Fees
Find out about RCVS registration, renewal and restoration fees for veterinary surgeons, nurses and practices. Includes payment deadlines, what’s covered, and who to contact for advice.
Join the RCVS Register: UK-qualified veterinary surgeons
Your first step to practising in the UK is joining our Register of Veterinary Surgeons. On this page you can find out how to register, whether you’re about to graduate from a UK university or have already qualified.
On this page
Your pathway to RCVS registration as a UK-qualified veterinary surgeon depends on how long ago you graduated.
- If you graduated more than three months ago, see our information for UK-qualified vets.
- If you are about to graduate or graduated less than three months ago, see our information for UK graduates.
Join the RCVS Register as a UK-qualified vet
How to apply
You can apply up to six months before you’d like to join our Register. Unfortunately, we can’t hold open applications sent to us more than six months in advance.
- Step 1: Check that your qualification is recognised
- Step 2: Find out which type of visa or work permit you need
- Step 3: Gather your documents
- Step 4: Fill in the application form on MyRCVS
- Step 5: Pay your fee
- Step 6: Have a video appointment
How long does the process take?
We aim to process all applications within four calendar weeks of receiving your application, payment and supporting documents. During busy periods, this may increase to six calendar weeks.
We process applications in the order of the date we receive them. Unfortunately, we’re unable to fast track applications.
Recognised qualifications
We recognise veterinary degrees from these nine UK institutions:
- University of Bristol – Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
- University of Cambridge – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (VetMB)
- University of Edinburgh – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S)
- University of Glasgow – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS)
- Harper and Keele Veterinary School – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS)
- University of Liverpool – Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
- University of Nottingham – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVM BVS BVMedSci)
- Royal Veterinary College – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed)
- University of Surrey – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science (BVMSci)
Visa, immigration and work permit requirements
RCVS registration is separate from UK visa and immigration requirements. You may still need a visa or work permit to live and work in the UK.
For advice, visit UK Visas and Immigration.
Documents you'll need
When you fill in your online application form, you’ll be asked to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of your qualifications
- A letter of good standing
Proof of identity
As proof of your identity, we’ll need:
- A certified colour photocopy of the identifying page and front cover of your passport (which shows your passport Country crest)
- A recent passport photo
On the reverse of the photo write:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your signature
Both sides of the photo can be photocopied and submitted with your other documents.
Proof of your qualifications
As proof of your qualifications, you’ll need to send us an A4 certified photocopy of your veterinary degree.
Letter of good standing
You will also need to send us a letter of good standing. Its content and author will depend on which of the following applies to you:
- You’re already registered with a registration/licensing authority.
- You’re not registered with a registration or licensing authority.
If you’re already registered with a licensing authority
Your letter or certificate of good standing should come from your current registration or licensing authority. It’s only valid for three months after the date of issue and must be valid on the day of your registration appointment.
Your letter should be sent directly to us by the registration or licensing authority and state that:
- You are registered to practise as a veterinary surgeon by that authority
- You are of good professional standing and good character
- You hold a veterinary degree
If relevant, it should include details of any:
- Cautions or criminal convictions
- Absolute and conditional discharges
- Spent convictions
- Adverse findings against you, including professional disciplinary proceedings
If the letter is not sent directly to us by the registration authority, you’ll need to get it certified before submission.
If you’re not registered with a registration or licensing authority
If you are not currently registered with an authority, please submit your application. We’ll contact you with further instructions once we’ve received it.
Application and fee payment
Once you’ve gathered all the documents you need, you’re ready to complete the registration form on MyRCVS.
The system will guide you through document upload and fee payment. You'll receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of submission.
Video appointment
Once we’ve received your application, documents and fees, we’ll contact you to arrange a video appointment to complete your registration.
The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams and you’ll be asked to present your passport.
Join the RCVS Register as a UK graduate
If you graduated less than three months ago, or you’re about to graduate, you can:
- Register as a UK-practising member
- Delay your registration
- Register as a ‘Practising outside the UK’ member
Register as a UK-practising member
Your university will let you know when to apply for registration. Once the deadline for registration has passed, the application form will remain open until 30 September.
After this date, you will need to apply via the same route as all other UK-qualified veterinary surgeons.
How to apply
- Step 1: Fill in the application form on MyRCVS. You’ll also be asked for a copy of the identifying pages of your passport. If you don’t have one, we’ll accept a recent passport photo with your name, signature and date of birth on the back.
- Step 2: Pay your fee. This is also done on MyRCVS.
- Step 3: Receive your welcome email. You should have this within 72 hours of submitting your application. Contact us if you don’t receive it.
- Step 4: Receive your certificate of registration. This might be at your graduation ceremony or by post.
Receiving your certificate
You will be presented with your certificate at your graduation ceremony if you're a student at:
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Glasgow
- Harper and Keele
- Liverpool
- Nottingham
Your certificate will be sent to your address in mid-August if you are a student at:
- Edinburgh
- Royal Veterinary College
- Surrey
If you don’t pass your exams
If you’ve made your application but don't pass your exams, we'll hold your application open until you’ve passed your re-sits. We’ll also hold your fee, so you won’t need to pay it again.
If you want to start practising before your degree is awarded
You can apply for temporary registration to start working before graduation (and full registration) if you have:
- Completed your veterinary degree at Cambridge or Nottingham
- Passed your final exams
See our temporary registration page for more information.
Delay your registration
If you’re not planning to start practising immediately after you graduate, you don’t have to register with us straightaway.
If you want to join our Register in the future, you can apply via the same route as all UK-qualified vets.
Register as a 'Practising outside of the UK' RCVS member
If you intend to practise as a veterinary surgeon overseas, you're welcome to join our Practising outside the UK Register.
This is for vets who are undertaking veterinary surgery or associated veterinary activities outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
This type of registration is optional and does not allow you to practise in the UK. Your indemnity insurance may be invalid in the UK unless you change your membership category to UK practising.
You can apply for this category of registration on MyRCVS.
Contact our team
Our Registration Team is here to help guide you through the process.
For questions about your application or guidance on choosing the right registration pathway, contact us through MyRCVS or email [email protected].