🏛️ About Surrey Vet School
The University of Surrey, founded in 1966, is a leading research university located in Guildford, approximately 30 miles southwest of London. Its School of Veterinary Medicine, opened in 2015, is one of the newest vet schools in the UK — the first new UK veterinary school to be established in over 50 years. It was specifically created to help address the UK shortage of veterinarians.
The Surrey BVMSci (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science) is a 5-year programme that places a strong emphasis on clinical skills from Year 1, with an integrated “One Health” and “One Welfare” curriculum that connects animal health, human health, and environmental science. The programme is fully accredited by the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). A distinctive feature of Surrey is its deliberately lower entry requirements (ABB vs AAA), designed to widen access to the veterinary profession without compromising academic rigour.
Manor Park Campus
A purpose-built veterinary campus opened in 2015, featuring a state-of-the-art veterinary clinical skills centre, anatomy suite, Anatomage table (digital anatomy technology), and simulation suite. The school operates an integrated teaching hospital concept and maintains strong collaborative partnerships with veterinary practices across Surrey and the wider region. The campus benefits from modern, purpose-designed teaching spaces built specifically for veterinary education.
All 5 years · Purpose-built 2015 · BVMSci awardedSource: surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine, RCVS accreditation records
📋 Entry Requirements — BVMSci (5-year)
A-level requirements
- Typical offer: ABB — Biology required at A-level, plus Chemistry or another science at A-level
- This is a lower offer than most UK vet schools (which typically require AAA) — Surrey deliberately sets this threshold to widen access to the profession
- Contextual offers of BBB may be available for eligible widening participation students
- A ‘pass’ in the science practical endorsement is required for each science A-level
Surrey’s lower entry grades are deliberate and principled. The school believes that academic grades alone do not determine who will become an excellent vet. By lowering the grade barrier, Surrey aims to attract a more diverse and inclusive cohort while maintaining rigorous standards through its holistic admissions process, including MMI interviews. Do not mistake lower grades for lower quality — the BVMSci is fully RCVS-accredited and produces practice-ready graduates.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
- 32 points overall, with 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level
- Biology must be taken at Higher Level
- Chemistry or another science at Higher Level preferred
Surrey accepts a wide range of international qualifications. Specific equivalencies vary by country and qualification type. For guidance, check the Surrey international entry requirements page or contact the admissions office. All applicants must demonstrate strong performance in Biology and a second science at an equivalent level.
GCSE requirements
- Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
- Grade 6/B in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or equivalent grades in combined/double science)
- Strong GCSE profile expected across core subjects
Admissions test
- No pre-interview admissions test required
- Surrey does not require the UCAT, BMAT, or any other standardised test
- Selection is based on the UCAS application (personal statement, academic record, school reference) and MMI interview performance
English language requirements
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall, with minimum 6.5 in each component
- Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced — check surrey.ac.uk for full list
- Applicants whose first language is English or who have completed a degree taught in English may be exempt
Sources: surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine/study/undergraduate, surrey.ac.uk/apply/entry-requirements
🐾 Work Experience
Work experience is essential for all applicants to the Surrey BVMSci. Surrey requires a minimum of 70 hours of animal-related experience, including both veterinary practice and non-clinical animal handling. All experience must be documented.
Surrey values quality and reflection over simply logging hours. While 70 hours is the minimum, what matters most is your ability to reflect meaningfully on what you observed, what challenged you, and what you learned about the realities of veterinary work. Demonstrating genuine insight into the profession is more important than accumulating a high hour count.
🏥 Clinical veterinary experience
- Time spent in a veterinary practice (small animal, mixed, equine, or farm)
- Observe consultations, surgeries, and client interactions
- Understand the day-to-day realities of veterinary work
- Reflect on challenges, rewards, and ethical dilemmas
- Must be documented and verifiable
🌿 Non-clinical animal experience
- Non-clinical animal handling experience is specifically required
- Farm work (dairy, sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry)
- Stables, kennels, catteries, animal shelters
- Wildlife rehabilitation or conservation
- Zoos, wildlife parks, or animal sanctuaries
All work experience must be documented — keep a reflective log with dates, hours, locations, and descriptions of what you observed and learned. Surrey specifically asks for evidence of your experience, and you should be prepared to discuss it in detail at your MMI interview. Focus on specific moments that shaped your understanding of the profession rather than generic descriptions.
Source: surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements
📝 Application Process — Step by Step
Step 1 — UCAS application
All applications go through UCAS (ucas.com). You can apply to up to 4 veterinary medicine programmes on UCAS (plus one non-vet choice). Your personal statement must clearly demonstrate your motivation, breadth of animal experience (minimum 70 hours documented), and reflective thinking about the veterinary profession.
