Studying vet med as a second degree/graduate veterinary medicine degree

So I don’t have a place or anything, I was more just interested to see if this was even a possibility financially.

I have a BSc in psychology with a 2:1 and did study 3 science a levels but didn’t achieve good grades due to extenuating circumstances. I think I meet eligibility requirements for some courses and could always re sit an a level or 2 to achieve this if not. However, I want to be an equine vet and have lots of relevant experience so was hoping this would work in my favour.

The main question is; what funding is available for people in my situation? If loans are means tested as they would be for a first degree (even tho I’m 24, I do still live at home) then I would be eligible for very very little 😅 and I’ve also read that only maintenance loans are available. There’s not a chance I could afford to do this without the tuition loan. I could possibly make it work if I got a tuition fee loan but not maintenance as I could live at home whilst studying but I’m really not sure and the info available is so confusing it’s tricky to understand.

So, if anyone is in the same position as me and has managed it or found a way of making it happen please share how! It would be for 2025 admission. I also have 2 competition horses who are entirely my financial responsibility so it’s very unlikely I can make it work but 🙏🏻 praying I can one day make my dreams a reality

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Note you can't get funded for a second degree at all in most cases, and usually it would be wholly self funded.

Certain courses do attract varying levels of funding in certain modes, these are exception courses. You should check with SFE to see if vet med is an exception course and if there is any funding entitlement.

That said I'm not sure it is an exception course and don't think you get any funding for it. I believe those doing it as a second degree typically have to pay out of pocket...?

Reply 2

username6885847

Original post by Xjabnrlv_saadx

So I don’t have a place or anything, I was more just interested to see if this was even a possibility financially.
I have a BSc in psychology with a 2:1 and did study 3 science a levels but didn’t achieve good grades due to extenuating circumstances. I think I meet eligibility requirements for some courses and could always re sit an a level or 2 to achieve this if not. However, I want to be an equine vet and have lots of relevant experience so was hoping this would work in my favour.
The main question is; what funding is available for people in my situation? If loans are means tested as they would be for a first degree (even tho I’m 24, I do still live at home) then I would be eligible for very very little 😅 and I’ve also read that only maintenance loans are available. There’s not a chance I could afford to do this without the tuition loan. I could possibly make it work if I got a tuition fee loan but not maintenance as I could live at home whilst studying but I’m really not sure and the info available is so confusing it’s tricky to understand.
So, if anyone is in the same position as me and has managed it or found a way of making it happen please share how! It would be for 2025 admission. I also have 2 competition horses who are entirely my financial responsibility so it’s very unlikely I can make it work but 🙏🏻 praying I can one day make my dreams a reality

Hello so this is what I’m doing
I’m doing a biovet first degree then applying for vet med.

We aren’t eligible for tuition fees but we are for a means tested maintenance fee based on income. Depending on how much is given, you might be able to contribute that to your tuition fees.

Scholarships, charities and bursaries may be available but are hard to find and usually specific to first degrees.

I’m aware of the financials , don’t come from a priveleged background but I’ve been saving money and continuing to save money to pay for my degree.

I’ve been told if worse comes to worse I can take a gov loan but the interest is quite bad as it isn’t the same as sfe however I still want to be a vet regardless so if I have no choice I will.

Reply 3

aspiring_vet

Hi! I'm applying this year as a second degree with a competition horse to look after 🤠

I spoke to student finance & for vet med as a second degree you are eligible for a full maintenance loan. If you're 25 or over it is solely based on your income, not your parents, even if living at home.

I've waited until this year (now 25) & will continue to live at home to decrease costs. Also worked a plan of working part time at the yard my horse is at- cheaper livery, still earning if I get into uni, enough of a wage to get by but also low enough that I'd get a full maintenance loan to cover tuition fees. Maybe not something you'd want to think about but might be worth dropping down to 1 horse to decrease costs & make your life a little easier when studying- I know I struggled with 2 whilst doing my first degree & that was no where near as intense as Vet Med!