Doctor of Veterinary MedicineDoctor of Veterinary Medicine
Gulf Medical University
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Duration

5 Years

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The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Gulf Medical University is designed to develop competent, ethical, and practice-ready veterinarians capable of contributing to animal, human, and environmental health through the principles of One Health.

The program integrates biomedical, clinical, and animal sciences to equip students with the scientific foundation and clinical competence necessary to diagnose, manage, and prevent diseases across animal species. Students gain expertise in animal welfare, food safety, epidemiology, and public health, while also developing leadership and research skills aligned with national and international veterinary standards.

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based learning, ethical practice, and community engagement, providing progressive exposure to animal handling, simulation-based learning, and clinical rotations under expert supervision.

To ensure comprehensive clinical training and real-world exposure, the program has established partnerships with leading veterinary institutions, hospitals, and clinics across the UAE and internationally. These collaborations support student internships, externships, and supervised clinical training in diverse settings, including equine, small animal, avian, and public health practice.

Training and Internship Partners include

  • Academic and International Partners: Royal Veterinary College (London, UK) and Don State Technical University (Russia).
  • Veterinary and Clinical Partners: Sharjah Equine Hospital, Umm Al Quwain Camel Hospital and Breeding Centre, Sharjah Falcon Hospital, City Pet Veterinary Clinic (Ajman), City Vet Clinics (Abu Dhabi, Al Warqa, and seven additional branches across the UAE).

Through these partnerships, students receive hands-on clinical experience and exposure to diverse species and practice environments, preparing them for professional veterinary roles across the region and beyond.

The program has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Higher Education and Research, UAE (effective 19 September 2025), [Link] affirming its compliance with national quality standards and alignment with international benchmarks in veterinary education.

Admission requirements (AY2026-2027)

  1. The applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 years of school education.
  2. The applicant must have passed any one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests with a minimum score as follows:
    1. All UAE education system scoring minimum 80% in English in Grade 12
    2. For those completed English medium of instruction in high school
      • Minimum 80% in Grade 11 or 12
      • Those not meeting the minimum 80% in English shall be on conditional admission and completing a remedial course in English for the first semester.
    3. for those international students who completed high school in their national language, any one of the English proficiency test scores to be submitted
      • TOEFL CBT 173 – iBT 61
      • 5.0 in IELTS for Academic
  3. Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from Ministry of Education, UAE. Failing to submit the equivalency certificate, the student would be on conditional admission and is required to fulfil the requirements as specified in the General admission requirements. [link]
  4. Minimum High School Requirements by Education System
    1. Applicants must meet the following minimum grade requirements (as per the UAE Grade Equivalency). They must have completed the mandatory science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics or Psychology or humanities) in the final years of high school (Grades 11 and/or 12 or equivalent), as required by their respective school system.
CountryEducation SystemMinimum Grade Requirements
UAEElite/Advanced/Abu Dhabi Education CouncilBiology – 70%
Chemistry – 70%
Physics or Mathematics or Psychology or Humanities – 60%
IndiaState Board / CBSE / ICSEBiology – 50%
Chemistry – 50%
Physics/Mathematics – 45%
Pakistan / BangladeshNational BoardsBiology – 50%
Chemistry – 50%
Physics/Mathematics – 45%
UKIGCSE/GCEMinimum ‘D’ grade in all three O-Level science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

AND minimum ‘E’ grade in Biology & Chemistry at AS /A-Level

and ‘E’ grade in Physics/Mathematics at O/AS Level

IBInternational BaccalaureateBiology & Chemistry (High Level in grade 13) ≥ 3
Physics/Mathematics (in Grade 11/12) ≥ 3
USAAmerican DiplomaScience subjects (Biology and Chemistry) should be covered in Grade 11 or 12

Biology – 70%
Chemistry – 70%
Physics/Mathematics – 60%

SAT Math required for equivalency certificate

SABISSABIS SystemBiology – 65%
Chemistry – 65%
Physics/Mathematics – 60%SAT Math required for equivalency
CanadaAlberta / OntarioBiology – 60%
Chemistry – 60%
Physics/Mathematics – 50%
AfricaWAEC / NECOBiology – 50%
Chemistry – 50%
Physics/Mathematics – 50%
IranIranian SystemBiology – 12/20
Chemistry – 12/20
Physics/Mathematics – 10/20

Applicants from other systems must have a UAE equivalent score of 70%, as determined by the World Education System (WES) conversion.