UCAS deadline for veterinary medicine: 15 October each year (same as all UK vet schools). For 2027 entry: 15 October 2026. Note: Surrey has in some years accepted applications after this date — check surrey.ac.uk for the latest guidance, but do not rely on this. Submit on time or several days early to avoid technical issues.
Step 2 — Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed based on academic record, personal statement, and school reference. Surrey assesses evidence of work experience (minimum 70 hours, including veterinary and non-clinical animal handling), motivation, and understanding of the veterinary profession. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview.
Step 3 — MMI interviews (December–March)
Shortlisted candidates attend Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) at the Manor Park campus. The MMI consists of 6–8 stations (see detailed format below).
Step 4 — Offer
Conditional offers are communicated via UCAS, typically from January onwards. Standard offers are conditional on achieving ABB at A-level (or IB equivalent). Widening participation contextual offers may be BBB. Final confirmation depends on exam results released in August.
Step 5 — Widening participation
Surrey’s widening participation programme supports applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible applicants may receive a reduced contextual offer of BBB (instead of the standard ABB), along with additional support during the application process. The school’s overall ABB offer is itself part of its commitment to making veterinary education more accessible. Check eligibility criteria on the Surrey website.
Sources: surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply, ucas.com
🎤 Interview Format — MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews)
Surrey uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, consisting of 6–8 stations. This format is designed to assess a broad range of competencies and reduce the influence of any single interviewer’s bias.
How the MMI works
Candidates rotate through a series of short stations, each staffed by a different assessor. Before each station, you are given a brief period to read the scenario or question posted outside the door. You then enter and have a set time to respond. A bell signals when to move to the next station. The entire circuit takes approximately one hour.
What the stations assess
- Motivation for veterinary medicine — why vet med, why Surrey, what drives your commitment
- Work experience reflection — detailed discussion of your 70+ hours of animal-related experience and what you learned
- Ethical reasoning — scenario-based questions exploring animal welfare, client dilemmas, professional ethics
- Communication skills — explaining concepts clearly, demonstrating empathy, active listening
- Problem solving — data interpretation, scientific reasoning, or practical scenarios
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills — how you work with others, handle conflict, show resilience
- Awareness of the profession — understanding of current veterinary issues, One Health, animal welfare, sustainability
- Professional skills — time management, self-awareness, and commitment to lifelong learning
The MMI format means no single station determines your outcome. Surrey is looking for consistency across stations — candidates who demonstrate strong communication, genuine motivation, reflective thinking, and ethical awareness throughout. Surrey particularly values candidates who can articulate why they chose Surrey specifically (its accessibility ethos, One Health curriculum, modern facilities) and who can reflect thoughtfully on their work experience rather than simply listing it.
Practise thinking aloud and structuring your answers under time pressure. Rehearse discussing your work experience with specific examples — focus on moments of genuine learning or surprise. Read about current veterinary issues (antimicrobial resistance, One Health, animal welfare legislation, the UK vet shortage). Understand what makes Surrey’s approach distinctive. Do not memorise scripted answers — the MMI is designed to test genuine thinking, not rehearsed responses.
Sources: surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply, student testimonials
💰 Tuition Fees 2025–2026
| Student status | Annual tuition fee | Total over 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| UK Home student | £9,535/year | ~£47,675 |
| International student | ~£36,800/year | ~£184,000 |
Since 2021/22, EU, EEA, and Swiss students starting new courses are generally classified as international students and pay international fees (~£36,800/year), unless they have settled or pre-settled status in the UK. This is a significant cost difference. Verify your fee status at surrey.ac.uk before applying.
Surrey offers a range of bursaries and scholarships for UK students from lower-income households. International students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships. The UK government provides tuition fee loans and maintenance loans for eligible Home students. Check surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding for current opportunities.
Sources: surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding, surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine. International fees are approximate — always verify on surrey.ac.uk before applying.
🏠 Cost of Living — Guildford
Guildford is a prosperous market town in Surrey, more affordable than London while benefiting from excellent transport links (35–40 minutes to London Waterloo by train). It offers a good quality of life for students with a mix of independent shops, restaurants, and green spaces, plus the convenience of proximity to the capital.
Total monthly budget estimate
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £500–£850 |
| Food & groceries | £150–£300 |
| Transport | £40–£120 |
| Books & course materials | £15–£50 |
| Personal / social / misc. | £80–£180 |
| Total estimate | £900–£1,400/mo |
Total cost over 5 years for an international student: tuition ~£184,000 + living ~£54,000–£84,000 + UK visa costs. The all-in cost can reach £245,000–£275,000. The Immigration Health Surcharge is approximately £776 per year of visa. While Guildford is more affordable than London, the total investment is still very substantial.
Sources: surrey.ac.uk/accommodation, surrey.ac.uk/life/cost-of-living