IMU Launches First Transnational Education Programme in Veterinary Medicine with the University of Surrey

The landscape of veterinary education is evolving rapidly, driven by the need to address global challenges in animal health, food security and the human–animal bond. In a bold and forward-looking move, IMU University (IMU) in Malaysia and the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom have joined forces to launch a transnational education (TNE) programme in veterinary medicine. This collaboration is set to redefine opportunities for aspiring veterinarians in Asia and beyond, while strengthening the profession’s diversity and global readiness.

Veterinary medicine today extends far beyond the traditional image of a small-animal clinic. Veterinarians play vital roles in food safety, wildlife conservation, pharmaceutical research and the fight against zoonotic diseases — issues that have never been more relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

The new IMU–Surrey TNE programme is designed to equip future veterinary professionals with the skills, knowledge and clinical exposure needed to meet these global challenges. By blending IMU’s strong foundation in health sciences education with Surrey’s established reputation in veterinary training and research, the collaboration provides students with a comprehensive pathway to a veterinary career.

“This programme gives students the best of both worlds — IMU’s excellence in health sciences and Surrey’s award-winning veterinary training,” said Prof Asma Ismail, Vice-Chancellor of IMU. “Together, we are equipping the next generation of veterinarians to make a global impact.”

At the heart of this partnership is the ability for students to benefit from studying in two countries. Students will begin their veterinary studies in the IMU BioVeterinary Science programme in Malaysia for five semesters, where they will gain a strong academic and pre-clinical foundation. They will then transition into Year 3 at the University of Surrey in the UK, where they will complete advanced clinical training within Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine, a facility that has gained international recognition since its establishment in 2014.

Students will graduate with Surrey’s BVMSci (Hons) degree, which will allow them to register as veterinary surgeons with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK.

This two-and-a-half plus three-year structured pathway ensures that students experience diverse learning environments, from Malaysia’s unique regional animal health challenges to the UK’s veterinary hospitals and clinical networks. Such exposure enriches their education and builds resilience, adaptability and a global perspective — qualities increasingly essential in veterinary careers.

Clinical training lies at the core of veterinary education. The Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine is distinctive for its distributed model of teaching, which places students into a wide network of clinical, research and industry settings. Instead of being confined to a single teaching hospital, students rotate through a variety of real-world practices and laboratories. This provides broad, hands-on experience in areas ranging from companion animal care to livestock medicine, equine health, pathology and emerging infectious diseases.

“Graduates of this pathway will be work-ready from day one,” said Prof Kamalan Jeevaratnam, Head of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine. “Our emphasis on real-world clinical experience ensures students develop the competence and confidence to excel in diverse veterinary careers.”

Through the TNE programme, IMU students will gain direct access to this model, benefiting from mentorship by clinicians, exposure to diverse patient cases and immersion in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. This emphasis on experiential learning ensures graduates are work-ready from day one — equipped with theoretical expertise as well as the confidence and competence to thrive in demanding clinical settings.

The IMU–Surrey collaboration is more than an academic partnership; it represents a strategic investment in talent development for the veterinary profession, regionally and globally.

• Expanding access:

By offering a pathway that begins in Malaysia, the programme lowers barriers for talented students in Southeast Asia who aspire to an international veterinary education but face financial or logistical constraints in undertaking a full degree abroad.

• Nurturing leadership:

Students will benefit from IMU’s tradition of cultivating healthcare leaders, and Surrey’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and research-informed learning.

• Workforce readiness:

Graduates will be trained not only as veterinarians but as professionals prepared to contribute to public health, research, policymaking and global animal welfare initiatives.

“This initiative represents a strategic investment in talent development,” said Prof Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey. “It aligns with national and regional priorities to enhance capacity in critical areas such as food safety and disease control.”

Diversity has become a defining priority in veterinary education and practice. Globally, the profession faces challenges in attracting students from varied cultural, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. By situating part of the veterinary pathway in Malaysia, the IMU–Surrey programme will open doors for a wider pool of students, particularly from Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

A more diverse veterinary workforce benefits not only the profession but society at large. Different perspectives enrich problem-solving, foster innovation and enhance the cultural competence of veterinary services in multicultural communities. This initiative reflects the values of both IMU and Surrey in promoting inclusivity, equity and opportunity across borders.

“This collaboration is about more than education — it is about building a veterinary workforce that is diverse, adaptable and ready to serve society on a global scale,” said Prof Er Hui Meng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at IMU.

Beyond education, this collaboration is set to strengthen research links between Malaysia and the UK in fields of global significance. Surrey is recognised for its research in antimicrobial resistance, food security and the One Health agenda — the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. IMU, meanwhile, has established itself as a regional leader in medical and health sciences education, with growing research expertise in tropical and infectious diseases.

By working together, the two universities will foster joint research projects, staff exchanges and knowledge transfer that will amplify their impact on pressing veterinary and public health challenges. Students enrolled in the programme will have opportunities to participate in this research ecosystem, enhancing their academic and professional development.

 The launch of the IMU–Surrey transnational education programme in veterinary medicine marks a significant milestone in veterinary education.

It is a model of how collaboration across borders can unlock opportunities, enrich learning and prepare a new generation of veterinarians to serve both local communities and global society.

Jazreel Goh, Director of the British Council Malaysia, welcomed the collaboration: “This initiative, stemming from our UK–Malaysia University Consortium (UK-MUC) grant activities, is a strong example of how UK–Malaysia partnerships in higher education can transform opportunities for students while contributing to global challenges. By combining strengths in veterinary science, IMU and the University of Surrey are not only developing future-ready talent but also advancing the values of diversity, innovation and international collaboration that the British Council is proud to support.”

YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, added:

“This partnership reflects Malaysia’s vision to be a regional hub for world-class higher education. By hosting part of this veterinary programme, we are providing opportunities for Malaysian and international students to access a global education closer to home. It also supports our commitment to developing skilled professionals who will contribute to food security, public health and the wider economy.”

By combining IMU’s dedication to nurturing healthcare professionals in Asia with Surrey’s research-driven approach to veterinary education, this partnership will equip graduates to make a lasting impact in clinical practice, research, policy and public health.

In doing so, it supports the development of veterinary talent and strengthens the diversity, adaptability and global connectedness of the profession.