Fachschaft Veterinärmedizin
Universität Bern

IVSA Bern 

IVSA stands for International Veterinary Students Association.

It exists to benefit the animals and people of the world by harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education and knowledge.

We are

26 students form 1st to 4rd year who form the executive committee. In fact, every student is automatically part of the IVSA.

New members are always welcome!

Committee of 2025/2026: Lisa, Vera, Melanie, Noémie, Aaliyah, Livia, Natalie, Capucine, Cora, Zoé, Marie, Nina, Sophia, Hannah, Camille, Marlise, Malanga, Seraina, Nadine 

Not pictured: Amaya, Braida, Clara, Elena, Ella, Maëlle, Sina


The specific aims are

  • To raise the overall standard of veterinary education, particularly in disadvantaged countries
  • To actively support measures to improve the standard of animal welfare worldwide
  • To provide opportunities for veterinary students to undertake education in important areas outside the traditional veterinary training (e.g. in management, animal welfare, environmental issues and technical language training)
  • To increase the awareness of the functions and philosophy of the IVSA
  • To represent the international interest of veterinary students


IVSA meets these goals by

  • Organizing student exchange programs
  • Holding international congresses and symposia
  • Producing various publications
  • Supporting veterinary education, especially in disadvantaged countries
  • Working with professional veterinary health care organizations
  • Representing the international professional interests of veterinary students


What does this mean FOR YOU?

Through IVSA you can join to single and group exchanges. Besides IVSA organizes every year Workshops, Congresses and Symposia for which you can apply as well. The Fachschaft Vetmed Bern is a part of IVSA so the Membership for you is free.
What we are looking for:
  • IVSA Bern is looking for members that participate actively and - if wanted - take over an official position - don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds!
  • What you need to do depends on your position - the treasurer manages our finances, the EO organizes group exchange for foreign students or communicates with other EOs in order to place students from Bern abroad, and so on.
What do you get from it?
  • No money - as an active IVSA member, you are not paid, but it is totally worth it
  • Opportunities to travel around the world meeting other vet students from almost every country and, through this, establish a network of international contacts
  • Opportunities to go abroad for internships or be part / organise a group exchange, something you will remember for a long time
  • Insight in many different methods of teaching and practising veterinary medicine
  • Something to write on your CV - many fully-grown veterinarians do remember the
    IVSA. Who knows, it might me the little extra that makes you getting a job?

What do you need?

  • Good English skills - it is the communication language of IVSA
  • Motivation to invest time - yes, in order to keep it running, you will have to invest some time in answering mails, reading the monthly bulletins and maybe also some weeks of your holiday joining a congress or symposium - but it will be worth it, we promise!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us via ivsaswitzerland.bern@ivsamo.org!
You can also find us on