Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program Admission
Your journey to becoming a veterinarian begins at St. George’s University.
Let us help you identify the vet school requirements that you need to meet before beginning your veterinarian education with SGU, a world-class academic environment that has produced more than 2,100 veterinarians from 27 countries since 1999. Qualified students can enter St. George’s University through multiple entry points: as a preveterinary student in our five-, six-, or seven-year programs; or directly into the four-year veterinary medical program for students who have completed their baccalaureate degree.
Students applying for a dual DVM/MSc or DVM/MPH degree program must include the Graduate Addendum of the application to the DVM program. Candidates will be reviewed by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Faculty Student Selection Committe first and then by the subcommittee that determines acceptance to graduate degree programs.
SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine seeks students who exhibit strong academic potential—those who are compassionate, flexible, scientific-minded, and motivated.
Students must be aware of the realities of veterinary medicine and be familiar with the ethical questions they will face in their daily work as a practicing veterinarian. They must have a sense of community responsibility and be interested in lifelong learning.
While the majority of our students hail from the United States, SGU’s diverse student body comprises individuals from many different countries and cultures, bringing together a wide range of educational and work backgrounds. This dedication to the scientific study of medicine combined with a truly global experience sets SGU apart from more traditional schools.
Global Veterinary Health Track
Students need to appreciate and accept the rigors of the GVH track, especially the EMS component. Students are required to attain BBB grades at A level or equivalent to gain entry to the track. Students will also need to be aware of the RCVS Fitness to Practise for students and understand that it will be applied as necessary.
Applicants from the North American Model of Education
The Faculty Student Selection Committee (FSSC) does not stipulate a minimum number of hours of animal experience. We seek students who are passionate about the study and have undertaken efforts to get a feeling for the essence of the veterinary profession. We encourage applicants to have garnered experience working with companion animals as well as large animals. Work with other animals like exotics and lab animals, as well as research and regulatory experience, will be considered as additional strong points in the application.
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Under exceptional circumstances, a candidate may be considered with a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours.
The following specific undergraduate coursework (or its equivalent) is required as part of the preveterinary medical requirements for admission:
- General Biology or Zoology with lab: one year
- General Chemistry with lab: one year
- Organic Chemistry with lab: one semester
- Genetics: one semester
- Biochemistry: one semester
- Physics with lab: one semester
- Math (Calculus, Computer Science, or Statistics): one semester
- English: one semester
- For the 2022/2023 application cycle, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine does not require a GRE score to be submitted as part of your application.
Applicants from the British System of Education
Applicants with strong passes at the Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education in Biology (Zoology), Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics will be assessed individually and accepted into the five-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
A bachelor’s degree with a strong science background is required for direct entry into the four-year veterinary medical program.
If English is not the principal language, the applicant must have achieved a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a 7.0 overall score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Advanced Standing Applications
Applications for advanced standing are rarely considered, and only for the beginning of the second year of the four-year veterinary medical program. The Faculty Student Selection Committee does not seek or encourage transfer applications. A candidate seeking advanced standing should write to the Chairman of the Faculty Student Selection Committee to determine whether an application will be considered. The letter should include the citizenship of the candidate, the prior veterinary medical school with years attended, a brief summary of academic achievement, and the reason for leaving. Should the Faculty Student Selection Committee consider the application, the candidate will be notified of the procedures for application.
The preveterinary medical program within SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine provides a firm foundation for veterinary medical studies. The initial years of study incorporate basic undergraduate courses in reading, writing, and mathematics with the necessary science foundation courses for a well-rounded education.
The final year introduces some disciplines that students will study in greater depth in the veterinary medical program; others, such as biochemistry, are completed in the preveterinary medical program.
Additionally, preveterinary medical students who do not hold a first degree may be eligible to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Evaluation of prior educational background will determine eligibility and appropriate placement within the BS/DVM program.
Students will have some exposure to clinical veterinary medical practice both in clinics and in the field.
Depending on the country of origin and academic background, students enter the preveterinary medical program for a period of one to three years with the expectation of eventually being promoted into veterinary medicine when the preveterinary medical studies are completed.
The veterinary medical program curriculum is extremely demanding, and students are required to demonstrate their ability to succeed both in terms of knowledge base and interpersonal skills.
Students who lack an appropriate foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, social sciences, mathematics, written and spoken English, and/or mature study skills will be asked to complete a preparatory program that is between one and four semesters in length.
Promotion into the veterinary medical program is dependent upon successfully completing the third year of the preveterinary medical program with a minimum grade point average of 3.2, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination at the end of the year.
Applicants presenting secondary school, Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education, the International Baccalaureate, or university/college undergraduate credentials will be assessed individually, and will be considered for appropriate entry into the preveterinary medical program.
Entry Requirements: All Applicants
If English is not the principal language, the applicant must have achieved a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a 7.0 overall score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Preveterinary Medicine: Year 1
- Passes in GCSE Ordinary Levels (or the equivalent) are required in Mathematics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, English, and at least one other subject.
Or
- High school diploma (or the equivalent) with a strong GPA in science and SAT scores.
Preveterinary Medicine: Year 2
- A matriculation examination, such as the South African or Australian examination (or its equivalent), with strong science grades.
