of the curriculum.
TF: What should people do before they apply to vet med?
TOL: Visit the campus, if possible, to view the facilities.
Applicants should have a good knowledge of biology and chemistry for the entrance exam.
Also, spend some time in a veterinary clinic or hospital and discuss a career with vet surgeons.
There is a one-year pre-veterinary programme in English, McDaniel Europe – the Budapest Campus of McDaniel College recommended for students whose knowledge of a science subject is not yet sufficient, and they need a one-year focused preparation in biology and chemistry to start their veterinary medicine studies.
TF: How can you apply?
TOL: Apply online (https://apply.univet.hu/) or through a representative
Regarding the application, you will need to follow the following procedure:
You will need the following documents to upload:
- Secondary school Leaving Certificate;
- Medical report (saying that you are physically/mentally fit and do not suffer from any infectious diseases);
- An American-styled Curriculum Vitae;
- Copy of passport;
- Letters of recommendation (if there are any);
- Certification about your academic results at your university (if there is any), containing your exam results, a short description of the courses you have taken, number of lectures and practicals and the credits achieved.
There is help with housing through the University Accommodation Office of College International Ltd: +3630 683 0885: e-mail: [email protected] or www.budapesthousingservice.com
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