Information for Ukrainian Veterinary Practitioners
Recognition of Ukrainian Veterinary Medicine Qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ukrainians be employed to work in Ireland?
Yes. The Irish Government has granted temporary protection status to Ukrainian citizens which, at this time, entitles those residing in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 to travel to and to reside in Ireland without the requirement for a Visa. For current information in relation to Ukrainian rights in Ireland, please consult the Department of Justice website.
Can Ukrainians be registered with the Veterinary Council to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland?
Persons from Ukraine with qualifications in veterinary medicine that are recognised are entitled to apply to the Veterinary Council of Ireland for registration on the Register of Veterinary Practitioners. Those registered with the Veterinary Council will be entitled to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland, and therefore to seek employment in Ireland to work as a veterinary practitioner.
Will all Ukrainian qualifications in veterinary medicine be recognised for Registration in Ireland?
No. Veterinary Practitioners who hold recognised qualifications in veterinary medicine are entitled to be registered on the Register of Veterinary Practitioners, and to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland. The Council has a requirement in law, and in the interest of the public and animal health and welfare, to ensure that qualifications in veterinary medicine held by a veterinary practitioner are appropriate for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland. Qualifications in veterinary medicine from Ukraine will be recognised by the Veterinary Council if they meet the required minimum standard for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland.
Where a qualification in veterinary medicine from Ukraine is not already recognised by the Veterinary Council for the purpose of registration, the Veterinary Council will consider recognising the qualification by carrying out an assessment of it.
Are there Ukrainian qualifications in veterinary medicine already recognised by the Veterinary Council?
Yes. The Veterinary Council recognises qualifications in veterinary medicine awarded after 01 October 2021 by Bila Tserkva National Agearian University.
I am an EEA citizen and my qualification in veterinary medicine is not currently recognised by the Veterinary Council, but I have practised veterinary medicine in an EU Member State, will this entitle me to registration in Ireland?
EEA citizens with Ukrainian qualifications in veterinary medicine who have been established and practising in another EU Member State for a minimum of 3 out of the previous 10 years are entitled to be registered to practise in Ireland. You will need to provide sufficient evidence that you were established and practising in an EU Member State with your application.
My qualification in veterinary medicine is not currently recognised by the Veterinary Council, how do I proceed with my registration application?
You must submit an application to have your qualification in veterinary medicine assessed by the Veterinary Council. Upon assessment of your qualification the Veterinary Council will determine if you are eligible for registration.
Qualifications in veterinary medicine that are not recognised by the Veterinary Council for the purpose of registration must be assessed to determine if they are of an appropriate standard to enable registration. The Veterinary Council must satisfy itself that qualifications in veterinary medicine recognised to enable registration meet the minimum standards required for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland. The Council is bound to upholding standards set down in European Union Directive for professional qualifications 2005/36 (download).
To have your qualification in veterinary medicine assessed, submit copies of the below documentation by email to education@vci.ie. On receipt of the below documentation, we will contact you immediately with next steps.
- Copy of primary qualification in veterinary medicine
- Copy of primary qualification in veterinary medicine translated to English (if applicable)
- Copy of all years examination results transcripts (diploma supplements)
- Copy of all years examination results transcripts (diploma supplements) translated to English (if applicable)
- Copy of programme prospectus which provides detailed information on the programme of study which led to the qualification
- Copy of programme prospectus which provides detailed information on the programme of study which led to the qualification translated to English (if applicable)
- Evidence of registration and good professional standing in Ukraine (or other jurisdiction where the applicant was practising veterinary medicine)
- Evidence of registration and good professional standing in Ukraine (or other jurisdiction where the applicant was practising veterinary medicine) translated to English (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae detailing previous experience in veterinary practice since primary qualification was achieved
- Curriculum Vitae detailing previous experience in veterinary practice since primary qualification was achieved translated to English (if applicable)
- Evidence of English Language Proficiency*
- Identification and proof of nationality (Passport or Drivers licence)
Please note that, where originals cannot be presented or where a document has been translated, it will be necessary for you to have the above documents authenticated by either certification or notarisation.
