Best Veterinary Schools in Germany in 2024 | All You Need to Know

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Germany is a top study destination for international students and a higher education paradise, and this article will describe the best veterinary schools in Germany.

There are numerous prestigious and top-ranked universities for Veterinary Sciences in Germany, hundreds of specialized Veterinary Sciences study programs to choose from, globally valued degrees, and affordable studies.

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Not to mention, Germany is a country with a distinct culture, a dynamic way of life, and a plethora of exciting places to visit during your studies here.

Veterinary medicine students can specialize in minor animal surgery, environmental toxicology, and aquatic medicine, in addition to receiving a broad education in animal science.

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These are Germany’s top veterinary medicine schools.

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Table of contents

How Much Do Vets Make in Germany?

A person working as a veterinarian in Germany typically earns around 4,230 EUR per month. Salaries range from 1,940 EUR (lowest) to 6,720 EUR (highest). The average monthly salary includes housing, transportation, and other benefits.

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How Do I Get a Vet License in Germany?

To become a licensed veterinarian in Germany, you will need to follow a specific educational and professional pathway. Here are the general steps to obtain a veterinary license in Germany:

  1. Preparation During Secondary Education:
    • Ensure you have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics during your secondary education (Abitur or equivalent) as these subjects are relevant to veterinary studies.
  2. Bachelor’s Degree (Optional):
    • While not required, some students choose to complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or animal science, before pursuing veterinary studies. This can provide a solid academic background.
  3. Veterinary Studies:
    • To become a veterinarian in Germany, you must complete a degree program in veterinary medicine. The program typically takes about five to six years and leads to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (Dr. med. vet.) degree.
  4. Language Proficiency:
    • You will need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language, as veterinary studies in Germany are primarily conducted in German. Some universities may require you to pass a language proficiency test.
  5. Clinical Training and Internships:
    • During your veterinary studies, you will participate in clinical training and internships at veterinary clinics or hospitals. These practical experiences are an essential part of your education.
  6. State Examination (Staatsexamen):
    • After completing your veterinary studies, you will need to pass the State Examination for veterinarians (Staatsexamen Tiermedizin). This examination consists of written and practical components and assesses your knowledge and skills in veterinary medicine.
  7. Approbation:
    • Upon passing the State Examination, you can apply for the veterinary license, known as “Approbation.” This license is issued by the relevant state authorities (Landesprüfungsamt) and allows you to practice veterinary medicine in Germany.
  8. Professional Registration:
    • After receiving your Approbation, you should register with the veterinary chamber (Tierärztekammer) in the federal state where you intend to practice. Each state has its own veterinary chamber, and registration requirements may vary slightly.
  9. Continuing Education and Licensing Renewal:
    • Veterinarians in Germany are required to engage in continuing education to maintain their professional competence. You will need to renew your veterinary license periodically, which may involve fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Please note that specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the federal state in Germany where you pursue your veterinary studies and practice. It’s essential to contact the university or institution where you plan to study veterinary medicine and consult with the relevant state authorities (Landesprüfungsamt) and veterinary chamber (Tierärztekammer) for the most up-to-date and region-specific information on licensing requirements and procedures.

Also, keep in mind that the entire process can be demanding and highly competitive, as veterinary studies are challenging and admission to veterinary schools in Germany can be competitive. Additionally, since the education is primarily in German, proficiency in the language is crucial.

What are the Best Veterinary Schools in Germany?

#1 Free University of Berlin (Department of Veterinary Medicine)

The Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin) is a research university and one of the most prestigious in the country, with one of Germany’s best veterinary schools. The Department of Veterinary Medicine is located in Düppel and houses several clinics and institutes, including a poultry disease institute and a small animal clinic.

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#2 Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München) is a public research university with 18 faculties and numerous departments and institutes. One of these faculties is the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This faculty is one of the best vet schools in Germany.

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Read Also: 10 Best Veterinary Schools in Arizona

#3 The University of Giessen

The University of Giessen (Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen) is a large public research university established in 1607. It comprises 11 faculties and departments, including the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and is one of the best vet schools in Germany.

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#4 The University of Leipzig

Leipzig University (Universität Leipzig) is one of the world’s oldest and second-oldest university in Germany. It is also one of the best veterinary schools in Germany. It was founded in 1409 and has a Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which consists of various institutes, such as the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, the Department of Small Animal Medicine, the Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, and the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases, and Dietetics.

