How to Apply

To participate in the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (VSTP), interested students must apply to the School of Veterinary Medicine concurrently with their application to the chosen graduate group. Students currently enrolled in DVM curriculum can also apply to the VSTP (see below). To be considered a VSTP participant, a student must meet the admission requirements for both the DVM program and the chosen PhD program. A very select group of applicants are chosen for VSTP interviews. During a two-day interview session, the prospective VSTP student will meet veterinary faculty and students who will evaluate their candidacy for admission into both the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate School. (Note: applicants who apply for the VSTP, but do not receive VSTP interviews will still be considered along with all candidates by the School of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Committee for admission to the DVM program.) Admission to the DVM program is granted by the Admissions Committee of the School of Veterinary Medicine. Enrollment in a PhD program requires admission by the campus Graduate Division and the PhD program of the discipline selected by the prospective student. The VSTP Advisory Committee has formed close liaisons with graduate groups on campus to facilitate and coordinate the admissions process. In general, to be competitive in this highly selective process, successful candidates for the VSTP are those applicants who have demonstrated a higher academic standing than candidates for the individual degree programs.

Application Process

Step 1:
Select a desired graduate group to apply to for conducting research towards a PhD degree. The UCD Office of Graduate Studies describes graduate education opportunities on the UC Davis campus. The following links provide information on the various graduate groups available to prospective VSTP students.

Step 2:
Once a graduate group has been chosen, begin filing the necessary applications. Application procedures differ for new and continuing DVM students.

Prospective DVM Students

Continuing DVM Students

Learn more about the VSTP Fellowship and Curriculum through the links below.