The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Veterinary Surgeons Council are pleased to announce that the College’s Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine has been formally recognised by the European Commission.

The qualification was included in Annex 5 of Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications and titles of training courses. The decision, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 29 October 2025, establishes the official recognition of MCAST’s veterinary training across the European Union and EEA member states.

This development means that graduates from MCAST’s Master’s in Veterinary Medicine will be eligible to apply for a professional warrant not only in Malta but also in all EU and EEA countries. The recognition provides graduates with full mobility and professional parity across Europe. The first cohort will graduate in 2029.

The inclusion of the programme in Annex 5 follows a rigorous evaluation process involving scrutiny from EU member states, the European Council, and the European Parliament. The application required close collaboration between the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and the Veterinary Surgeons Council, ensuring that the degree meets European standards and satisfies the criteria for automatic recognition.

MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella described the Decision as a “significant milestone” for higher education and veterinary training in Malta, marking the first time Maltese students can complete a full veterinary qualification locally while benefiting from EU-wide recognition.

The Veterinary Medicine programme is offered within MCAST’s Institute of Applied Science – Centre for Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences (CAAAS). The course, launched in 2024, is delivered through a partnership with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, a leading institution in veterinary education. The five-year degree integrates theoretical study with extensive hands-on learning.

Speaking about the course, CAAAS Deputy Director Malcolm Borg said that the collaboration with Barcelona has strengthened the programme’s academic standards and contributed to the essential capacity building needed to establish veterinary studies in Malta. Prior to 2024, no local route existed for students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine

Students spend the first two years in a foundation phase, focusing on core sciences ranging from cellular biology to whole-body physiology, combined with practical training in animal handling and professional practice.

The final three years form the clinical phase, during which students train in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions across companion animals, equine species, and farm livestock. The curriculum also covers veterinary public health, pharmacology, and extramural placements that build professional experience.

The European Commission’s Decision is now in force.