  1. Applicants from any other non-UAE educational system must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from Ministry of Education, UAE. Failing to submit the equivalency certificate, the student would be on conditional admission and is required to fulfil the requirements as specified in the General admission requirements. [link]
  2. Applicants must have passed three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics or Mathematics or Psychology in any of the following grades: 11th or 12th. If not, required to register for the non-credit remedial course offered by the University.
  3. All applicants shall complete an interview with admission committee of the College. The decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.
  4. Foundation program is required, If the applicant does not meet minimum score for two science subjects or lack two science subjects in Grade 11 or 12.

Special needs applications

GMU is committed to admit students who needs special attention and management. Applications are open for students who disclose their condition on the special determination form and the applications are reviewed by the admission committee and admitted as per the policy for different programs.

Ref: Program Technical Standards and Accommodations [link]

Important Guidelines

  • Submit the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline.
  • Results and offer letters will be issued within a week.
  • Conditional admission will be confirmed after fee payment and document verification.
  • Selected candidate admissions shall be cancelled if the minimum science criteria is not met for more than one subject and recommended to complete the foundation program for improvement and apply the consequent year.
  • Selected candidates missing the minimum high school grade requirement for one mandatory science subject must take a remedial course offered by GMU and improve their grade with conditional admission status.
  • Qualified candidates beyond seat capacity will be waitlisted; offers depend on the availability of seats before registration deadlines.
  • All uploaded documents will be verified against originals during the interview.
  • Submission of false or misleading documents will result in automatic cancellation of admission.

Required documents:

  • Applicant Passport
  • Parent passport
  • Emirates ID
  • Ethbara and Family book for UAE nationals
  • 10th grade and 12th or O level and AS/A level High school certificate
  • Equivalency certificate for international curriculum students
  • Valid English proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL or Final school scores English subject)
  • Good conduct certificate from school
  • Health Insurance document for UAE residents
  • Scanned passport size photograph with white background

All originals shall be scanned and returned to applicant.

PLO 1. Explain and integrate the normal structure, function, development, behavior, welfare needs and species variation of animals, together with a etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, host response, progression and consequences of common diseases and disorders.

PLO 2. Apply knowledge of animal husbandry, nutrition, production systems, preventive healthcare, biosecurity, vaccination and welfare to promote animal health and prevent disease.

PLO 3. Obtain accurate and relevant histories, safely handle and restrain animals, perform complete and focused clinical examinations, and assess animal welfare, physical condition and nutritional status.

PLO 4. Select, perform where appropriate, and interpret common diagnostic procedures, including laboratory tests, imaging, clinical pathology, post-mortem findings and population-level data.

PLO 5. Recognize and investigate common diseases and disorders, formulate differential diagnoses, and develop appropriate treatment, prevention, follow-up and referral plans using sound clinical reasoning, scientific evidence, client circumstances, animal welfare and public-health considerations.

PLO 6. Prescribe, dispense, administer and monitor medicines responsibly and legally, including antimicrobials, antiparasitic, analgesics, anesthetics and other therapeutic agents.

PLO 7. Perform or assist with essential veterinary procedures, including aseptic techniques, sampling, injections, wound management, emergency first aid, anesthesia, pain management, surgery-related procedures and humane euthanasia when appropriate.

PLO 8. Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, veterinary teams, responsible authorities and the public, and prepare accurate clinical records, case reports, referrals, certificates, laboratory submissions, treatment plans and other professional documentation while maintaining confidentiality and professional respect.

