Are you an animal lover with a profound passion for their well-being? Do you dream of a career where you can make a tangible impact on the lives of the furry, feathered, and scaly companions of humans? Studying veterinary medicine might be your perfect path!

From its renowned educational institutions to its diverse wildlife and thriving agricultural industry, Canada offers many opportunities and experiences, making it an unrivalled choice for studying veterinary medicine. Canadian veterinary schools are renowned for their high academic standards and rigorous curriculum. These institutions provide comprehensive training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of veterinary practice. Top-ranking schools are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and diagnostic equipment, and students have access to advanced technologies and resources that enable them to develop their skills in diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures.

Canada's vast and diverse geography is home to many wildlife species, including unique and exotic animals. Studying veterinary medicine in Canada offers exposure to these diverse populations, providing students with opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation, environmental health, and exotic species management.

Learn more about the best Canadian universities for veterinary medicine below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), and if you want to study veterinary science in Canada, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

Top Five Veterinary Medicine Universities in Canada

1. University of Guelph

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph is a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in veterinary education, research, and clinical services. Situated in Guelph, Ontario, OVC has a rich history dating back to 1862 and is the oldest veterinary school in Canada. At OVC, students get to immerse themselves in a comprehensive and innovative curriculum that prepares them to become skilled and compassionate veterinarians. The study programs integrate foundational scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address the diverse challenges of veterinary practice.

The college operates the OVC Health Sciences Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that provides high-quality veterinary care to animals while serving as a teaching hospital for students. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members, students gain practical skills and firsthand experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of animal species, including companion animals, livestock, and wildlife.

• Suggested Course: Master of Biomedical Science
• International Fees: $10,595
• Entry Requirements: Applicants must have an Honours BSc in Veterinary Medicine or Biological Sciences with a minimum grade of B+ and English language proficiency scores. 

2. University of Montreal

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal is a prestigious institution imparting high-quality veterinary education. As the only French-language veterinary school in North America, FMV offers a unique and immersive learning experience for students passionate about veterinary medicine. FMV's curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The programs encompass various subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and animal behaviour. 

The faculty operates several clinical centres, including the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV), where students can apply their knowledge in a real-world clinical setting. Under the guidance of experienced veterinarians, students participate in clinical rotations and gain practical experience in areas such as small animal medicine, surgery, equine medicine, and herd health management.

FMV is also renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation, and the faculty hosts numerous research laboratories and centres that focus on a wide range of topics, including infectious diseases, animal nutrition, animal welfare, and zoonotic diseases. 

• Suggested Course: Master in Veterinary Science
• International Fees: $19,263
• Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science with a minimum score of 3.0 out of 4.3 and have knowledge of French and English languages. 

3. University of Calgary

U of C's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is among the leading institutions in veterinary education and research, dedicated to preparing future veterinarians with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. Situated in the vibrant city of Calgary, Alberta, the faculty offers a comprehensive program that combines rigorous academics, hands-on training, and innovative research opportunities. 

The faculty's curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in veterinary medicine, and the core courses cover a diverse range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and veterinary ethics. Students also have the opportunity to explore specialised areas of interest through elective courses, allowing them to tailor their education to align with their career goals. Students learn techniques such as physical examination, diagnostic imaging interpretation, clinical reasoning, and surgical skills through simulation-based learning and clinical rotations. This hands-on approach equips students with the practical competencies to provide high-quality veterinary care.

The faculty has strong partnerships and collaborations with veterinary clinics, animal health organisations, and industry stakeholders, which enables students to gain valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to real-world veterinary practice.

• Suggested Course: MSc in Veterinary Medicine
• International Fees: $7,016 per year
• Entry Requirements: A Baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university with a minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA and English language proficiency scores.

4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in veterinary education. The curriculum at Alberta is designed to provide students with a foundation in the subject's theoretical and practical aspects. The program covers various subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, and preventive medicine.

The college is also known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. It hosts cutting-edge research laboratories and centres dedicated to various areas of veterinary medicine, including infectious diseases, food safety, wildlife health, and animal welfare. Faculty members and students engage in collaborative research projects, advancing knowledge and addressing critical issues in animal health. This research-intensive environment allows students to participate in scientific inquiry, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to advancing veterinary science.

• Suggested Course: Bachelor of Science in Animal Health

5. University of Prince Edward Island

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is one of the top-ranking educational institutions providing quality veterinary education. Located on the picturesque island province of Prince Edward Island in Canada's Atlantic region, AVC offers a unique and enriching learning environment for students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

AVC prides itself on its comprehensive and modern curriculum, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful veterinary career. The programs integrate classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical training to provide a well-rounded education to students who gain expertise in various areas, including small animal medicine, large animal medicine, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and public health. Through practical experiences and clinical rotations, students also work with a wide range of animals, including companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. One of the key strengths of AVC is its state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital, the Atlantic Veterinary Hospital (AVH), which serves as a primary clinical training facility for students and offers comprehensive veterinary care to animals in need.

• Suggested Course: Master of Veterinary Science
• International Fees: $17,230  
• Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering degree completed in four years, along with English language proficiency scores, to apply to the program.

Study Veterinary Medicine in Canada

If you would like more information or need help applying to study in Canada, contact SI-Canada today.