Which Veterinary Degrees Are Recognised by the Hong

The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSBHK) is responsible for regulating the veterinary profession in Hong Kong. To practise as a veterinarian in Hong Kong, you must be registered with the VSBHK, which requires holding a degree that is recognised by the Board. So, which veterinary degrees are accepted, and what can you do if your qualification isn’t on the list?

Veterinary Degrees Recognised by the VSBHK

The VSBHK maintains a list of recognised veterinary degrees from accredited institutions worldwide. These include:

Hong Kong Veterinary School

City University of Hong Kong (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, BVM)

International Veterinary Degrees Recognised by the VSBHK

Veterinary degrees from the following accrediting bodies are generally accepted for direct registration:

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in North America
The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) in Australia and New Zealand
The South African Veterinary Council (University of Pretoria)
Accredited veterinary schools in the European Union

Veterinarians holding degrees from these accredited institutions can apply for direct registration with the VSBHK.

What If Your Veterinary Degree Is Not Recognised by the VSBHK?

If your veterinary degree is not on the recognised list, you will need to complete additional steps to qualify for registration. Here’s what you can do:

1. Pass the VSBHK Licensing Examination

The VSBHK requires veterinarians with non-recognised degrees to pass a licensing examination, which consists of:

Eligibility Assessment:Submission of academic qualifications for review.
English or Chinese Language Proficiency:If English or Chinese is not your first language, proof of proficiency (e.g., IELTS) may be required.
Written Examination:A multiple-choice test assessing veterinary knowledge and skills.
Clinical Competency Assessment:A practical examination to evaluate clinical skills.

Successfully passing this examination allows you to apply for registration with the VSBHK.

2. Apply for Limited Registration

Veterinarians who do not meet the full registration requirements may be eligible for limited registration, allowing them to work under supervision in research, academia, or certain clinical settings.

3. Gain Further Qualifications

Some international veterinarians choose to pursue further studies at an accredited institution to meet registration requirements.

Need Help with Veterinary Registration and Job Placement?

At Lloyd & Cowan Veterinary Recruitment, we specialise in guiding veterinary professionals through the registration process and securing rewarding roles in Hong Kong. Whether you need assistance with VSBHK registration or are looking for veterinary career opportunities, we are here to help.

For full details on VSBHK registration requirements, refer to the official document: Application for First Registration