Surrey and IMU Malaysia launch split-site veterinary degree
A new transnational education programme in veterinary medicine will expand opportunities for aspiring veterinarians in Asia and beyond.
The partnership between the University of Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine and the International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia is designed to equip future veterinary professionals with the skills, knowledge and clinical exposure needed to meet growing global challenges.
The programme will blend Surrey's established reputation in veterinary training and research with IMU's strong foundation in health sciences education, providing students with a comprehensive pathway to a veterinary career.
Students will study in two countries. They will begin in Malaysia on IMU's Bio Veterinary Science programme for five semesters, gaining a strong academic and preclinical foundation. They will then transition into Year 3 at Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine, which has gained international recognition since its establishment in 2014.
Students will graduate with Surrey's BVMSci (Hons) degree, which will allow them to register as veterinary surgeons with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK.
This structured pathway ensures that students experience diverse learning environments, from Malaysia's unique regional animal health challenges to UK veterinary hospitals and clinical networks. Such exposure will enrich their education and build resilience, adaptability and a global perspective.
This programme gives students the best of both worlds –IMU’s excellence in health sciences and Surrey’s award-winning veterinary training. Together, we are equipping the next generation of veterinarians to make a global impact.Professor Asma Ismail, Vice-Chancellor of IMU
The programme will also help tackle the issue of diversity in the profession. Globally, the profession faces challenges in attracting students from varied cultural, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. By situating part of the veterinary pathway in Malaysia, the IMU–Surrey programme will open doors for a wider pool of students, particularly from Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
This collaboration is about more than education — it is about building a veterinary workforce that is diverse, adaptable and ready to serve society on a global scale.Professor Er Hui Meng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at IMU
Beyond education, this collaboration is set to strengthen research links between Malaysia and the UK in fields of global significance. Surrey is recognised for its research in antimicrobial resistance, food security and the One Health agenda – the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. IMU, meanwhile, has established itself as a regional leader in medical and health sciences education, with growing research expertise in tropical and infectious diseases.
This initiative, stemming from our UK–Malaysia University Consortium (UK-MUC) grant activities, is a strong example of how UK–Malaysia partnerships in higher education can transform opportunities for students while contributing to global challenges. By combining strengths in veterinary science, IMU and the University of Surrey are not only developing future-ready talent but also advancing the values of diversity, innovation and international collaboration that the British Council is proud to support.Jazreel Goh, Director of the British Council Malaysia
This partnership reflects Malaysia’s vision to be a regional hub for world-class higher education. By hosting part of this veterinary programme, we are providing opportunities for Malaysian and international students to access a global education closer to home. It also supports our commitment to developing skilled professionals who will contribute to food security, public health and the wider economy.YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education Malaysia
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