20 January 2023 • News

OzTREKK Funny Friday

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27 July 2022 • News

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…

Step 1

Send Official Transcripts

❑  OzTREKK requires one copy of your official transcript from each institution at which you’ve studied.

Important: Transcripts must be up to date and in English.

Email: Please have your school/admissions office email us directly or through an official transcript service (e.g., Parchment or MyCreds) to transcripts@oztrekk.com. If you require a password on the digital transcript, please use the following:

  • Question: The educational agent that I am working with
  • Password: OZTREKK1 (no spaces, all capitals) or if there’s a character limit or an access code requirement, use 1234

Mail: If they cannot be emailed, transcripts in their original, sealed envelopes can be mailed to the OzTREKK Office.

Questions About Transcripts?
If your documents are not English or if you’re sending a high school transcript from BC, Alberta, or Saskatchewan, please read How do I send my transcripts?

Step 2

Send Passport Photo Page & Complete SSVF

❑  Scan of your passport photo page (PDF) – Please upload to the myOzTREKK portal.
❑  Fill out the online OzTREKK SSVF Form – We collect this information to meet compliance requirements. If we require further information, we may contact you.

Step 3

Send University-specific Documents

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal. We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple programs.

Please note reference letters must be emailed to OzTREKK directly from the referee or they cannot be accepted. Please instruct referees to email reference letters to study@oztrekk.com.

 

University of Queensland – Bachelor of Veterinary Science

❑   UQ Authority Form (PDF) – Must be hand-signed
❑   Résumé / CV
❑   Review UQ’s Transfer Policy and Procedures – As part of our agreement with UQ, we must be able to confirm that all applicants have been provided with UQ’s Transfer Policy and Procedures and that all applicants understand that a release to another Australian provider is only granted under exceptional circumstances. Please review this policy before the submission of your application.
❑   Application for Credit (optional; for those with previous university studies)

Important to remember
As this program typically fills before the deadline, you’re strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

 

University of Sydney – Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

❑   University of Sydney Veterinary Commitment Statement (PDF)

Sydney is specific about what to include in the Reflective Statement section:

  • Ensure you choose a procedure from the Animal Handling Experience Checklist that you have performed.
  • Explain the procedure and reflect on the animal’s discomfort during the procedure and the benefits to the health and welfare of that animal.
  • Reflection must be based on what you witnessed during the procedure rather than the general discomfort/benefits of that procedure in theory.
  • Ensure you are reflecting only on the procedure you have selected from the checklist specifically rather than a subsequent procedure that may have also been performed at the time.

❑    Reference letters (optional) – Sent to OzTREKK directly from the referee.
❑    A Casper date is required to submit your Sydney application. Please let us know when you plan to write the Casper.
❑    AUD$150 Sydney application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you do not wish to pay this fee and we’ll cancel your application.

Important to remember
As this program typically fills before the deadline, you’re strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Step 1

Send Official Transcripts

❑ OzTREKK requires one copy of your official transcript from each institution at which you’ve studied.

Important: Transcripts must be up to date and in English.

Email: Please have your school/admissions office email us directly or through an official transcript service (e.g., Parchment or MyCreds) to transcripts@oztrekk.com. If you require a password on the digital transcript, please use the following:

  • Question: The educational agent that I am working with
  • Password: OZTREKK1 (no spaces, all capitals) or if there’s a character limit or an access code requirement, use 1234

Mail: If they cannot be emailed, transcripts in their original, sealed envelopes can be mailed to the OzTREKK Office.

Questions About Transcripts?
If your documents are not English or if you’re sending a high school transcript from BC, Alberta, or Saskatchewan, please read How do I send my transcripts?

Step 2

Send Passport Photo Page & Complete SSVF

❑  Scan of your passport photo page (PDF) – Please upload to the myOzTREKK portal.
❑  Fill out the online OzTREKK SSVF Form – We collect this information to meet compliance requirements. If we require further information, we may contact you.

Step 3

Send University-specific Documents

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal. We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple programs.

Reference letters must be emailed to OzTREKK directly from the referee or they cannot be accepted. Please instruct referees to email reference letters to study@oztrekk.com.

 

University of Melbourne – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

❑   Melbourne DVM Program Requirements Agreement (PDF)
❑   Download and fill out the University of Melbourne Agent Nomination Form (PDF) – Typed signatures are not accepted. Must include a handwritten or digital signature.
❑   Personal Statement (PDF)

  • Max 500 words; must fit on a single page with a min 10-point font.
  • The statement will be read as a standalone document; refrain from referring to a CV or other parts of your application.

❑   Referees’ Contact Details (PDF)

  • Provide full contact details for a min of 2 (max of 3) referees who can attest to the accuracy of your personal statement, your interest and commitment to the veterinary profession, and your aptitude for study of veterinary science. Must include referee name, title, work address, email address, telephone number, and statement of your relationship.
  • Referees may include veterinarians, farmers, employers, or supervisors and must be aware that you have applied to the DVM course.

❑   Detailed Course Outlines (must contain lecture schedules) for the following program prerequisites:

  • Cell biology or general biology
  • Biochemistry

Important to remember
As Melbourne assesses in rounds, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Should you receive an offer, you will be required to write the Casper before you can accept.

 

University of Sydney – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

❑   University of Sydney DVM Admissions Statement (PDF)

  • Part A – Your personal details.
  • Part B – Detailed information about prerequisite areas.
  • Part C – Experience and Employment Info and short essay responses. Sydney requires a minimum 28 days of hands-on animal experience within the last 3 years. (See p. 4 of Sydney’s Admission Guide for Applicants regarding what type of experience counts toward this requirement.*) Also note that for the personal statement on p. 10 the 3,000 characters includes spacing.

