Veterinary Education Market Report Scope & Overview:

The veterinary education market size was valued at USD 3.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.08 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.01% over 2025-2032.

The veterinary education market is rapidly changing, due to the growing need for animal health education, companion, and livestock management, as well as controlling zoonotic diseases. A dramatic increase in the number of veterinary students has been reported globally, with countries investing a significant amount in infrastructure and capacity in order to accommodate the increasing need for professionals. Technology integration, in particular distance learning in veterinary science, has increased accessibility, facilitated changes through hybrid and online modules.

In 2024, the University of Florida partnered with Zoetis to fund research-based learning and expand hands-on veterinary experiences.

The Smithsonian National Zoo welcomes an exotic veterinary education and training program with the only workforce certification in this specialized field. Moreover, the continuous veterinary education (CVE) is becoming increasingly popular in the wake of the legislative requirements and the professional improvement. Rising R&D spending in veterinary sciences and education technology, international accreditation in veterinary education, and standardization of curricula are further propelling the market. Emerging global veterinary education market trends, which have an impact on veterinary education globally, include the introduction of state-of-the-art facilities, public investment, renovation and building new veterinary schools, expansion of veterinary education, increasing demand for veterinary education, and an increasing number of people opting for a career in veterinary education.

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

• Increased Global Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases, the Rising Demand for Companion and Farm Animal Care, and Advancements in Digital Learning Infrastructure

Rise in awareness of zoonotic diseases, growing adoption of companion animals and livestock, and expansion of digital learning platforms are expected to boost the veterinary education market share. The shortage of veterinarians around the world, projected to exceed 15,000 veterinarians by 2030 (AVMA projection), has fueled aggressive investment in veterinary school construction, scholarships, and faculty expansion. University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, for instance, received more than USD 12 million for innovative practice-based training facilities. Furthermore, the increasing influence of animal health education with respect to biosecurity is directly influencing policy and institutional mechanisms.

Regulatory agencies are advocating for harmonized veterinary licensure requirements, and efforts like the WOAH recommendations on veterinary workforce education have facilitated curriculum improvement. In addition, growing R&D investment in veterinary technology - for instance, in AI diagnostic tools and virtual anatomy labs - has increased the need for technically skilled graduates. Specialist veterinary careers in oncology, cardiology, and exotic animal care are also boosting student numbers. The combination of simulation-based learning, tele-veterinary training, and global certification programmes is now reinventing the veterinary education market growth for long-term and institutional adoption and growth.

Restraints:

• The Veterinary Education Market Faces Several Restraints Related to Cost, Access, and Talent Shortages

High costs and minimal financial aid are still a deterrent, particularly in low-income and rural areas. The VetMedAcademy also stated that average student debt for a veterinarian in developed markets is more than USD 180,000, which keeps enrollment low even if the demand is rising. Further, there is a considerable deficit in the supply of and demand for sufficiently trained teaching and clinical teaching staff, with some schools reporting a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:25 or greater, a ratio far higher than the recommended standard. Inadequate facilities, like no dedicated animal hospitals for training, further decrease aspects of quality of clinical exposure.

There are also difficulties related to regulatory fragmentation between countries with different criteria for accreditation in veterinary education, which limits international graduation mobility. Further, inadequate investments in professional development or upskilling for practicing veterinarians can hamper the impact of continuing veterinary education programs. Access to inadequate broadband in many areas makes the delivery and degree of use of distance learning in veterinary science less possible through e-learning programs. Finally, the slow uptake of new learning technologies because of institutional conservatism and financial constraints dampens the digital revolution in veterinary education. All these reasons prevent the global veterinary education market from utilizing its full potential at scale.

Segmentation Analysis:

By Course Type

The undergraduate programs segment continued to lead the veterinary education market analysis in 2024, with more than 52% market share, in light of the foundational status of the veterinary degree for licensing and practice readiness. These programs are the basics for the initiation of the profession and are offered at most public institutions.

The certificate & short-term courses segment gained momentum with micro-credentials, specialisation, and continuing education becoming popular among working professionals who are willing to acquire skills in niche areas (Animal Nutrition, Dermatology, Tele-medicine).

By Specialization

Veterinary clinical medicine was the largest segment in the market in 2024, with over 38% market share, owing to its primary role in the detection and treatment of a variety of animal diseases. It is still an integral part of core curricula and private practice career paths.

