About us
The International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) is a student-run organisation representing more than 38,000 veterinary students across over seventy countries.
Our mission is to improve the health and welfare of animals and humans worldwide by empowering veterinary students through education, collaboration, and the international exchange of skills and knowledge. One of our core aims is to raise the global standard of veterinary education.
We warmly invite you to become part of our community.
Getting involved with the IVSA offers countless opportunities to expand your knowledge, connect with veterinary students around the world, and advance your professional journey. Students who take on active roles within the IVSA gain valuable leadership experience, helping them grow into capable and compassionate future veterinarians.
The IVSA also serves as the collective voice of veterinary students in international veterinary organisations. We represent students’ perspectives in global discussions and meetings, attending congresses and events alongside our partner organisations, including the World Veterinary Association (WVA), European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and many others.
Our Standing Committees and Networks lead projects, events, and initiatives across different fields of veterinary medicine. They create spaces for students who share similar interests to collaborate, learn, and contribute to causes they care about. Each group develops educational resources and activities to help members gain hands-on experience and deepen their understanding of the profession.
Our current Standing Committees and Networks include:
- Standing Committee on Veterinary Education
- Standing Committee on Animal Welfare
- Standing Committee on One Health
- Standing Committee on Wellness
- Standing Committee on Career Attributes
- Wild and Exotic Animal Network
- Pathology Network
- Alumni Network
IVSA members also have the chance to join our international exchange programme, enabling individual or group exchanges with veterinary faculties in other IVSA member countries. Members can meet peers from around the world at our annual Congress and Symposium, which feature General Assemblies, lectures, workshops, cultural exchanges, and social activities. Additionally, each country can host or attend international events that promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices in veterinary medicine.
To keep you updated on all IVSA activities and opportunities, read our monthly bulletin.
If you’re not yet a member but would like to join IVSA or learn more about what we do, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our Contact page.