Record number of overseas vets join RCVS register
Successful candidates came from 19 different countries, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.
A record number of veterinary surgeons from outside the UK have been admitted to the Register of Veterinary Surgeons having passed the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Statutory Examination for Membership.
Their achievements were celebrated as part of a formal ceremony in Manchester on 21 November, which was hosted by RCVS senior vice-president Sue Paterson and chief executive Lizzie Lockett.
This year, 37 candidates passed the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership, which is required when veterinary surgeons hold degrees that are not recognised by the RCVS. This means they are now eligible to join the RCVS register.
The exam consists of two elements: a written theory exam and a practical exam. The content assesses knowledge and understanding of companion animals, production animals and equine patients.
Candidates must also demonstrate their English language competence and professional standing before taking the exam.
Successful candidates from this year’s cohort came from 19 different countries, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. Two of the candidates held refugee status and were supported by the college’s refugee support system.
At the ceremony, attended by 29 of the successful candidates, Dr Paterson lead the veterinary surgeons through their professional declarations before welcoming them as members of the RCVS.
One attendee was Tetiana Khramova, a veterinary surgeon and Ukrainian refugee. Dr Khramova said: “There are quite a lot of differences in regulations and laws working in veterinary in the UK compared to in Ukraine, so I’m glad that I had that time working as a veterinary care assistant to prepare myself. But I’m so happy to be back!”
Dinesha Ratnayake, from Sri Lanka, also passed the exam. She said: “It’s probably one of the toughest exams I’ve ever sat in my life. There’s a lot to study.
“I probably started studying around one and a half years ago. In Sri Lanka the equine and farm animal side of things aren’t that developed, so I had to start from scratch.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Paterson said: “Presiding at the Statutory Membership Exam Ceremony is one of the best jobs we get to do as Officers of the College, so it is an absolute pleasure to be able to share this special day with you, and your friends and family at this magnificent venue in Manchester […] and of course many congratulations to all of you for the enormous hard work, commitment, drive and determination that you have shown in taking and passing the RCVS Statutory Entrance Examination.“
She added: “We are delighted to welcome you all to the veterinary profession in the UK.”
Image © RCVS
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