PLO 9. Apply epidemiological and population-health principles and contribute to disease surveillance and control, One Health, veterinary public health, zoonotic-disease control, food safety, official controls, antimicrobial stewardship, environmental health and emergency preparedness.

PLO 10. Apply ethical, legal, professional, health-and-safety, quality-assurance, animal-welfare and risk-management principles in veterinary practice.

PLO 11. Work effectively as a member of veterinary, multidisciplinary and community teams, demonstrating leadership, respect, responsibility and awareness of veterinary business, economics and service delivery.

PLO 12. Apply scientific evidence, research, statistical and digital tools appropriately in veterinary practice; engage in lifelong learning; and recognize professional limits while seeking support when needed.

Study Plan and Semester Contact-Hour Progression

The study plan is presented semester by semester (Tables 2a -11a).

Clinical teaching and clinical rotations are reported separately, and each semester includes both semester-specific and cumulative contact-hour summaries (Tables 2b -11b).

Table 2a: Year 1 – First Semester – S1

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Introduction to Veterinary MedicineVMC0113+030003
Biochemistry and Organic ChemistryVMB0113+030003
Biosafety and BiosecurityVMH0111+010001
Animal Structure and Function IVMB0123+234007
Emirati Studies*VCA 1013+030003
English Communication Skills*VCA 1023+030003
TOTAL16+2=181640020

Table 2b: SEMESTER 1 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester2406000300
Cumulative through S12406000300

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

*General Education Course.

Table 3a: Year 1 – Second Semester – S2

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Farm Management and Animal Production SystemsVMA0212+122004
Principles of Genetics and Animal BreedingVMA0222+122004
Animal Structure and Function IIVMB0213+234007
Farm and Large Animal Handling and WelfareVMA0232+120305
Animal NutritionVMA0243+030003
Companion Animal Handling and WelfareVMA0252+120305
TOTAL14+6=201486028

 Table 3b.: SEMESTER 2 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester210120900420
Cumulative through S2450180900720

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching week

Table 4a: Year 2 – Third Semester – S3

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Veterinary Host-Pathogen InteractionsVMB0314+142006
Veterinary Pathophysiology and Disease MechanismsVMB0323+132005
Veterinary Laboratory and Diagnostic SkillsVMB0332+224006
Veterinary Infectious AgentsVMB0344+142006
TOTAL13+5=1813100023

 Table 4b.: SEMESTER 3 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester19515000345
Cumulative through S36453309001065

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

Table 5a.: Year 2 – Fourth Semester – S4

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Veterinary Biostatistics and Data InterpretationVMH0412+120305
Veterinary Preventive Medicine and BiosecurityVMH0424+140307
Veterinary Infectious Disease ProcessesVMB0414+142006
Veterinary Food Safety and InspectionVMH0433+132005
Veterinary Toxicology and Environmental HealthVMH0442+122004
TOTAL15+5=201566027

Table 5b.: SEMESTER 4 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester22590900405
Cumulative through S487042018001470

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching week

Table 6a.: Year 3 – Fifth Semester – S5

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics IVMB0513+030003
Principles of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and TheriogenologyVMC0513+3309012
Veterinary Patient Care and Clinical SkillsVMC0523+130306
Veterinary Case ManagementVMC0532+120305
Professional Communications, Records and EntrepreneurshipVMC0541+110304
TOTAL12+6=1812018030

Table 6b: SEMESTER 5 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester18002700450
Cumulative through S5105042045001920

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

Table 7a: Year 3 – Sixth Semester – S6

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Farm Animal Clinical Systems and Reproductive HealthVMC0612+220608
Companion Animal Medicine and Diagnostic PracticeVMC0622+120305
Avian, Aquatic, Wildlife and Exotic Animal HealthVMA0612+220608
Equine and Camel Clinical Systems and Field PracticeVMC0632+220608
TOTAL8+7=158021029

 Table 7b: SEMESTER 6 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester12003150435
Cumulative through S6117042076502355

