Information for Foreign Applicants

English Proficiency

House officer applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be accepted. Applicants whose native language or language of instruction is not English must take the TOEFL, unless they have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from either:

a. A regionally accredited U.S. college or university, OR

b. A foreign college or university which is listed in the International Association of Universities' World Higher Education Database (https://www.iau-aiu.net/World-Higher-Education-Database-WHED) as providing instruction solely in English (letters from universities or programs indicating that English was the sole language of instruction will not be accepted). The English language testing requirement is waived for applicants from the following countries:

Australia
Ireland
New Zealand
Tanzania
Canada (excluding Quebec)
Jamaica
Sierra Leone
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
South Africa

For applicants from countries where English is not the primary language, minimum TOEFL iBT scores are 5 listening, 4.5 writing, 4 speaking, and 4.5 reading; no minimum overall score is required. Official scores must be sent directly by ETS, must be less than two years old, and should use UC Davis institution code 4834 and department code 51 Veterinary Medicine.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is given by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Their website address is http://www.ets.org/toefl. Official score reports must be sent directly to us by the applicant. TOEFL scores expire after two years.

Visa Requirements

Candidates should be US citizens, US permanent residents, or foreign nationals who are eligible for either a TN or J-1 Research Scholar visa, with no bars or home country requirement, for the duration of the program. We will NOT pursue other visa categories. The offer of a residency may be withdrawn if written evidence of a visa is not provided by July 1, 2027.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring they are eligible for one of the 2 visa types we offer.

SISS (Services for International Students and Scholars)

Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) assists incoming and current international students and scholars, and their families, with visa and immigration issues while they are at UC Davis.

Please see the SISS website to learn more about other services SISS offers to international students and scholars, or for assistance to verify your eligibility. https://siss.ucdavis.edu/contact-us