The Minds Underground™ Veterinary Essay Competition 2026

The Minds Underground™ Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition invites students in Year 12 (though younger applicants are welcome, as well as university re-applicants in Year 13), to explore the fascinating world of animal health, veterinary ethics, and biological science. This annual competition challenges aspiring vets to think critically about real-world issues in veterinary practice, from animal welfare and zoonotic diseases to environmental sustainability and the future of veterinary technology.

Open to UK and international students, the competition is an excellent opportunity for those considering Veterinary Medicine, Biological Sciences, or related degrees to develop research and writing skills valued by top universities.

The 2026 Minds Underground Veterinary Essay Competition questions are now live. Submit by 3 April 2026!

View Competition Guidelines

Submission Form

2026 Veterinary Essay Competition Questions

01.

What’s more similar? A rabbit and a horse, or a rabbit and a cat?

02.

Is human welfare more important than animal welfare?

03.

Can conservation succeed without veterinary science?


Veterinary Science Essay Competition

Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing Veterinary at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?

We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in Veterinary at a leading university:

  • Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts (great for personal statement content)

  • Veterinary Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants

  • Long-term Oxbridge / top UK University Veterinary mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information

  • Interested in a Veterinary Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here

Veterinary Essay Competition FAQs

Why Enter Our Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition?

Our Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your university application by demonstrating your passion for animal care and veterinary science. By entering, you'll develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and essay writing - qualities that admissions tutors in the veterinary field particularly appreciate.

What’s the Prize for Winning the Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition?

The winner will receive a £60 voucher for use with U2 Tuition or Minds Underground, along with a tailored Veterinary Medicine Resource Pack. This includes expert-recommended readings and tips to expand your knowledge of the field and support your future studies.

When Is the Deadline for the Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition?

Entries must be submitted by April 3, 2026.

Who Can Enter the Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition?

The competition is open to all UK and international students! It's particularly well-suited to Year 12 students or gap-year students reapplying to veterinary school, but younger students with a strong interest in Veterinary Medicine are also encouraged to participate.

Can I Get Support for the Veterinary Medicine Essay Competition?

Yes! Our experienced Veterinary Medicine mentors are available to guide you through the essay process, offering help with interpreting questions, conducting research, and crafting compelling arguments. They will also provide detailed feedback on drafts. Many of our mentors have studied Veterinary Medicine at top universities and can offer further advice on application strategies. Sessions start at £75/h + VAT. Enquire here.

Can I Submit More Than One Entry?

You may submit one entry per subject category but are welcome to enter essays in other categories too!

Useful Veterinary Essay Competition Resources

Past Questions

01.

An ex-alcoholic patient [who is a mother of two children], a nine year-old girl, a 75 year old war veteran and a man with terminal cancer need a liver transplant. Who should have it?

02.

Tell us about a key development/invention that you think has been most influential to medicine.

03.

What goes wrong for cancers to develop?