*English is not my first language, are there English proficiency requirements for registration as a veterinary practitioner in Ireland?
Yes. It is important to note that any applicant for registration, where English is not their first language, must provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Evidence of former training or study in English, or previous work experience carried out in English may be deemed acceptable. If evidence of English language proficiency cannot be provided or is deemed by the Council as not acceptable, the applicant may be asked to sit the IELTS Academic English Test which provides English language test results recognised by the Council. The Council requires an overall band score of 7 or more in the IELTS Academic English Test , or equivalent score in another English test, for registration. Where evidence is submitted that an applicant’s English language proficiency is not sufficient, or where there is reason for doubt about an applicant’s English language proficiency, they will be asked to provide evidence of having achieved an overall band score of 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic English Test, or equivelent language proficiency test.
How long will the assessment of my qualification take?
Following the submission by an applicant of all requisite documentation to enable the assessment of their qualification, the Council will make a determination on his or her eligibility for registration as soon as possible and within three months. When a determination has been made in respect of a qualification, the applicant will be informed. If eligible, the applicant will be invited to apply for registration as soon as possible after a determination has been made.
What if my qualification in veterinary medicine is not recognised by the Veterinary Council?
If the Veterinary Council determines that your qualification in veterinary medicine does not meet the necessary standard for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland then you will not be entitled to be registered or to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland.
Where the Council is unable to make a determination in respect of the suitability of your qualification, you may be invited to sit and pass a registration examination in order to be deemed eligible for registration.
If you cannot be registered to practise as a veterinary practitioner in Ireland, you may still seek work in veterinary practices as an assistant or other appropriate roles, provided you are not carrying out acts of veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing in doing so.
Are there supports in place to assist refugees or persons with temporary protection status in applying to the Veterinary Council for registration?
Yes. The below supports may be available to applicants for registration who have refugee or temporary protection status in Ireland:
Where original documentation is unavailable to an applicant with refugee or temporary protection status in Ireland, the Council will take a reasonable approach in accepting alternative evidence wherever it is possible.
The Council has in place a financial bursary to assist refugee or temporary protection status applicants for registration in accessing requisite application documentation, the translation and authentication of application documentation, accessing the registration examination, payment of registration fees, and any other costs deemed appropriate and related to the registration application.
While the Council must uphold requirements in relation to entry to the Register, any applicant with refugee or temporary protection status will be supported by this office to ensure a straightforward and timely application process.
For information and to assist, we have provided some useful contact information below.
Any person who wishes to apply for registration can contact us by email to registration@vci.ie or by phone on 016684402 and a member of our team will be very happy to assist you.
Useful Contact Information for Ukrainian veterinary practitioners:
1. Embassy of Ukraine to Ireland
Address: 16, Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland D04 NY31
Tel: +353 1 668 5189
https://ireland.mfa.gov.ua/en/embassy
2. Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Address: Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 WK12
Tel: 1890 200 510
Email: info@agriculture.gov.ie
3. Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund
The Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund is a registered charity available to assist Veterinary Professionals (Veterinary Practitioners and Veterinary Nurses) that are employed, self-employed, or retired, their families and dependent family members over 16 years of age.
Tel: +353 87 4481304
Email: info@ivbf.ie
Web: www.ivbf.ie
4. Veterinary Ireland
Address: 13 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22
Tel: +353 (0)1 457 7976
5. Irish Veterinary Nurses Association
Address: 13 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22
Tel: +353 (0) 86 787 0092
6. UCD School of Veterinary Medicine
Address: UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 (0) 1 716 6100 UCD Veterinary Hospital Tel: +353 (0) 1 716 6000
7. Citizens Information for Ukrainians coming to Ireland
8. Healthcare
Ukrainian nationals will be able to get health care services from the HSE including access to GPs, community care and hospital or emergency care. As well as access to services for children’s health, mental health, disabilities maternity care, older people and many more. Ukrainian nationals will be able to get the same health services as people who are already living here, including Irish citizens.
Web: www.hse.ie/Ukraine