Dog treated at WVS Cambodia
UK Vet Students Invited To Train In Cambodia As New International Training Centre Opens
4 days ago 
140 views
Veterinary students and newly qualified vets can now book supervised, hands-on surgical training in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at a new International Training Centre established by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) and the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA).
The centre has already delivered 20 training courses, trained more than 90 Cambodian students and treated over 1,000 dogs. It will be officially opened to international students on 23 October 2026 and WVS are now inviting UK students to book courses in 2027 through their website.
Courses complement university study with supervised experience in surgery, anaesthesia and modern veterinary practice, including spay and neuter surgery that supports humane, sustainable dog population management. Participants build confidence, technical skill and clinical decision-making while working alongside Cambodian and international colleagues, and see first-hand what it takes to deliver veterinary care in a country where veterinary access is limited.
Alongside the course, participants will have the opportunity to explore Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, discovering its rich history and culture.
Based on the RUA campus, the purpose-built facility includes an intake area, preparation room, surgery and recovery areas, several kennel blocks, a lecture theatre, a function room and a community area.
The centre forms part of a much bigger effort to build veterinary capacity in Cambodia and around the world. The charity has trained more than 19,000 vets worldwide since it was established in 2003. Working with the Cambodian government and RUA, WVS will use the new centre to train every veterinary student in Cambodia.
Luke Gamble, Founder and CEO of WVS, said:
'Every project we run depends on vet professionals. So far this year WVS has trained 2,011 vets. Thanks to our work with the Cambodian government and the Royal University of Agriculture, every vet student in Cambodia will now come through our training programme. That's the next generation of Cambodian vets upskilled, and this centre gives us a permanent home to keep building on sustainable projects in the country and entire region.
It's also a fantastic opportunity for UK students and young vets. You'll be operating under supervision alongside Cambodian colleagues, seeing what veterinary care really involves when resources are tight. It's the kind of experience that stays with you for your whole career. We have huge support from the veterinary profession and we couldn't do this work without it. The 2027 dates are live, and we'd love to see you in Phnom Penh.'
Martina Mayr, Country Director at WVS Cambodia, said:
‘The official opening of the International Training Centre is an important milestone and a reflection of a shared commitment to animal health and stronger communities. At its heart, the Centre is about people - creating opportunities for veterinary professionals, students and international participants to learn, share experiences and develop the practical veterinary skills they need to make a positive impact on local communities and the animals under their care.
WVS Cambodia is honoured to be collaborating with the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA). We are grateful to RUA for welcoming us onto its campus and for allowing us to be part of the journey towards veterinary advancements in Cambodia.’
The centre welcomes applications from international participants, including UK veterinary students and newly graduated vets. Readers can view 2027 course dates and find out more here.
WVS’s work in Cambodia is not limited to veterinary education. The centre will open in the middle of WVS's fourth mass dog vaccination campaign in Cambodia, which aims to vaccinate 200,000 dogs against rabies in two weeks. Readers can find out more and support the initiative via The Big Shot website. Mission Rabies has vaccinated more than 1.5 million dogs worldwide so far this year, and each £3 donation could vaccinate one more.
More from Worldwide Veterinary Service
3 days ago