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DN300

(opens in a new window)This course will educate you to the best international standards in veterinary medicine and is accredited nationally by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and is one of only 6 veterinary schools in Europe currently accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The veterinary profession is concerned with the promotion of the health and welfare of animals of special importance to society. This involves the care of healthy and sick animals, the prevention, recognition, control and treatment of their diseases and of diseases transmitted from animals to man, and the welfare and productivity of livestock.

Applications will only be considered from applicants who have successfully completed theUCD Access SEAM course.

N.B. Applicants who have previously been unsuccessful in any Veterinary Medicine programme will not normally be accepted onto a Veterinary Medicine programme in UCD.

The purpose of this pathway to Veterinary Medicine is to provide an access route to those who have not yet had the opportunity to attend university. Therefore, those without a Level 8 degree will be prioritised.

The study of Veterinary Medicine necessitates using animal-derived material in some classes. Any animal tissue used in classes is ethically sourced in full compliance with the University’s ethical review body. Individuals who object unreservedly to the use of animal material in teaching should not enter the Veterinary Medicine programme.


If you are at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the year you want to enter, you can apply on grounds of mature years.

To enter in September 2024, you must have been born on or before 1 January 2001.

Apply by 1 February. Late applications will not be considered on grounds of mature years.

You must post the following documentation to CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway:

  • Results, Certificates or other evidence of any qualifications that you have mentioned in your online CAO application.

Remember to include your CAO application number on all supporting documents that you send to CAO.

Please note that documents should be with CAO no later than 15 February. Documents received after this date may not be available to us in time for assessment.

You must meet the following minimum requirements:

Requirement Detail  
UCD Access to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science and Medicine (SEAM)
  • Minimum final overall GPA: 3.08
  • Minimum Grade A- in the module ‘Introduction to Chemistry, Physics & Biology’

Note: UCD Access results are valid for 2 years only i.e. only results attained this year and last year will be automatically considered. Older results may be considered if places remain after all eligible applicants with current results have been considered.

 
Animal Experience & Report

A minimum of 60 hours Animal Experience, with one or more species, will be required. The animal experience should be within the past two years.

Applicants will be required to submit an online form with details of their practical experience. Please see further details on our Veterinary Medicine FAQ page 

 
Interview Applicants will be interviewed to assess their Critical Thinking, Communication Skills and their Interest and Knowledge of the Veterinary profession and the veterinary course.  

Places will be allocated on a competitive basis. Any canvassing, or failure to mention a previous degree (of any level) on your CAO form, will automatically disqualify the applicant.

Yes. Applicants will be interviewed to assess their Critical Thinking, Communication Skills and their Interest and Knowledge of the Veterinary profession and the veterinary course.

Assessment of mature applications will take place when the Access results are known.

Official offers will issue via CAO in early July and must be accepted within a week.

Am I EU or non-EU

If you are unsure if you are EU or Non-EU please see www.ucd.ie/fees

Contact UCD Registry

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 1555 | Location Map(opens in a new window)