New Veterinary Training Centre in Cambodia Opens Doors to UK Students and Graduates

An exciting opportunity for aspiring vets to develop practical surgical skills, gain international experience and make a meaningful difference to animal welfare.

A new International Training Centre in Cambodia is inviting UK veterinary students and recent graduates to take their clinical skills beyond the classroom and gain valuable hands-on experience in an international setting.

Based on the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) campus in Phnom Penh, the purpose-built facility has been established through a partnership between Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) and RUA. The centre opened to international participants on 23 October and will run two 12-day surgical training courses in June and August 2027, with applications now open.

The initiative marks an important step forward in veterinary education, combining professional development with a commitment to improving animal welfare and supporting local communities.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

For veterinary students and newly qualified vets, building confidence in clinical procedures is an essential part of a successful career.

The programme has been designed to complement university education by providing supervised practical experience in surgery, anaesthesia and modern veterinary care.

Participants will work alongside Cambodian colleagues, gaining exposure to different clinical environments and learning how to deliver effective treatment when resources are limited.

A key focus is spay and neuter surgery, which supports humane and sustainable dog population management while allowing participants to strengthen their surgical skills.

The centre includes dedicated surgical and recovery areas, preparation facilities, kennel blocks, a lecture theatre and community spaces, creating an environment that supports both practical learning and professional collaboration.

Making a Real Difference to Animal Welfare

Although the centre has only just opened its doors to international participants, its impact within Cambodia is already significant.

Through 20 training courses for local students, the facility has helped train 90 Cambodian vets and treated more than 1,000 dogs.

These achievements reflect the wider mission of WVS, which has supported veterinary education and animal welfare around the world since it was founded in 2003.

In 2026 alone, the charity has trained more than 2,000 vets, bringing its total to over 19,000.

By combining education with hands-on animal care, the initiative aims to create lasting benefits for both the vets involved and the communities they serve.

An International Experience That Builds Careers

Beyond technical training, the programme helps participants develop adaptability, cultural awareness, teamwork and clinical decision-making.

Working in unfamiliar settings encourages young vets to approach challenges from fresh perspectives, building their confidence and understanding of veterinary practice around the world.

WVS founder and chief executive Luke Gamble has highlighted the lasting value of supervised international experience, particularly working alongside Cambodian colleagues in resource-limited settings.

WVS Cambodia country director Martina Mayr has also emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and developing practical skills that make a positive difference to animal health and local communities.

Taking the Next Step in Your Veterinary Career

For UK veterinary students and recent graduates looking to broaden their experience, the International Training Centre offers a rare chance to combine professional learning with meaningful animal welfare work.

With courses running in June and August 2027, applicants can explore the programme, check eligibility and find full details on the WVS website.

Find out more and apply: Worldwide Veterinary Service International Surgical Training Courses 2027

Source: Vet Times, reporting on the opening of the WVS International Training Centre in Cambodia, 23 October 2026.