University of Edinburgh internship

University of Edinburgh Small Animal Rotating Internship 2026

Are you a driven veterinary professional looking to accelerate your clinical expertise at a world-class academic institution? The University of Edinburgh is currently seeking five dedicated interns to join their cutting-edge Hospital for Small Animals at the scenic Easter Bush Campus. Step into a dynamic, 12-month rotating program where you will collaborate with specialist mentors, rotate through diverse referral services, and even earn a teaching qualification while delivering top-tier patient care.

Particulars & Details

About the Role & Clinical Environment

Based within the Hospital for Small Animals at the Easter Bush Campus in Midlothian, this prestigious one-year rotating internship offers excellent preparatory experience for clinicians considering further specialist training, or for those wishing to expand their skillset before returning to private clinical practice. The University of Edinburgh provides a highly supportive working environment focused on wellbeing, where interns are deeply integrated into a busy, multidisciplinary hospital setting.

Program Structure and Responsibilities

• Rotate through diverse referral services including: Anaesthesia, Behaviour, Cardiology, Clinical Pathology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency & Critical Care, Exotics, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology (medical and radiotherapy), Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Pathology, and Soft Tissue Surgery.
• Contribute directly to the out-of-hours service, providing crucial support for ICU patients and primary care for general practice and exotics clinic patients.
• Undertake elective rotations to gain further clinical or research experience within the veterinary school, or through external externships.
• Engage in a thriving Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, featuring dedicated weekly seminars, practical sessions, journal clubs, board review sessions, specialty rounds, and book clubs.
• Work closely with a dedicated mentor in your specific area of interest to navigate career progression and pursue a tailored research project over the course of the year.
• Capitalize on the unique opportunity to enrol in the Higher Education Academy to achieve a recognized teaching qualification during the internship.

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

• Professional Registration: Must be an active Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or be fully eligible for registration at the time of appointment.
• Language Proficiency: Must hold an appropriate and recognized English language qualification.
• Experience: Previous experience working in a UK veterinary practice is preferable (though not essential). Completion of the VetGDP is also considered highly preferable.
• Visa & Work Authorization: Must have the ability to work in the UK. This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship under the New Entrant Route. To qualify, applicants must not exceed the total maximum period (4 years) permitted under the New Entrant route by the end of the 12-month contract (this includes any prior time spent in the UK on a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa).
• Core Competencies: Candidates must demonstrate high enthusiasm, a proactive willingness to learn, and the ability to function seamlessly as part of a dedicated team in a high-pressure, busy hospital environment.

How to Apply

1. Ensure you meet the RCVS registration requirements and verify your eligibility for the Skilled Worker Sponsorship (New Entrant Route) if you require a visa.
2. Update your CV and draft a cover letter highlighting your clinical interests, any UK practice experience, and your career aspirations following the internship.
3. Navigate to the official University of Edinburgh jobs portal using the link provided below.
4. Search for Job Reference 14019 to locate the Small Animal Rotating Internship vacancy.
5. Submit your complete application online before the strict deadline of 23:59 on 20th April 2026.

Important Links

• Apply Online: Click Here to Submit Application
• Learn About the Hospital: Discover the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

FAQs

• How many intern positions are available? There are five (5) full-time internship posts available for the 2026 intake.
• Will the University sponsor my visa? Yes, this role is eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship under the New Entrant Route, provided you meet the specific UK Immigration criteria and do not exceed the 4-year maximum time limit on related visas.
• Do I need to have completed VetGDP? While completion of the VetGDP and prior UK veterinary practice experience are highly preferable, they are not strictly essential to apply.
• Can I choose a specialty focus? Yes, you will be paired with a mentor in your specialty of interest, and you will have the opportunity to take elective rotations in that field.

Disclaimer: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes only. We at 99jobs.org are not the organizing or recruiting institution. We do not accept or process applications and cannot influence selection decisions. Applicants must apply directly through the official organization website. Please verify all details from the official source before applying.