How to Apply
Both prospective and current (V1 and V2) UC Davis DVM students are eligible to apply to the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (VSTP). To be considered a VSTP candidate, a student must meet the admission requirements for both the DVM program and the chosen Ph.D. program. A very select group of applicants is chosen for VSTP interviews.
Admissions Timeline
- VSTP Application Deadline (September 15th at 8:59 pm PST)
- Submitted applications are reviewed to ensure they are a) complete and b) eligible. Any applications missing application materials or not meeting eligibility criteria (i.e., completed DVM and VSTP applications, meet eligibility requirements for the DVM program, and have research experience) will not be considered for admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow with their recommenders to make sure all letters of recommendation are received by the deadline. Late letters will NOT be accepted.
- Eligible applications are reviewed and ranked by the VSTP Executive Committee using a rubric. The following criteria are taken into consideration: Academics, Research Experience and Personal Statement, Publications, Letters of Recommendation, Rationale, and Traits for Pursuing a DVM/PhD, and Contributions to Community.
- Candidates being considered for admission will be extended an in-person interview invitation. Travel and lodging are provided for candidates who reside 35 miles or more outside of Davis, CA.
- VSTP interviews are scheduled for Friday, December 5th, 2026. During our interview event, candidates will receive a detailed overview of the program, meet one-on-one with the VSTP Director, Ph.D. faculty mentors, current VSTP students, and VSTP Executive Committee members. All candidates are required to give a short research presentation to students and faculty of our VSTP community.
- Mid-Late January, VSTP candidates are emailed admission or waitlist notifications.
Admission to the DVM program is granted by the Admissions Committee of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). The VSTP Executive Committee and the Dean of the SVM grant admission to VSTP. Enrollment in a Ph.D. program requires admission by Graduate Studies and the Ph.D. program selected by the prospective student. The VSTP Executive Committee has formed close liaisons with graduate groups on campus to facilitate and coordinate the admissions process. In general, to be competitive in this highly selective process, successful candidates for the VSTP are those applicants who have demonstrated a higher academic standing than candidates for the individual degree programs.
*Applicants who apply for the VSTP, but do not receive VSTP interviews, will still be considered along with all candidates by the School of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Committee for admission to the DVM program. Candidates that matriculate into the DVM program, and who do not receive a VSTP offer of admission, can reapply in DVM years 1 and 2.
Learn more about the VSTP Fellowship and Curriculum through the links below.