Veterinary Medicine

Program name: Veterinary Medicine

Program Description: The Veterinary Medicine program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is designed to provide students with comprehensive education and training in the field of animal health, welfare, and disease prevention. The program aims to equip future veterinarians with the necessary scientific knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding to promote the health and well-being of animals, safeguard public health, and support sustainable livestock management. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework in veterinary sciences, biology, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology with extensive hands-on training through laboratory work, clinical practice, and internships in veterinary clinics and farms. Students learn about diagnostics, disease prevention, treatment methods, and animal nutrition, as well as animal breeding, welfare, and ethics. The program emphasizes modern veterinary techniques, research methods, and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in animal health management. Graduates will gain the competencies needed for diagnosis and treatment of domestic animals, conduct research, and contribute to animal health policy development. The education is delivered by experienced faculty members with expertise in various veterinary fields, supported by well-equipped laboratories and clinical facilities. The program prepares students for professional certification and offers opportunities for further specialization or postgraduate studies. By completing this program, graduates will be positioned to pursue careers in veterinary practice, research, academia, and animal health services, contributing to the health of animals, humans, and ecosystems. With a focus on practical skills, ethical practice, and scientific excellence, the Veterinary Medicine program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies aims to develop competent, responsible professionals committed to advancing veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Veterinary medicine is a scientifically-practical branch, that studies animal diseases, diagnoses them, carries out treatments, prophylaxis and abatement, as well as supervises and controls hygiene of food products and prevents illnesses common for both people and animals. It deals with environment protection form pollution, as well as takes care of ethical, esthetical and economical needs of pet and animal owners. Specialists of the branch solve problems connected with maintenance and provision of animal health, as well as quality and control of food products in the country. A very important field nowadays is food hygiene and specialists within it deal with various technologies of products processing, production and distribution in order to provide the production and use of harmless and healthy products.

You will gain knowledge of the structure and function of healthy animals, of their husbandry, reproduction, hygiene and their feeding, knowledge of the behaviour and protection of animals, knowledge of the causes, nature, course, effects, diagnosis and treatment of the animal diseases, including a special knowledge of the diseases which may be transmitted to humans, knowledge of preventive medicine, knowledge of the hygiene and technology involved in the production, manufacture and putting into circulation of animal foodstuffs or foodstuffs of animal origin intended for human consumption.

By choosing the study programme 'Veterinary medicine' you will have the possibilities to study in a modern environment, to meet sophisticated professors and to perfect you knowledge abroad corresponding to today’s requirements.

• The program is open for applicants with completed secondary education, namely, you need to be eligible for university studies in your own country; 
• You need to have at least "Satisfactory" grade in Biology or Chemisrtry;
• must be able to present good English knowledge (minimum - IELTS score 6.0, TOEFL score 547, TOEFL-iBT score 76);
• need to pass an online entrance test in biology and chemistry.

Funding for the Veterinary Medicine programme at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is primarily provided through various sources to support students throughout their studies. The university offers options for state-funded (budgetary) places as well as paid (contract) places, giving students the opportunity to choose the most suitable form of financial support. State-funded places are allocated based on high academic achievement and competitive entrance examinations, ensuring talented students can access education without financial burden. For students admitted to budgetary places, tuition fees are fully covered by the state, and students may also be eligible for additional financial support such as stipends, grants, or social benefits, depending on their individual circumstances.

For students enrolled on a paid basis, tuition fees are set annually and must be paid by the students or their sponsors. The university sometimes offers scholarships, financial aid programs, or discounts to support students with financial needs or those demonstrating excellent academic results. These scholarships may also be targeted towards specific groups, such as local residents, international students, or students with outstanding academic or extracurricular achievements.

In addition to university-based financial aid, students may have access to external funding opportunities such as national or European Union grants and scholarships aimed at supporting higher education in Latvia. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities provided by government agencies, research foundations, and international organizations that promote education and professional development in veterinary sciences.

Furthermore, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies provides assistance to students in obtaining part-time employment, internships, or cooperative education placements that can help offset living expenses and provide practical experience in the veterinary field. The university actively promotes mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, which also offer financial support for students wishing to study abroad or participate in international exchanges, further contributing to their overall educational financing.

In summary, financial support for students enrolled in the Veterinary Medicine programme encompasses a combination of state funding, university scholarships, external grants, and employment opportunities. The university’s comprehensive approach aims to ensure that talented students from diverse backgrounds can access and successfully complete their veterinary education.

Graduates can establish a private practice in veterinary medicine, work in already established veterinary hospitals and in institutions of food and veterinary services, as well as advance in the career in the veterinary medicine science. Veterinarians and food hygienists can work at the enterprises under the supervision of the State Services dealing with food production and distribution, as well as with public catering or laboratory testing diagnostics.

The graduates of the Veterinary Medicine study programme gain access to continue studies in a respective doctoral study programme.