Veterinary
A field of study in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary
Vocational or degree?Both routes4 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 7,700 finished vocational training and 13,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?73% in a matching jobof agriculture graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 52%.All agriculture fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
Signs of animal illnessAnimal welfareAnimal behaviourPhysiology of animalsBiosecurity related to animalsEnvironmental enrichment for animalsImmunologyEpidemiologyFundamental veterinary sciencesEquine dental diseasesClinical immunologyZoonotic diseases+ 2 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
23 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal physiotherapist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Animal chiropractor | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Animal osteopath | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Pet sitter | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Animal therapist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Animal handler | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Specialised veterinarian | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| General veterinarian | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Official veterinarian | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Alternative animal therapist | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Veterinary technician | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Zoo section leader | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Cattle pedicure | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Animal care attendant | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Veterinary scientist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Live animal transporter | Good | About average | Vocational | Low |
| Animal shelter worker | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Animal welfare inspector | Limited | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Dog breeder | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Kennel supervisor | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Animal behaviourist | Good | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Horse breeder | Good | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Poultry breeder | Limited | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
330 institutions in the EU offer agriculture bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.