Qualification recognition
What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.
Veterinary Science in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there
4 United Kingdom Open door Some demand
The RCVS recognises the University of Pretoria BVSc outright: register and practise, no exams.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- 1-3 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None
- Language test
- English; RCVS sets English language requirements and publishes which evidence it accepts.
- Rough cost
- Not published. RCVS publishes a registration application fee and an annual renewal fee.
Worth knowing: Recognition applies to the Pretoria BVSc, and to the historic Medunsa BVMCh only if obtained before 31 December 2002. Other SA veterinary qualifications need the RCVS Statutory Membership Exam.
Step by step 5 steps
- Confirm your degree is the University of Pretoria BVSc, which RCVS Council lists as a recognised qualification.
- Check the RCVS English language requirements and sort out your visa or work permit.
- Gather documents: certified colour copy of your passport, a passport photo, a certified A4 copy of your degree and a letter of good standing.
- Complete the online application and pay the registration fee.
- Attend a short video verification appointment on Microsoft Teams; RCVS aims to process applications within 4 weeks, or 6 when busy.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: Veterinarians (2240) are visa-eligible but are not on the Immigration Salary List, Temporary Shortage List or Health and Care Worker visa list. (source)
3 Ireland Exams or bridging Some demand
Ireland does not auto-recognise the SA BVSc; you apply to the VCI for an individual assessment.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 6-18 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Depends on the VCI qualification assessment. If required, the VCI Registration Examination has a written Part 1 and a practical Part 2 (Part 2 only after passing Part 1), held once a year and taken by invitation.
- Language test
- English; no separate test was confirmed for SA graduates. Confirm with the VCI.
- Rough cost
- EUR 500 qualification assessment fee, plus registration and document fees.
- Regulator
- Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI)
Worth knowing: The VCI assesses a veterinary qualification it does not recognise under Section 44 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 (apply by email to education@vci.ie); the Council may require its registration examination, and the assessment fee is EUR 500 under the Fees Regulations 2022. Processing times are not stated; confirm current details with the VCI.
Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Check whether your qualification appears on the VCI's list of recognised qualifications; non-EU degrees generally do not.
- Apply to have your qualification assessed by the Veterinary Council; the VCI states an assessment fee of EUR 500.
- Apply by email to education@vci.ie; the VCI page does not list the documents, so confirm what to submit (such as degree, transcripts and SAVC good standing) with the VCI.
- Complete whatever the assessment outcome requires; the Council may decide you must pass its Registration Examination, which you can sit only on invitation.
- Register with the Veterinary Council of Ireland before practising; practising without registration is not permitted.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: Vets are not on the Critical Skills List; they are not on the Ineligible Occupations List either (only veterinary nurses, 6131, are ineligible). (source)
3 Netherlands Major requalification Some demand
No EU shortcut: Pretoria is not on the EAEVE list, and Dutch is needed for clinical practice.
- Recognition
- 2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
- Time to practise
- About 1 year on average from application (CIBG); the CBGD decision takes about 20 weeks once the file is complete
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None if the CBGD finds your training fully equivalent. If it is equivalent only to Dutch bachelor level, you receive an intended negative decision and in many cases can sit the Kennis- en Vaardighedentoets (KVD-toets): an online knowledge test plus a skills test at Utrecht University, in English or Dutch. The CBGD may then advise up to 1 year of extra training at Utrecht.
- Language test
- Dutch in practice; no official registration language level was confirmed in this research.
- Rough cost
- Registration application free apart from postage; the KVD-toets and any extra training cost extra
Worth knowing: This is the least verified entry in this file and is indicative only; the CBGD assesses each application individually.
Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Note that vets are not in the BIG-register; Dutch veterinary registration sits under animal legislation, not the healthcare professions act.
- Note that EU automatic recognition does not apply: it covers only veterinary diplomas listed in Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC, which are EU/EEA qualifications. EAEVE evaluation (Pretoria is not listed) is a voluntary quality check, not the legal test.
- Apply to the Diergeneeskunderegister (run by CIBG) under Procedure B for non-EEA diplomas; the Commissie Buitenlands Gediplomeerde Diergeneeskundigen (CBGD) assesses whether your training is equivalent to the Dutch veterinary degree.
- Plan for working Dutch, which practices and clients will require even where no formal language exam is specified.
- Register before practising, then apply for posts.
