Have you always dreamt of becoming a veterinarian? Want to take care of animals for a living? Loving animals and knowing their favourite petting spots is not enough. You need a proper education in veterinary science.

And that’s not all. As veterinarians are governed by a professional body, you’ll need to make sure that you meet the various requirements set by the Malaysian Veterinary Council.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can be a veterinarian in Malaysia after SPM.

Step #1. Meet the minimum requirements at SPM or equivalent

To be eligible to pursue a veterinary science degree in Malaysia, you will generally need to have at least 5 credits at SPM level or equivalent, including Mathematics and 2 Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).

In addition, you may also require a credit in Bahasa Melayu and English.

Do note that the requirements could be higher depending on the university, with some universities requiring you to have at least 5Bs in all 3 Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.

Step #2. Take a pre-university or foundation programme

Once you have the grades at SPM level or equivalent, you can then proceed to take a pre-university programme (e.g. A Level, SACEi, STPM, etc.) or a Foundation in Science.

While the requirements will differ from one university to another, the academic requirements at this level are a minimum CGPA of 3.50 and at least a B in Biology, Physics or Chemistry, and Mathematics.

With this, you will be able to pursue a Degree in Veterinary Science.

Step #3. Pursue an accredited veterinary science degree

To practice as a veterinarian in Malaysia, you must have graduate with a Degree in Veterinary Science from a university that is approved by the Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC), the national governing body in veterinary science.

There are only 2 universities in Malaysia that are recognised by MVC — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).

As entry into veterinary science at these universities can be highly competitive, there is also an option to apply directly to UPM through its Saluran Alternatif. Do note, however, that your tuition fees will be more expensive than the normal UPU route.

Alternatively, you can also choose to pursue your veterinary degree overseas in approved institutions in countries such as Indonesia, India, Australia and the UK.

Step #4. Register as a veterinary surgeon with MVC

Once you’ve successfully completed your veterinary science degree, you can immediately register to become a veterinary surgeon with MVC. Only MVC-registered veterinarians are allowed to practice veterinary science in Malaysia so this is an important step.

Step #5. Apply for an Annual Practicing Certificate

The one final step you need to complete before you can legally practice veterinary science in Malaysia is to apply for an Annual Practicing Certificate (APC). Only an MVC-registered veterinary surgeon who is a Malaysian citizen can apply for the APC.

After successfully obtaining your APC, you can now practice as a veterinarian in Malaysia. In addition, you’ll also be able to use the title of “Dr”.

If you’re curious about how to become a veterinarian in Malaysia, then you’ve come to the right place. We hope this guide will help you live out your dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Wondering what exactly you’ll learn in veterinary science? We have all the answers here.