Hong Kong vet school guns for US accreditation

Hong Kong’s first and only veterinary school at City University of Hong Kong will apply for American accreditation in 2028, opening doors for graduates to practice in the US in addition to Hong Kong, Australia and the UK, says dean Vanessa Barrs.

Barrs, head of the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at CityU, told The Standard that accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association marks a key step in the institution’s pursuit to become Asia’s first triple-accredited veterinary school.

“In 2028, we will become eligible for another international accreditation, which is with the AVMA, and they require us to have five years of graduates before we can apply for that accreditation,” she said.

Hong Kong's vet school building global recognition

The vet school, which partners with Cornell University, currently has dual accreditation from the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, enabling graduates to work in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The dean expressed confidence in securing a place among the world’s top 20 vet schools within a decade, as she believes the accreditations solidify the college’s position as Asia’s leading veterinary school.

Graduates employed across veterinary fields

Since enrolling its first cohort in 2017, the six-year flagship Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine program has produced 56 graduates as of 2025.

All 32 graduates from the first two cohorts are now employed across a diverse range of fields, including equine practice at the Hong Kong Jockey Club and dairy practice in New Zealand.

Expansion in enrollment starting 2025

The program accepts 30 students each year, a number set after receiving University Grants Committee funding approval in 2019. Starting in 2025, that intake will gradually grow to 50.

She shared that the school will soon relocate to the 15-story Jockey Club One Health Tower, which will feature advanced laboratories with models and simulators for teaching and clinical training.

The vet college is also exploring the possibility of offering bridging programs for mainland veterinarians working at HKJC’s Conghua Racecourse.

Aspiring vet dreams of working with rare animal species

Meanwhile, Kotler Lee Ching, a DSE top scorer from Munsang College who attended an admission interview, expressed his eagerness to gain hands-on experience with rare exotic animals through the program.

Growing up with pets, Lee developed a strong interest in veterinary medicine. He considers Hong Kong’s program to hold comparable recognition and quality to overseas degrees, making studying in his hometown a compelling choice.

(Cheng Wong)