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Read Also: Best Veterinary Schools in Maryland

#5 University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover

The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover) is the only independent veterinary university in Germany. It has 2,400 students, 2000 of whom study veterinary medicine, and is ranked as one of the best veterinary schools in Germany. Moreover, it has 13 institutes and five clinics.

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#6 Humboldt University of Berlin 

The university and the individual subjects try to make social aspects of studying possible and implement hybrid teaching formats, which makes the university provide one of the best veterinary schools in Germany. Some courses (e.g., practical courses, courses in the laboratory) and courses for first-year students will take place at the site in smaller groups. You can find information on the current regulations, hygiene regulations, etc., on HU’s Corona Information Website.

Please take a look at what the student council of your degree program offers and the events for first-year students. The University’s Sport and Recreation Service offers several options (online, outdoor, and indoor sports) to make the semester more active and organized, as well as a scavenger hunt for first-year students.

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Read Also: 8 Best Veterinary Schools in Ohio

#7 Heidelberg University

Founded in 1386, Ruperto Carola is the oldest university in today’s Germany, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and one of the best veterinary schools in Germany. Its success across all funding rounds of the Excellence Competition and international rankings underscores its leadership role and excellent reputation in the academic, scientific, and research landscape.

Heidelberg University was successful in both funding lines of the federal and state governments’ excellence strategy with its “The Comprehensive Research University-Heidelberg: The Future since 1386” and two clusters of excellence. As a result, it has been funded as part of a group of ten Universities of Excellence and one Excellence Alliance since 2019.

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#8 University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna

Vetmeduni advocates for responsible action regarding the health of people, animals, and the environment with confidence, commitment, and innovation. 

The University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, researches issues vital to society and is one of the best vet schools in Germany. Her main areas of interest are animal health, preventive veterinary care, public health, and food safety. The study topics include the development of a scientific foundation for animal welfare, animal husbandry issues, animal welfare, and animal ethics.

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What are the Application Procedures and Tuition Fees?

The applicant must submit both the exam results and a record of their prior academic accomplishments. One out of every five applicants is accepted by the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, one of the most selective universities in the world. Semesters are used to split the academic calendar. 

A bachelor’s degree program at TiHo costs only $1,000 USD per year. The cost of a year of study at TiHo is something that students should consider when applying for master’s programs. 

How to Become a Veterinarian in Germany?

Veterinary medicine is one of Germany’s most popular degree programs. As with medicine, getting a spot on a course is not easy. Because there are admissions restrictions for the subject throughout Germany, applicants must have a very high grade point average.

People who pursue veterinary medicine as a career out of a passion for animals should be aware that working in a big animal practice or veterinary hospital can be physically taxing and draining. 

It is typical to work on weekends and at night. According to Astrid Behr of the Bundesverband Praktizierender Tierärzte (bpt), a German Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians, “advanced experience at a work placement might assist in developing a realistic picture.” 

Since veterinarians are in high demand in the livestock husbandry industry, many degree programs require work placement in a slaughterhouse.

Read Also: Best Veterinary Schools in Missouri

Conclusion 

In Germany, veterinary medicine is one of the most sought-after academic fields. Admission to a university is difficult, just like in human medicine. Due to a worldwide admissions restriction for the topic known as the numerus clausus, or NC, you must have a very high grade point average. 

There are fewer openings in veterinary programs than there are in universities. The Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, or Foundation for University Admissions, and some specific institutions, distribute some of the admissions in NC courses. 

If you choose to major in animal studies, you should be aware that working in a big animal practice or veterinary clinic can be physically taxing and stressful. The norm is night and weekend work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree should I take to be a veterinarian?

A bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, chemistry, biology, zoology, physiology, microbiology, and anatomy is required before moving on to veterinary medicine school.

Where do veterinarians work?

Most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals. Some are field veterinarians who travel to farms, ranches, laboratories, or zoos.

What are the different types of veterinarians?

The different types of veterinarians are:

Mixed-Practice Veterinarian
Lab Animal Medicine Veterinarian
Small Animal Veterinarian (domestic pets)
Large Animal Veterinarian (livestock including cows, sheep, etc.)
Specialty veterinarian (animal cardiologist, ophthalmologist, or dentist)
Wildlife Veterinarians
Research Veterinarians

What are the working hours for veterinarians?

Most veterinarians work full-time and work over 40 hours per week. They can work nights or weekends and are expected to respond to emergencies outside their work schedule.

References 

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