Evidence and sources (6)
Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list; vets register in the Diergeneeskunderegister (run by CIBG), where the CBGD assesses non-EEA diplomas, and use normal work-permit routes. No current UWV occupation data reachable. (limited evidence for this country) (source)
- EAEVE - ESEVT status of EAEVE establishments (updated after the ECOVE meeting on 28.09.2026); Pretoria is not listed
- EAEVE - establishments status page
- European Commission - automatic recognition (sectoral professions, Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC)
- Diergeneeskunderegister (CIBG) - Procedure B, diplomas from outside the EEA or Switzerland
- Diergeneeskunderegister - KVD-toets and extra training for vets
- Diergeneeskunderegister - processing time and costs (Procedure B)
3 Germany Major requalification Some demand
Tierarzt Approbation needs German plus an equivalence check and usually a knowledge examination.
- Recognition
- 2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
- Time to practise
- 2-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Kenntnisprufung if equivalence is not established; the exact format is set by the state authority.
- Language test
- German is compulsory: B2 per the federal Recognition Finder (Bavaria result), which names no professional language examination for vets; the state authority sets the detail.
- Rough cost
- Not published. Fees set per state, plus German courses and certified translations.
Worth knowing: The third-country Approbation framework was verified for doctors. Veterinarians follow the same structure, but confirm the detail with the state authority.
Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to the veterinary approbation authority in the German state where you want to work.
- The authority compares your BVSc with German veterinary training. Automatic EU recognition covers only EU/EEA diplomas listed in the EU directive, so it does not apply to a South African degree.
- If equivalence is not established, sit a Kenntnisprufung, a knowledge examination conducted in German.
- Provide German language evidence: the federal Recognition Finder asks vets for B2 German (Bavaria result) and names no professional language examination; check with your state authority whether it asks for one.
- Receive the Approbation and join the regional veterinary chamber (Tierarztekammer).
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Vets are not named among Make it in Germany's professions in demand (only veterinary assistants are); general skilled worker visa applies. (source)
4 United States Exams or bridging High demand
Pretoria is not AVMA-accredited, so you go through ECFVG or PAVE and then pass the NAVLE.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 1.5-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- ECFVG: BCSE plus the Clinical Proficiency Examination. Or PAVE. The NAVLE is required in both cases.
- Language test
- English; ECFVG applies its own English proficiency requirement.
- Rough cost
- Not published. The CPE is the most expensive single step and NAVLE and programme fees are published separately.
Worth knowing: Being 'AVMA ECFVG-listed' is not accreditation. Listing only allows you to apply to the ECFVG certification programme, nothing more.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Check the AVMA Council on Education accredited colleges list: Pretoria is not accredited, only ECFVG-listed, so a certification programme is needed.
- Choose ECFVG: credentials verification, English proficiency, the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE) and the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE).
- Or choose the AAVSB's PAVE programme as the alternative certification route.
- Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is required under either route.
- Apply to the state veterinary board where you want to work; many states add a jurisprudence examination.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: BLS OOH: veterinarians projected to grow much faster than average. (source)
4 Canada Exams or bridging High demand
The CVMA National Examining Board issues the qualification provinces accept: BCSE, NAVLE and a clinical exam, or PAVE plus the NAVLE.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 1.5-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- BCSE plus the Clinical Proficiency Examination, and the NAVLE; or PAVE (which replaces both the BCSE and the CPE) and the NAVLE. Some provinces add a jurisprudence exam.
- Language test
- English or French, depending on the province.
- Rough cost
- Not published. NEB registration and assessment fees, BCSE, CPE or PAVE fees, NAVLE fee and provincial licensing fees.
Worth knowing: Requirements are set province by province, so check the specific regulator early. The route is long and expensive but needs no further university study.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Confirm Pretoria is not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education, which also accredits Canada's five veterinary schools.
- Register with the CVMA National Examining Board (NEB) for a credential assessment.
- Pass the BCSE, the NAVLE and the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE), or use another NEB pathway: PAVE (QSE plus evaluated clinical experience) and the NAVLE, with PAVE replacing both the BCSE and the CPE; the BCSE, a clinical year at a CVMA/AVMA-accredited school and the NAVLE; or BCSE and CPE scores transferred from ECFVG. On the PAVE and clinical-year pathways the CPE is needed only if the NAVLE is not passed within three attempts.
- Receive the NEB Certificate of Qualification, then apply to the provincial veterinary regulator (for example the CVO in Ontario or the ABVMA in Alberta) for a licence.
