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RCVS institutes new policy to support refugees with veterinary degrees
Overseas vets must take and pass the Statutory Examination to join the RCVS register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK.
Policy will provide financial support to refugees taking the Statutory Examination for Membership.

The RCVS has instituted a new policy that will provide financial support to refugees with veterinary degrees to enable them to take the Statutory Examination for Membership.

The new policy has been developed in collaboration with the Refugee Council, a support and advice charity for UK refugees and asylum seekers. It will provide financial help to refugees who have a veterinary degree that is currently not recognised by the RCVS.

Overseas vets must take and pass the Statutory Examination to join the RCVS register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK. The funding will be paid on behalf of the candidate by the Refugee Council, covering the cost of taking the exam itself, in addition to any associated travel costs and English-language test fees.

Dr Susan Paterson, chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “As a compassionate regulator, we thought it was only right to institute this policy to support a number of people with refugee status and with overseas veterinary degrees who, each year, would like to apply to become registered vets in the UK through the Statutory Examination for Membership but for whom the costs involved represent a barrier.

“Many of these people have come from extremely traumatic and challenging circumstances and are looking for a chance to rebuild their lives and professional careers in the UK, so we are happy to do what we can to support them in this endeavour.

Fahira Mulamehic, employment programmes manager at Refugee Council, said: “We are delighted that we were able to contribute to the development of the new policy at the RCVS. Providing financial assistance to refugees with a veterinary degree to help with the Statutory Exam for Membership will enable them the right to practice in the UK."

She added: “We look forward to supporting refugee veterinarians in collaboration with the RCVS.”

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.