RCVS institutes new policy to support refugees with veterinary degrees
Overseas vets must take and pass the Statutory Examination to join the RCVS register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK.
The RCVS has instituted a new policy that will provide financial support to refugees with veterinary degrees to enable them to take the Statutory Examination for Membership.
The new policy has been developed in collaboration with the Refugee Council, a support and advice charity for UK refugees and asylum seekers. It will provide financial help to refugees who have a veterinary degree that is currently not recognised by the RCVS.
Overseas vets must take and pass the Statutory Examination to join the RCVS register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK. The funding will be paid on behalf of the candidate by the Refugee Council, covering the cost of taking the exam itself, in addition to any associated travel costs and English-language test fees.
Dr Susan Paterson, chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “As a compassionate regulator, we thought it was only right to institute this policy to support a number of people with refugee status and with overseas veterinary degrees who, each year, would like to apply to become registered vets in the UK through the Statutory Examination for Membership but for whom the costs involved represent a barrier.
“Many of these people have come from extremely traumatic and challenging circumstances and are looking for a chance to rebuild their lives and professional careers in the UK, so we are happy to do what we can to support them in this endeavour.
Fahira Mulamehic, employment programmes manager at Refugee Council, said: “We are delighted that we were able to contribute to the development of the new policy at the RCVS. Providing financial assistance to refugees with a veterinary degree to help with the Statutory Exam for Membership will enable them the right to practice in the UK."
She added: “We look forward to supporting refugee veterinarians in collaboration with the RCVS.”
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
