Education

I want to be a vet, but I’ll never get 600 CAO points. Are there other options?

Ask Brian: There are programmes abroad where graduate demand is strong

There is strong demand for veterinary graduates of recognised programmes in the UK and EU. Photograph: Getty Images

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Brian Mooney
Tue Nov 30 2021 - 00:00

I really want to become a vet. I’m studying biology and chemistry, as advised by my guidance counsellor, and volunteer locally with my local vet and pet rescue centre. However, there’s no chance I’ll score in the 600-point range to secure a place on the UCD course. Are there any other options?

If your heart is set on becoming a veterinary surgeon, don’t lose hope. There are numerous routes available.

Yes, securing one of the 82 places on offer in the only course in Ireland at UCD is very challenging given CAO entry points this year reached 601. Even without grade inflation, points were still high in 2019 (567 points) and under the calculated grades process in 2020 ( 587 points).

Points look set to drop back somewhat in 2022, returning to a more normal results pattern arising from the traditional exams, but not I suspect to 2019 levels. This is because there will be over 10,000 applicants in this year's CAO competition holding inflated points which they secured in 2020 and 2021.

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Alongside CAO points applicants must acquire at least 15 hours of practical animal handling experience between 1st February 2019 and 7th July 2022. (For full details and to complete your records of experience please visit: www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/vet ).

Entry requirements for Budapest are based on a short exam in May in biology and chemistry in Dublin, and a brief interview to determine suitability

So, what alternatives are there? You could consider an application to one of the UK colleges through Ucas . Some new vet programmes have been added in recent years in Surrey, Nottingham, Aberystwyth in Wales, alongside the long-standing programmes. UK colleges tend to look for a H1 in both chemistry and biology and in either physics or higher level maths. Tuition fees are stg£9,250 per year.

Another option is applying to programmes offered in Eastern European universities. Dr Tim O' Leary, (timolearyvet@gmail.com) a veterinary surgeon in Schull in West Cork, has been for many years coordinating the application process for Irish students seeking places in the veterinary college in Budapest.

He recently told me that, notwithstanding the excellent work of UCD in educating the next generation of Irish vets, there is still a strong demand at equine, farm and small animal practice levels for graduates of other EU programmes.

Entry requirements for Budapest are based on a short exam in May in biology and chemistry in Dublin, and a brief interview to determine suitability.

Guy Flouch, founder Eunicas.ie, has also facilitated Irish students in securing places in veterinary programmes in a number of Polish universities including Warsaw, as well as in the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Fees for all these Eastern European programmes can vary from €8,000-€12,000, depending on location. While it is expensive, accommodation in Warsaw or Budapest for shared apartments can be had for as little as €150-200 per month.

My advice? Focus on your studies and see what your Leaving Cert produces next August. But as a form of insurance, consider applying to veterinary programmes abroad.

[ askbrian@gmail.com ]

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