Procedure for International Visitors/Trainees

Undergraduate Program

International students are encouraged to apply for Auburn University’s Bachelor of Science in Public and One Health undergraduate program (B.S. PAOH), which is provided by the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This program is designed to equip future health professionals with a transdisciplinary perspective, enabling them to comprehend the intricate interplay of multiple factors influencing health. For information about submitting an application, visit the Auburn University Undergraduate Admissions page.

Graduate Program

The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) provides comprehensive and interdisciplinary training and research opportunities for students pursuing advanced degrees (Masters and PhD). We warmly welcome international applicants to join our program and be part of a vibrant academic community.

For any inquiries regarding the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, admission requirements or application process, please feel free to contact the CVM Office of Research and Graduate Studies at cvmorgs@auburn.edu or visit the Research and Graduate Studies website for more details.

DVM Program

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Auburn University is exclusively available to individuals who are United States citizens or permanent residents (green card holders). Please check back for further updates, should they become available. Visit the DVM Professional Degree Program website for more information.

PAVE Program

The Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) is the pathway for veterinarians who are graduates of international, non-AVMA accredited veterinary programs, to practice in the United States and Canada, offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Notable institutions participating in the PAVE program include Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri. Currently, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University does not accept PAVE applications. Please check back in the future for further updates and developments.

Internship and Residency Programs

Our internship and residency programs offer unique opportunities for veterinarians seeking advanced training and specialization in a wide range of disciplines, providing in-depth, hands-on training and mentorship in various veterinary specialties, as well as exposure to cutting-edge veterinary services. We accept international DVM (or equivalent) applicants for internships and residencies primarily through the VIRMP internship mechanism. All interns and residents will enter the United States on F-1 visas and enroll in the Auburn University graduate programs, allowing them to engage in hands-on clinical training. Please refer to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies for more details.

Observership for Clinical Residents Already in the United States

Clinical residents in the US with valid visa types can apply for a 2-6 week observership by contacting a host faculty/clinician. After receiving email approval from the corresponding Department Head, a Foreign Visitor Control form (PDF) will be filled out for Auburn University Research Security Compliance Office’s (RSCO) review and approval. The CVM International Affairs Committee (IAC) will work with the hosting specialty to submit the form 30 days before the scheduled arrival at Auburn University. This program is for clinical residents only, professors, clinicians and other practitioners are not eligible for this program. 

Visiting Professors and Scholars Not Currently in the United States

Our research and education visiting professors and scholars programs are designed for professors, researchers and scholars from international institutions, with a minimum of two years of experience after obtaining an international DVM degree (non-DVM Ph.D. or equivalent degree holders are also welcome and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis). During the visiting period, visiting professors and scholars will immerse themselves in the college’s academic community, exchange ideas and enhance your expertise while contributing to the intellectual vibrancy of our institution. To participate in this program, please identify an academic host who will agree to act as your direct supervisor during your visit. Your host will guide you in shaping your research and educational activities and assist you with your J-1 visa application to enter the United States.

For Students and Trainees – International Veterinary Student Externship Program (VSEP)

A 2-4 weeks VSEP program consists of didactic and observational class activities specially designed for international students to learn about veterinary medical education in the United States. The VSEP program is considered a professional development opportunity, offered only to students from our partner institutions with an active international MOU. The participation fee is $200 per day. A certificate of participation will be issued to the students who need proof of completion (a $100 fee applies). If you are interested in the VSEP program, please contact the liaison (faculty in charge of international activities) at your home institution for a timeline and procedure for the application. VSEP students will apply for a B-1 visa to enter the United States and no academic credit(s) will be issued according to the visa type requirements. VSEP students do NOT work in the US and are NOT paid. No patient contact is allowed. We believe that the VSEP program will contribute significantly to a veterinary student’s academic journey and professional growth. It is an opportunity to broaden horizons, learn from professors and clinicians and engage with the world of veterinary medicine in a new context.

Leadership Visits

Leadership visits are by invitation only with institutions in which MOUs are in place. Administrators from international institutions, please contact the CVM International Affairs Committee Chair or Dean’s Office directly to discuss leadership visits. Please allow at least 45 days for us to arrange an itinerary. If visas are required, please check the US visa interview appointment waiting time and add extra time accordingly to ensure the acquisition of proper visa for your scheduled arrival.

Other Types of Visits

For other types of visits, please direct your inquiries to the IAC chair at xuwang@auburn.edu. We will review inquiries on a case-by-case basis and create a visit experience that is uniquely suited to your needs.

International Partner Institutions with Active MOUs

Austral University of Chile (PDF)
Catholic University of Chile (PDF)
Iwate University (PDF)
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (PDF)
National Taiwan University (PDF)
TiHo Hannover (PDF)
University of Turin, Italy (PDF)
Universidade Vila Velha, Brazil (PDF)
YangZhou University (PDF)