Or
- Minimum of 30 university/college undergraduate level credits that include some science foundation courses.*
Preveterinary Medicine: Year 3
- IB Diploma or a minimum of three GCE Advanced Level Examinations (or the equivalent) with strong science grades.
Or
- Minimum of 60 university/college undergraduate level credits that include all science foundation courses,* with the exception of Biochemistry and Genetics.
* The science foundation courses are the following requisite undergraduate level courses for promotion into the veterinary medical program: Biology I and II with lab, Organic Chemistry I with lab, Inorganic Chemistry I and II with lab, at least one semester Physics with lab, one semester of Genetics, one semester of Biochemistry, either one semester of Calculus, Computer Science or Statistics, one semester of English and Organic Chemistry II with lab, or appropriate science elective.
Students can choose one of two application methods:
- VMCAS
As a member of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), SGU uses the AAVMC’s centralized Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).
Most US citizens who are aspiring veterinary medical students use the AAVMC’s application service to apply to veterinary medical schools that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
VMCAS collects, processes, and submits application materials to the veterinary medical schools and responds to inquiries about the application process from applicants, advisors, parents, and schools. The system also has electronic evaluation and submission capability, and serves as a social media hub via Facebook, where applicants can ask questions, interact, and obtain updates.
To apply through VMCAS, please click here.
- Non-VMCAS Applicants
If you are not applying through VMCAS, you are able to apply online through the SGU website and track your application status through Self-Service Admission. As an alternative, you can still download a PDF copy to complete electronically or print and complete manually.
All supporting documents must be in English or must have a certified English translation attached and must be originals or certified copies. In addition to the completed application, the following are required:
- Application fee: $50 US for preveterinary medical and veterinary medical sciences.
- Official secondary school transcripts.
- Undergraduate coursework transcripts must be submitted by the undergraduate institution.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not your principal language.
- Two letters of recommendation. In order of importance to the Committee on Admission, these are the categories:
- A veterinarian with whom you have worked
- A university professor (or, for those applying for the preveterinary program, a teacher)
- A preveterinary advisor committee, or an advisor/counselor
- 1,500-word personal statement discussing the significant factors that led to your decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and how you see yourself using this career to make a difference in the world
All Applicants
Applicants are advised that the Faculty Student Selection Committee requires an academic indicator (completed coursework or exam score) within the three years prior to making application. North American applicants are advised that GRE or MCAT scores may be used as a recent academic indicator.
Selection Factors
The Faculty Student Selection Committee takes seriously its charge of choosing future veterinarians who will contribute positively to the world’s community of veterinary medicine. The selection of students is made after careful consideration of many aspects: academic ability; emotional and professional maturity; academic achievement; community service; indicators of responsibility and motivation; time in a veterinary medical practice or farm experience; and letters of recommendation regarding the applicant’s personal qualities, character, motivation, and academic abilities. Candidates for admission will be invited for an interview.
Admissions Process
The Office of Admissions will acknowledge receipt of a candidate’s application within two weeks of its arrival. A candidate will be informed of any required supporting documents missing at that time. Within one month after receipt of all application materials, a candidate will receive notice that the application is complete and being reviewed to determine whether an interview will be granted.
After an initial review, those that are selected to continue in the application process will be invited to an interview. The interview gives us a chance to know candidates better and gives the candidates a chance to articulate themselves in ways that might not show in an application.
Applicants are notified of the decision of the Faculty Student Selection Committee. A record of the notification is kept for one year. Acceptance into the School of Veterinary Medicine is granted upon the presumption by the Faculty Student Selection Committee that (1) all courses currently being taken by applicants will be completed prior to registration and (2) all statements made by applicants during the admission process, whether oral, written, or in submission of academic documentation, are true and correct. If it is subsequently discovered that false or inaccurate information was submitted, the University may nullify a candidate’s acceptance or, if the student is registered, dismiss the student. A complete health history report must be submitted prior to registration. Students must submit a signed acknowledgment of admission along with a nonrefundable tuition deposit to reserve a seat in the class.
Acceptances cannot be deferred. Applicants who wish to matriculate in a later term than the one offered must put their request in writing to be reviewed with the application by the Faculty Student Selection Committee for a final determination. Applicants should be aware that there is no guarantee that they will be offered the same terms of acceptance as all candidates are reviewed with consideration of the existing pool of applicants.
Orientation Process
The Office of Admissions and the administration as a whole consider a realistic assessment of the veterinary medical program and the student experience in Grenada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia a necessary component of a responsible decision to attend St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. Therefore, accepted and prospective candidates are invited to visit the campus in Grenada during the academic year, if possible. Accepted candidates who are unable to do so are encouraged to attend one of the welcome sessions for entering students that are held before registration. Faculty and staff members, graduates, students, and others will attend the session in order to guide accepted students in preparing for veterinary medical school.
April 15 and November 15. The Faculty Student Selection Committee accepts applications on an ongoing basis. The final deadline for receipt of applications and all supporting documentation is April 15 of the current year for the August class, and November 15 of the preceding year for the January class.
Prospective candidates should note that the entering classes are highly competitive and those applications completed early have the advantage of being reviewed at the beginning of the admission process. The time necessary to secure official transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation should be taken into consideration.
The Committee reserves the right to defer an application to the following semester if there are no available seats.
