CityUHK’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine Programme draws record international enrolment

The BVM programme, offered by the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC) at CityUHK, is the only veterinary degree programme in Hong Kong, and the only one in Asia with dual accreditation from both the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK. This academic excellence and professional recognition have been widely acknowledged internationally, and the strong international intake this year reflects the programme’s rising global reputation.

IB top scorer Jalal, from Amman, Jordan, joins CityUHK’s BVM programme, attracted by its dual international accreditation and strong global reputation.

 

Among the new students is IB top scorer Jalal Abdullah Ali Abdulrahim from Amman, the capital of Jordan, who achieved a perfect score of 45 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. Upon his arrival, he experienced a cultural shock in Hong Kong’s bustling and vibrant environment, and he initially worried about adapting. He quickly found his feet, however, and expressed deep gratitude for the strong support from CityUHK and the JCC. “CityUHK has a large international student community, so I never feel alone,” he said. “As international students, we always know that help is available whenever we need it, and that sense of support means a lot.”

Jalal has been passionate about animals and scientific research since childhood and has long aspired to become a veterinarian. When he learned about CityUHK’s BVM programme, its dual international accreditation and the University’s highly regarded academic reputation, he decided to apply immediately. “The dual accreditation means I’ll have broader career options after graduation,” he says. “This will allow me to work in different parts of the world and pursue my dream in conservation veterinary medicine.”

Jalal is also impressed by the programme’s teaching approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health into a holistic framework. “I like how our lecturers always remind us to think from a broader perspective,” he says. “Being a vet isn’t just about treating animals — it’s also about understanding their relationship with people and the environment.” For him, CityUHK offers not only advanced facilities and a modern curriculum but also a forward-looking academic atmosphere that encourages global thinking.

One of this year’s top scorers in Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE), Kotler Lee Ching, also chose the BVM programme. Achieving six Level 5** results in the DSE, Kotler said the programme’s international recognition and career flexibility were the main reasons for his choice.

Professor Vanessa Barrs guides veterinary students at the clinic, reflecting the College’s dedication to cultivating veterinarians with global vision, professionalism and compassion.

 

Professor Vanessa Barrs, Dean of the JCC, warmly welcomes all new students and looks forward to seeing them realise their potential throughout their six-year journey to become veterinarians with a global vision and professional spirit. She said, “The JCC will support them to make the most of their six-year journey at CityUHK, to grow with curiosity and compassion, and to become world-leading veterinarians, innovators and scientists who make positive impacts globally. Graduates of our programme have diverse career opportunities and are highly competitive.” 

CityUHK’s JCC is a leading veterinary school in Asia, with campus facilities and teaching philosophies aligned with international standards. The College features a professional teaching farm that allows students to gain authentic clinical and animal care experience. Students also have the opportunity to participate in overseas exchange and internship programmes, providing them with a deeper understanding of the animal healthcare and public health systems in various countries, thus broadening their global perspective and professional skills.

Since its launch in 2017, the BVM programme has achieved remarkable growth and was ranked among the world’s top 100 veterinary schools in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject, reflecting its rising academic strength and global standing.
 
The BVM programme is one of CityUHK’s 10 Flagship Programmes, offering generous scholarships that include full or half tuition and accommodation, as well as a one-off overseas exchange sponsorship of up to HK$500,000. Students may have an opportunity to visit some of the world’s leading global universities — such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Cornell University, the University of Toronto and Columbia University — to broaden their international exposure and research experience, laying a solid foundation for their professional development.
 
For students from diverse backgrounds, CityUHK serves as both a place for academic pursuits and a home for mutual growth. Many international students share that even though they are far from home, they feel a strong sense of belonging and support. Classmates care for one another and study together, encouraging each other through the rigours of academic life. This spirit of connection and care—transcending geographical and cultural boundaries—truly embodies CityUHK’s vision as the “Most International University in the World”, emphasising both the pursuit of academic excellence and the importance of human connections and personal growth.

Learn more about CityUHK’s BVM Programme: 
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/jcc/education/undergraduate-programmes/bachelor-veterinary-medicine
 
Learn more about CityUHK’s 10 Flagship Programmes:
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pvdp/flagship/