University of Niagara Falls Canada Partnership Agreement
New partnership with UNF gives eligible BioVeterinary Science graduates direct entry into Semester 3 of the DVM program at SMUSVM.
St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) and University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) have announced a new academic partnership that will provide aspiring veterinarians with an accelerated pathway into veterinary medicine.
Through the new Pre-Vet Pathway, eligible graduates of UNF’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Bioveterinary Science (HBSc Biovet) program will receive direct entry into Semester 3 of SMUSVM’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, allowing them to complete their veterinary education one year sooner than through the traditional route.
UNF is committed to providing innovative, student-centred education that connects academic learning with real-world opportunities. Through industry partnerships, experiential learning, and future-focused programs, UNF prepares graduates to excel in high-demand fields while creating pathways to advanced professional education and rewarding careers.
In addition to reducing the time required to earn a veterinary degree, eligible pathway participants will receive a $1,250 USD per semester scholarship for over 8 semesters, helping make veterinary education more accessible while supporting students pursuing careers in animal health and veterinary medicine.
UNF’s HBSc Bioveterinary Science program equips students with a strong foundation in biological sciences through hands-on laboratory experience, research opportunities, and coursework designed to prepare graduates for veterinary school as well as careers in animal health, research, conservation and related fields. To participate in the pathway, graduates must submit a formal application to SMUSVM and meet all admission requirements for the DVM program.
By combining UNF’s undergraduate education with advanced standing at SMUSVM, students can earn both their Honours Bachelor of Science in Bioveterinary Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees in an accelerated timeframe.
“This Pre-Vet Pathway removes one of the biggest barriers our students face on the road to becoming a veterinarian: time. By allowing HBSc Biovet graduates direct entry into Semester 3 of St. Matthew’s University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, we’re giving them a faster, more direct route into the profession without compromising the depth of preparation they receive here,” said Janine Gray, Associate Dean of Biosciences at UNF. “This partnership reflects our commitment to building meaningful pathways between education and career for our students.”
“This partnership creates a clear and supportive pathway for University of Niagara Falls Canada graduates to pursue their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Brendan Lee, DVM, MSc, MPH, PhD, DACVPM, Executive Dean and Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at SMUSVM. “By recognizing their prior academic preparation and providing advanced standing and scholarship support, we are helping talented students progress more efficiently toward careers in veterinary medicine and global animal health.”
The new Pre-Vet Pathway expands the growing portfolio of academic pathway opportunities available through UNF, complementing initiatives such as the Pre-Med Pathway for students enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program. Together, these partnerships provide students with accelerated routes into professional healthcare education while supporting their long-term career aspirations.
Founded in 2005, SMUSVM has educated more than 450 DVM graduates who now practice in the United States, Canada and internationally. The DVM program combines foundational scientific education with early hands-on veterinary training, allowing students to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for their future careers.
SMUSVM recognizes the growing need for veterinarians and is committed to making veterinary education more accessible for students passionate about animal health.