The fastest-growing was veterinary nursing & paraveterinary sciences, with increased demand for necessary veterinary support staff and an increase in accredited nursing positions in private practice and large animal hospitals, particularly in high-content care centers.

By Institution Type

Public institutions were the leaders in 2024, catering to 63% of the veterinary education market with their broader geographic reach, lower tuition cost as compared to private institutions, and government-supported infrastructure and faculty.

Private institutions were the fastest growing, benefiting from new investment in modern veterinary campuses, cutting-edge simulation labs, and flexible courses in emerging markets.

By Delivery Mode

On-campus learning continued to be the preference in 2024 (accounting for about 68% of the market), as education in veterinary is still largely based on practical clinical training and laboratory-based work.

Online (E-Learning) was the highest growing segment, driven by technological advances, the pandemic forced digital acceleration, and increased content of accredited online modules further into continuous veterinary education, theory.

By Program Duration

Programs more than 2 years long dominated, as it is common for bachelor’s and doctorate programs to take long durations to adhere to licensing and competence regulations.

Less Than 1 Year programs grew the fastest, driven largely by increases in short-term certifications and professional development modules in veterinary technology, ethics, and animal handling.

By End User

Aspiring veterinary students were the largest users by far in 2024, making up around 70% of the market, as the profession of veterinary medicine remains an attractive career track with strong completion numbers in full-time degree programs.

The segment that grew the fastest among end-users was practicing veterinarians, led by the growing requirement of re-certification, up-skilling, further education, considering the new treatment methodologies and diagnostic solutions.

Regional Analysis:

North America was the leading region of the global veterinary education market in 2024; the dominance of this region is attributed to its robust education system, accreditation bodies, and the demand for veterinary services.

The U.S. veterinary education market size was valued at USD 1.01 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.56 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.59% over 2025-2032.

The U.S. continues to lead nearly 75% of the entire market in North America, with the presence of over 30 accredited veterinary schools and increasing annual enrollment. American institutions at UC Davis and Cornell have strong R&D integration, simulation labs, and high government investment. Demand for large-animal veterinarians and increased federal funding in initiatives to train rural veterinarians are lending a positive outlook for the future of Canada, which is growing steadily. Quality education and post-study pathways are leading the country to higher enrollments of international students.

Europe is the second largest veterinary education market, as government support is common, and veterinary public health is integrated, supported well by an extensive network of institutions, compared to other regions. In the European market, Germany's market is in the leading position, with HICO having strong strength and high attention to animal husbandry and veterinary pharmacology, dual output of learning systems. Germany also boasts some of the oldest veterinary schools in the region. The UK is one of the biggest backers, underpinned by world-leading institutions such as the Royal Veterinary College and growing investment in research into One Health programmes. The fastest growth is expected to occur in Eastern Europe (especially Poland and Russia), as more privately-funded practices are established and demand for animal veterinary services grows.

The Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the global veterinary education market on the back of growing livestock production, rising pet ownership, and government initiatives to expand the veterinary workforce. China is leading the market with widespread government-supported initiatives, major vet schools such as China Agricultural University, and well-financed developments in zoonotic disease control education. India is a significant factor of expansion, having more than 50 veterinary colleges and an enlarging central government support through the likes of the National Livestock Mission. Distance learning and public-private partnerships are also on the rise. From both Japan and South Korea, moderate growth can be observed, due to high-tech simulation labs and state-of-the-art research centers supporting veterinary innovation and specialization programs.

Key Players:

Notable veterinary education companies in the market include University of California – Davis, Utrecht University, Cornell University, University of Guelph, University of São Paulo, Royal Veterinary College, King Saud University, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, University of Pretoria, China Agricultural University, University of Edinburgh, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Auburn University, Tuskegee University, University of Arizona, Midwestern University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, Kansas State University, North Carolina State University, Colorado State University, and Texas A&M University.

Recent Developments:

In July 2025, United Independent School District (Texas) announced a new high school veterinary path enabling students to obtain a Certified Veterinary Assistant Level I credential via a four-year sequence and a 300-hour practicum with seven local clinics, addressing workforce demand while preparing students early for clinical roles.

In February 2025, a USD 4.9 million animal studies training centre was inaugurated at Wyong TAFE, Australia, offering a simulated veterinary clinic, radiology theatre, grooming and hydrotherapy facilities aimed at training over 480 veterinary and animal care students with industry-standard, hands-on learning.