The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) is an independent university. It is the only independent veterinary training establishment in Germany. TiHo has six clinics, 17 institutes and two special units spread over two sites in Hannover, both of which have their own special charm. The university also has branches in Ruthe near Sarstedt, in Bakum near Vechta and in Büsum at the North Sea coast.
Places at TiHo are highly coveted. Each year the university receives many more applications than the 250 or so places available for first-year students in the subject of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to veterinary medicine, TiHo also offers a master's programme in animal biology and biomedical sciences. TiHo has a student population of around 2,400, including master's students, doctoral candidates and PhD students.
TiHo was founded in 1778 at the request of George III, King of Great Britain and Elector of Hannover. Originally called the "Roß-Arzney-Schule" (Horse Medicine School), the establishment initially focused on equestrian studies, but soon developed to include the treatment of other animals. The first intake comprised 26 students, who took a one-year course in which mainly practical skills were taught. However, most students stayed on for two years – even then, training was much shorter than it is today! It takes eleven semesters to study veterinary medicine.
For many years, the Clinical Skills Lab teaches students to master their veterinary skills before applying them to animals. Using models and simulators, they practise taking blood, administering infusions and performing rectal examinations, for example. The Clinical Skills Lab at the TiHo is the largest veterinary training centre in Germany.
© University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover/Theresa Ullrich
© University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover/Christian Wyrwa
© University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover/Theresa Ullrich
© University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover/Theresa Ullrich
© University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover/Sonja von Brethors
© University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover/Theresa Ullrich
Degree programmes of all universities in Lower Saxony can be found in our study programme search. Click here for all study programmes offered by University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation:
