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Becoming a vet in germany is a dream for a lot of people because of the high salary and health insurance. As a vet in germany, you will find yourself in front of pets, which to many means working with animals!
Becoming a vet in Germany is a long, involved process that takes time and dedication. The first step is to get accepted into one of the country’s veterinary schools. There are several such schools throughout Germany, and if you’re planning to attend any of them, it’ll be important for you to know what each has to offer.
To become a vet in Germany, you’ll need to complete four years of study at an accredited veterinary school. This includes classes on animal health care, as well as on anatomy and physiology. You’ll also study basic biology, chemistry and physics as part of your curriculum at veterinary school; these subjects will help you understand how animals function biologically on a molecular level.
After completing your four years at veterinary school with high grades (usually above 70%), you’ll need to take an exam called “Zertifikat Deutsches Tierarztliches Prüfungsinstitut (ZTPI)” before being allowed to work as an assistant veterinarian or internist at an accredited facility where licensed veterinarians practice their craft.
How to become a vet in germany
Veterinary education in Germany
The duration of studies for veterinary education in Germany is six years. Most institutions are public and state funded, although there are some private institutions too. After completion of bachelor’s degree, students must undergo one year practical training before they can sit for their exams to obtain the title DVM or VMD (Veterinary Medical Doctor).
A degree from a German university may be accepted by most European countries as equivalent to a BVMS (Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Medicine) qualification at UK universities. The cost of admission varies greatly depending on whether you choose a public or private institution but can start from €1,000 per semester.
Entrance requirements
In order to become a veterinarian in Germany, candidates must first fulfill the entrance requirements of veterinary schools. The requirements are based on the Abitur or Fachhochschulreife, which is an academic qualification required for most university programs. Candidates can expect to receive their exam results in the summer and then begin studying at a veterinary school as early as September.
The required grades will vary according to the school; however, they usually fall within 1.2-2 points (on a scale from 1-6). This means that you need between 65% and 75% of all points available for your class ranking – if this sounds difficult, don’t worry: only about 10% of applicants get accepted!
Languages required
In addition to your German language skills, you will also need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine or biology. Furthermore, depending on your specialization and future plans for study, you may be required to complete additional training or research projects before becoming a veterinarian.
Education eligibility
To become a vet in Germany, you need to be able to speak German.
To become a vet, you must first pass the Vorklinik exam and then the Zwischenprüfung exam. You will then be able to apply for your Tierärztliche Abschlussprüfung (TAP) exam.
Admissions
- Contact the university admission office.
- Review the FAQs on their website and contact them with any further questions you have.
- Pay your application fee online via PayPal or by credit card before submitting your application documents to the university. This fee varies from school to school, but is typically between €30 and €60 per student, depending on which program you’re applying for and whether or not it’s considered an “international” degree program (for which there are additional fees).
- Submit all required admission materials before their deadline (usually in February or March). This includes:
- A completed application form, including personal data and contact information;
- An updated CV/resume detailing both academic achievements and non-academic interests/experiences;
- Proof of English proficiency if you plan to study abroad at some point during your studies;
Selection
Selection is done by the university.
They will consider your grades and language skills, but also your personal statement, work experience and other personal qualities.
You will be notified by the university if you have been accepted.
Gaining entry to university as a foreigner
Once you have decided on a course of study, the next step will be to apply. Gaining entry to university as a foreigner is not always simple and individual universities will have their own requirements for application. You should check the university’s website for information on how to apply, any fees involved and what language requirements there are.
Specialisation training – Ausbildung zum Fachtierarzt (AT)
The specialisation training is a professional qualification and not an academic degree. It consists of two parts: one part takes three years, and the other takes two years.
Both parts require passing an exam called Ausbildung zum Fachtierarzt (AT). The first part is available once you have been working as a vet for 3 years, while the second part can be taken after 5 years’ practice.
After completing both exams, you will get your AT certificate which shows that you are qualified to work as a vet in Germany or abroad with animals such as horses, cows and pigs because they all require different treatments.
Examining bodies and agencies – Tierärztliche Prüfungsämter und -behörden (TPÄ)
You will have to go through the following agencies and bodies:
- Tierärztliche Prüfungsämter und -behörden (TPÄ): responsible for the final examinations
- Ausbildungsgemeinschaften (AG): responsible for the intermediate examinations
- in case of foreign applicants: Bundesanstalt für Gewerbeaufsicht/Einwohnermeldeamt
Application for authorisation to practise veterinary medicine – Approbationsantrag (Approb.)
The application for authorisation to practise veterinary medicine (Approbationsantrag)
For veterinarians from other European Union countries: Application for authorisation to practise veterinary medicine or recognition of qualifications obtained in other countries (Approbationsantrag)
Application forms are available from the regional chamber of professions. Where to apply and what documents you need to submit can be found on their website. Fees range from about €100 up to about €1,000 depending on your qualification and experience level. The time frame for the procedure depends on how quickly you provide all necessary documentation. If you have any doubts about this process, please contact us directly at info@deutschland-weltenzuegigkeit.de
Recognition of qualifications obtained in other countries – Anerkennung von im Ausland erworbenen Qualifikationen für die Erteilung der Approbation
- To work as a vet in Germany, you must have the following qualifications:
- A doctorate (Dr. med.) or a doctoral degree (Dr. vet.)
- At least five years of practical experience, which means at least four years during your studies and one year after graduation. You can obtain this experience in Germany or abroad.
- The official recognition of your qualifications by TÜV Rheinland-Pfalz if you are applying for recognition from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and want to work as a veterinarian in Germany.
You need good grades and a lot of language skills.
To become a vet in Germany, you need to have the right qualifications. In order to get your veterinary degree, you will have to:
- Pass an entrance exam
- Pass an interview with the faculty that teaches veterinary medicine at your university of choice (this could be a phone call or meeting in person)
