Australian Veterinary Schools in Australia

University of Sydney Veterinary School in Australia

Program Overview - Bachelor of Veterinary Science


University and Faculty:	The University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science
Program:	Bachelor of Veterinary Science
University Location:	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
City Population:	4.5 million
Student Population:	47,200
International Student Population:	11,000
Campus Location:	Camden campus (65 km south-west of Sydney) and Camperdown/Darlington campus (main campus)
Program Duration:	Five years (240 credit points)
Semester Intake:	late February/early March each year
Next Intake:	February 2013
Est. Annual Tuition:	$48,240 AUD (2012)
Est. Total Tuition:	$241,200 AUD (based on 2012 fees)

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney is an exciting and innovative course, which produces graduates who have the knowledge and practical skills to pursue many career options as veterinary scientists, participating in the care and welfare of animals.

The University's Faculty of Veterinary Science maintains teaching hospitals at Sydney and Camden, where students and veterinarians work together in a clinical teaching and learning environment. Referral and primary accession cases are seen at both sites, and the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Camden also provides veterinary services to farms in the region. A wide range of companion animals, farm animals, racing animals, exotic and native species are seen.

Visiting specialists complement faculty specialists in most disciplines in providing an excellent learning environment for veterinary students. Knowledge of medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, radiology, clinical pathology and production animal issues are developed with small group teaching.

In the first half of the program, basic biomedical sciences relevant to veterinary science are the main focus of teaching. Many areas are explored using examples of clinical cases and actual problems in veterinary science to promote integrated learning. The clinical sciences are emphasized in third, fourth and fifth years, when knowledge gained in earlier years is applied within a clinical environment. Personal and professional development is addressed throughout the course. Fourth-year studies are conducted on the Camden Campus, while fifth year involves students working as interns in small groups in various veterinary employment settings at university and commercial partner practices.

During university vacation periods, Sydney's vet science students are required to gain additional experience with animal industries through extramural programs. These programs are designed to meet accreditation requirements, and work experience is arranged by the student and some by the Faculty. Successful completion of the bachelor of veterinary medicine degree ensures that graduates will be well prepared to treat and/or research health and disease in animals.

Unique Features of the Program

The Faculty of Veterinary Science at University of Sydney has introduced a completely revised and revitalized curriculum for its Bachelor of Veterinary Science program. This exciting, innovative course produces graduates with the knowledge as well as the practical, personal, professional and generic skills to enable them to pursue many career options as veterinary scientists.

The final year program for Sydney Vet School consists of 10, one-month rotations through a variety of career option placements. As a student intern, students complete rotations at the University Veterinary Centres and with Sydney's Partners in Veterinary Education. Core placements are within the areas of small animal practice, rural mixed practice and government agencies. Elective rotations may be in a wide variety of areas and enable students to focus on particular career interests, such as government, industry, research, specialist practice, equine and wildlife. There are no lectures in final year. Through its veterinary centres and industry partnerships, the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Sydney is able to ensure that students gain the attributes essential for success as a veterinarian.

Why international students like to study at the university and this specific program:

Sydney's Veterinary Science program is recognized internationally by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK) and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Students like to study in the BVSc at the University of Sydney for a number of reasons. The main reasons include the location of the university, the clinical experience requirements and hands-on training, and the final lecture-free year that allows students to act as veterinary interns.

Professional certification/accreditation:

The course is recognized by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (through the Veterinary schools Accreditation Advisory Committee), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Effective October 25, 2005, the AVMA Council on Education (COE) granted full accreditation status to the University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science for a period of seven years. Accreditation status may be conferred to a foreign veterinary college considered to meet or exceed the same standards for accreditation applicable to the United States and Canadian colleges and schools of veterinary medicine. The AVMA recommends that the University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science graduates who receive their degrees after April 13, 2005, be afforded the same propriety as that applied to graduates of accredited Unites States or Canadian veterinary medical schools and colleges. AN ECFVG certificate would not be necessary to sit for the state boards.

Scholarships

Every student who applies (and accepts) via OzTREKK and commences his/her studies at an OzTREKK Australian university will receive a $500 scholarship from OzTREKK. Click here for more information about the OzTREKK Scholarship!

Admissions Criteria/Entry Requirements for Canadians

International applicants will be assessed on the basis of academic performance, results in a standardized examination (STAT, ISAT or GRE®) and their demonstration of a commitment to the health and welfare of animals.

Academic Performance: International students must have achieved a similar standard to that expected of an Australian student seeking entry. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their academic achievement in their final year of secondary education (Year 12 or equivalent) or their tertiary studies as appropriate, from a recognized university. Minimum GPA required is 2.80 on a 4.00 scale; however, applicants must demonstrate an aptitude for science-based study.
Standardized examinations: All off-shore international applicants are required to take the International Student Admission Test (ISAT) (Applicants may submit GRE® scores in lieu of ISAT scores.)
Additional requirements and considerations: Applicants are also expected to have gained relevant work experience and animal handling. The Faculty requires all applicants to complete a "Commitment to Veterinary Science" form to provide evidence of experience.
Applicants submit to OzTREKK their applications, along with their undergraduate transcripts and high school transcripts, ISAT/GRE results, and the Commitment to Veterinary Science form for assessment.

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Total Number of Spaces: 140

Application Deadline: October 31, 2012 for the February 2013 intake (tbc)

OzTREKK Admissions Officer: Nicole Buchanan
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