Committee examines new selection procedure bachelor of veterinary medicine

The Board of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has appointed a committee to advise on the design of a new selection procedure for admission to the Bachelor program of Veterinary Medicine. Decisions will follow in 2024 so that the new procedure can be deployed in 2025. Until then, the current selection procedure will remain in effect.

In August 2023, the legislation surrounding the selection procedure for studies with a numerus fixus was changed. The change in the law offers the possibility of adding a drawing to the selection procedure. The faculty has established a committee to advise on the desirable selection procedure. The committee is chaired by education director bachelor of veterinary medicine Jooske IJzer, and includes both student and staff members. Sebastiaan Steenman, who has done extensive research on selection in higher education, has joined the committee as an external expert. 

Vice Dean of Education Harold Bok: "The current selection procedure for the Bachelor program of Veterinary Medicine is labor-intensive, burdensome for candidates and has limited effect in terms of diversity. For example, we would like more students with a passion for farm animals. Therefore, we have asked the committee to evaluate the current system and advise on the future, including an exploration of the pros and cons of adding a drawing to the selection toolbox."

According to Harold, 2025 is a realistic time to start working with a new system. "We really want to explore this carefully. Moreover, time is needed to involve the participation body, adjust regulations and get the information to prospective students on time and in order."

The committee expects to issue its recommendation in spring 2024.