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

Table 8a: Year 4 – Seventh Semester – S7

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Avian, Aquatic, Wildlife, and Exotic Animal MedicineVMC0712+220608
Farm Animal Production Medicine and Herd DisordersVMC0722+120305
Companion Animal Organ-System Medicine and TheriogenologyVMC0733+230609
Equine and Camel Reproduction and Neonatal CareVMC0742+120305
Special Topics I: Veterinary OncologyVMC0752+120305
TOTAL11+7=1811021032

Table 8b: SEMESTER 7 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester16503150480
Cumulative through S71335420108002835

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

Table 9a: Year 4 –Eighth Semester – S8

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Farm Animal Herd Health and Field SurgeryVMC0813+130306
Companion Animal Emergency, Surgery and Patient CareVMC0822+120305
Equine and Camel Surgery, Lameness and Preventive CareVMC0832+120305
Veterinary Digital Practice and TelehealthVMC0842+120305
Behavioral studies *VCA 2033+030003
TOTAL12+4=1612012024

Table 9b: SEMESTER 8 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester18001800360
Cumulative through S81515420126003195

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks. *General Education Course.

Table 10a: Year 5 – Ninth Semester – S9

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTOTAL
Special Topics II: Veterinary CardiologyVMC0912+120305
Advanced Diagnostic ImagingVMC0921+210607
Veterinary Research, Capstone and Professional Transition IVMH0912+122004
Special Topics III: Global Veterinary MedicineVMH0922+120305
TOTAL7+5=127212021

Table 10b: SEMESTER 9 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester105301800315
Cumulative through S91620450144003510

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

Table 11a.: Year 5 – Tenth Semester – S10

COURSECOURSE CODECREDIT HOURSCONTACT HOURS (Per week)
THEORYLAB / PRACTICALCLINICAL / PRACTICALCLINICAL ROTATIONTotal
Veterinary Research, Capstone and Professional Transition IIVMH1011+214005
Companion Animal Clinical RotationVMC1010+300099
Production Animal and Ambulatory RotationVMC1020+300099
Equine and Camel Clinical RotationVMC1030+300099
Diagnostic and Public Health Practice RotationVMC1040+300099
TOTAL1+14=151403641

Table 11b: SEMESTER 10 AND CUMULATIVE CONTACT HOUR SUMMARY

MeasureTheoryLab / PracticalClinical/ PracticalClinical RotationTotal
This semester15600540600
Cumulative through S10163551014405404125

Note: Semester contact hours are calculated as weekly contact hours x 15 teaching weeks.

SUMMARY OF CLINICAL CONTACT HOURS IN THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PROGRAM

Year/semesterPractical/ Clinical Credit hoursClinical/ Practical contact hours per semester Clinical Rotation contact hours per semester

Total Contact

Clinical Hours per Semester

Year 1 – S10000
Year 1 – S2290090
Year 2 – S30000
Year 2 – S4290090
Year 3 – S562700270
Year 3 – S673150315
Year 4 – S773150315
Year 4 – S841800180
Year 5 – S941800180
Year 5 – S10120540540
Total4414405401980

To qualify for the award of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, a student must satisfy the following criteria

  • Successful completion of 170 credits, required for the program.
  • Attainment of Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.
  • Successful completion and defence of the research project.
  • Achievement of a minimum pass mark of 60% (Grade D) in each course.

Graduates of the DVM program will be equipped to serve in diverse veterinary and allied sectors, including

  • Small and Large Animal Clinical Practice
  • Public Health and Food Safety Services
  • Veterinary Research and Laboratory Diagnostics
  • Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Industries
  • Wildlife, Zoo, and Aquatic Animal Health
  • Veterinary Regulatory and Inspection Agencies
  • Pharmaceutical and Feed Manufacturing Industries
  • Academic and Training Institutions

Graduates will also be eligible to pursue veterinary licensure in the UAE and other jurisdictions as per respective regulatory requirements.