Financing your veterinary medicine degree
Looking to study veterinary medicine internationally? Trying to understand how you’re going to finance it all? We have the answers!
Let’s jump in.
Is it worth it?
That’s a very personal question, and one only you can answer. In this video, University of Melbourne student Hannah talks about the financial side of studying veterinary medicine at an Australian university and investing in your passion.
Can I work while studying veterinary medicine?
We’re going to go “mom” on you for a moment and caution that your studies should come first and that you should not rely on a part-time job to pay for tuition or living expenses.
With that said, short answer, yes. While on your Australian student visa, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight (every 2 weeks, starting on a Monday) when your program is in session. You may also work unrestricted hours during your study breaks.
In this video, OzTREKK students highlight the job opportunities out there, many of which can offer relevant experience.
Are there any scholarships?
A few. Here are the ones we know about:
University of Queensland
- Destination Australia Scholarship (International) – Waiting to confirm availability for 2023 intake.
University of Melbourne
- There are no applicable scholarships for incoming international veterinary medicine students.
University of Sydney
- Professor Marsh Edwards AO Scholarship AUD $6750 per annum for up to four years
- Dr John Holt Scholarship for Animal Welfare AUD $6000 per year for four years
- Francis Henry Loxton Equity Scholarship AUD $10,000 per year for one year only
- Tomoko Maruno Equity Scholarship AUD $10,000 per year for one year only
- The Veterinary Society Scholarship AUD $2500 for one year
Some residential colleges offer room and board scholarships. Keep this in mind if you plan to apply for on-campus accommodation.
Realistically, what kind of debt should I expect?
As a general guideline, our vet med students are looking at loans totaling approximately $250,000, give or take. Previous students estimate it will take between 5–15 years to pay off their loans, obviously dependent upon lifestyle choices after graduation.
One of our alumni advised they were down $80,000 after 2 years (with aggressive payments but high interest rate).
“I would imagine I have a few years to go. And that’s with no other obligations (mortgage, etc.). I’m currently working in the States which is quite helpful with the currency exchange. I’ve recently started full-time emergency work which is a much higher salary as well.”
Veterinary Programs in Australia
The veterinary programs featured here hold full American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accreditation This means that graduates are considered in the same category as graduates from North American veterinary schools when undertaking licensing examinations in North America. Graduates of these programs are eligible to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) along with graduates from AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges in the United States and Canada.
OzTREKK represents three Australian universities with professional veterinary degrees. Please note the earlier you apply the better!
University of Queensland Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Semester intake: February
Duration: 5 years
University of Melbourne Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Semester intake: March
Duration: 4 years
University of Sydney Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Semester intake: February
Duration: 4 years
University of Sydney Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (BVB/DVM)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Semester intake: February
Duration: 6 years
Start your application to Australian veterinary schools!
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