- Complete any provincial jurisprudence examination before practising.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Express Entry Healthcare and social services category: Veterinarians (31103). (source)
5 Australia Open door High demand
AVBC lists the University of Pretoria BVSc as generally recognised: register without sitting exams.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- 2-4 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None. AVBC recognition removes the need for the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE).
- Language test
- English; AVBC requires all applicants to demonstrate suitable English language skills.
- Rough cost
- Not published. State or territory veterinary board registration fees.
Worth knowing: The AVBC list checked is the October 2023 version; it is still the list linked from the AVBC website's recognition FAQ as of 2026-10-04.
Step by step 5 steps
- Check the AVBC 'Qualifications Generally Recognised' list: the University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort) BVSc is listed as current.
- Demonstrate English language skills suitable for veterinary practice, which AVBC requires of all applicants.
- Apply directly to the veterinary board of the state or territory where you will work.
- Arrange a skilled visa, then register and start practising; the Australasian Veterinary Examination is not required.
- Obtain an SAVC letter of good standing to support the application.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Veterinarian (269531) in national shortage. (source)
5 New Zealand Open door High demand
The same AVBC recognition covers New Zealand: register with the Veterinary Council, no exams.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- 2-4 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None. The Pretoria BVSc appears on the AVBC generally recognised list, so the NZ national examination is not needed.
- Language test
- English; AVBC requires all applicants to demonstrate suitable English language skills.
- Rough cost
- Not published. Veterinary Council of New Zealand registration and annual practising certificate fees.
Worth knowing: Verified from the AVBC recognition list rather than the Veterinary Council of New Zealand's own pages. Confirm directly with the Council before applying.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Check the AVBC recognised-qualifications list, which states it confers eligibility to apply for registration in Australia and New Zealand.
- Apply to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand for registration in the general scope of practice.
- Demonstrate English language competence as required by AVBC and the Council.
- Provide an SAVC letter of good standing and your certified degree.
- Obtain an annual practising certificate and a work visa, then start practising.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Green List Tier 1: Veterinarian (234711). (source)
3 United Arab Emirates Exams or bridging Some demand
MOCCAE exam required, with no exemption for SA vets outside government posts; independent practice needs 5 years' experience, but a new graduate can work as a supervised junior vet.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- MOCCAE test of scientific and practical ability, required for junior and practising vets; Ministerial Resolution 62 of 2025 exempts only UAE nationals and UAE graduates, and only at junior level, with no exemption for foreign licences. MOCCAE's service page also limits the examination to vets in therapeutic and diagnostic facilities and exempts vets working for government agencies, with a letter from that body. Its format is not set out in the resolution.
- Language test
- No language requirement appears in Ministerial Resolution 62 of 2025; English is widely used.
- Rough cost
- AED 500 MOCCAE federal fee to issue or renew the licence (valid one year); equivalency, attestation and test costs not confirmed
Worth knowing: Based on Ministerial Resolution 62 of 2025 (FAO's English copy) and MOCCAE's service page, which exempts vets working for government agencies from the examination, with a letter from that body. Renewing after 2 years or more out of practice means passing the test again. Visas are employer-tied and do not lead to PR or citizenship; the Golden Visa is the long-term exception.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 4 steps
- Apply to the UAE Ministry of Education for an equivalency certificate or qualification recognition report for your degree.
- Choose the level: a junior vet needs no experience but works under a licensed vet; a practising vet in treatment, surgery, lab diagnosis, artificial insemination or consulting needs at least 5 years' experience, with foreign experience certificates attested by the UAE embassy.
- Pass the MOCCAE test of scientific and practical ability (Appendix 1); UAE nationals and UAE graduates are exempt only at junior-vet level.
- Find an employer: the licence states your classification, approved practices and the type of veterinary facility you may work in, lasts one year and is renewed yearly.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: Not named as a Golden Visa priority profession; vets are MOHRE level 2 professionals on an ordinary employer-sponsored visa. (limited evidence for this country) (source)
- MOCCAE - licence to practise for veterinarians
- Ministerial Resolution 62 of 2025 on licensing vets (FAOLEX English copy): Art 2 p1 (licence contents, one year, 2-year gap test), Art 4 p2 (junior vet supervised), Appendix 1 p4 (junior and practising vet: test, 5 years' experience), Appendix 3 p8 (MoE equivalency, embassy-attested experience)
General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Veterinary Science overview