❑   Detailed  Course Outlines – In addition to Part B – Prerequisites on the Supplementary Form, applicants are required to submit their detailed course syllabus from their undergraduate studies, which correspond to the prerequisite areas:

  • Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

❑   *Relevant Experience Supporting Documents – In addition to Part C – Experience and Employment, you must attach supporting documents as evidence for each experience listed (reference letter, certificate, statement from employer, etc.)
❑    Résumé / CV outlining all relevant experience
❑    AUD$150 Sydney application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you do not wish to pay this fee and we’ll cancel your application.

Important to remember
This program is very competitive as applications are pooled and ranked after the deadline.

Overview

We know there’s a lot of information on this page, but don’t worry—OzTREKK will be right there with you.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

If you have questions or concerns at any stage in the process, we are just a call or an email away!

1. Eligibility

Determining Your Eligibility

Eligibility for undergraduate- and graduate-entry veterinary medicine programs is based on your GPA, prerequisite subjects, experience, and a situational judgement test (varies by program).

To Determine Your Eligibility

Minimum vs Competitive Requirements

Minimum and competitive requirements can vary significantly. Minimum requirements are defined by each university and are the lowest scores (GPA) required to be eligible to apply to a program. Competitive requirements are the minimum scores that receive an offer.

It’s our goal to be honest and transparent about your chances of receiving an offer, because meeting the minimum requirements does not mean you’ll be a competitive applicant. Sometimes applicants decide to apply to a different program—and we can help with that, too!

Check out our helpful FAQs for more insight on eligibility!

2. Understanding Financing

Financing Your Studies

It’s no secret that studying internationally is expensive, that’s why it’s important to determine if you are financially equipped to study veterinary medicine in Australia.

The major source of funding for a Canadian studying veterinary medicine in Australia would be through a professional line of credit with a major Canadian bank, roughly $80,000 to $200,000. Veterinary medicine programs in Australia can cost upward of $290,000, plus approximately AUD$25,000 to AUD$35,000 a year in living costs.

Although funding is available for veterinary medicine students, the amount offered from major lenders is often not enough to cover all costs. Additional funding is often required (e.g., personal finances).

With this in mind, we ask that you consider financing early in this process and plan ahead. Check out our Financing page to learn more. Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to chat about finances.

 

 

3. Apply Online

Start Your Application

Fill out the OzTREKK application.

Don’t worry! This application only comes to us. Think of it as your starting point: It’s nothing more than you telling us which programs you’re interested in so we can ensure you don’t miss a deadline.

What to expect on the application
The basics! Your full name, address, program of interest, etc., plus your education history—so have start and graduation dates handy. If you can’t remember your exact start or grad date, estimate.

Once you’ve pressed “Submit,” we’ll contact you to outline your next steps and will list which documents you’ll need to send to our office. Again, we aim to make sure you never miss a deadline!

If you’d like to make changes to your application or to your program selection, don’t stress. We can adjust anything as we go!

4. Submit Documents

Send Your Documents to OzTREKK

You’ve pressed “Submit” on your OzTREKK application and you’re ready for the next step: sending in your documents!

No guessing required. Your dedicated admissions team will send you a handy checklist outlining all the required documentation for each university.

Where do I send my documents?
All application documents, aside from your official transcripts*, should be emailed to OzTREKK as PDFs: vet@oztrekk.com

*Transcripts in their original, sealed envelopes must be mailed to the OzTREKK office or emailed directly from your school to our office: transcripts@oztrekk.com

How do I know OzTREKK received my documents?
As soon as we receive your transcripts (whether by email or by post), and the other required documents, we will let you know—every time. Just keep an eye on your inbox!

When do I send my documents?
The earlier the better! We’ll need all documents sent to us before the application deadlines; the earlier we have them, the more guidance we can provide. You can also send them along gradually, as you get them. We’ll take care of keeping you organized.

Typical Application Deadlines

  • University of Melbourne – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Assessed in rounds between mid-May and December
  • University of Sydney – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Mid-September
  • University of Queensland – Bachelor of Veterinary Science: Late November
  • University of Sydney – Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Mid-November

Fast Facts

  • Even if you apply to multiple universities, you only need to send one copy of your documents.
  • All our university partners accept OzTREKK-certified transcripts. Once they have our stamp of approval (yes, a literal stamp), they’re good to go!
  • Most universities waive their application fees for OzTREKK students.
  • You will be kept up to date with your application status: outstanding documents, which applications have been submitted, upcoming deadlines, etc.

5. OzTREKK Submits Application

OzTREKK Submits Your Complete Application(s)

​Once all your documents are in, OzTREKK will submit your application to the university! We’ll send you a confirmation email and provide an outcome date estimate.

Now what?
This is the waiting period. It can be stressful, but now that your application is under assessment, we will share everything you need to know in this “layover” phase! This will include

  • resources for confident decision-making if you receive an offer (or multiple offers!);
  • financing information (including contacts); and
  • community connections (OzTREKK events and more!).

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Best Fit

Finding Your Best Fit

Play around with our compare programs feature to determine which program might be the best fit for you.

Remember, we’re here for you throughout the entire process, so always feel free to ask us questions. You deserve the right to feel comfortable and confident with your decision, and we’ll do whatever we can to support you.

Happy applying!

FAQs

Have a look through our veterinary medicine FAQs. You’ll find info about prerequisites, program titles, practicing in Canada, and more. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re here to help!

Can my partner or family come to Australia with me if I get an offer? 

Many Canadians wish to fulfill their career goals after getting married, having kids, or both! We’ve had plenty of students who have taken their partner and/or children with them.

If you want to take your partner or family with you, you’ll need to add them as a secondary applicant or dependents to your student visa application. Even if you don’t plan on taking them with you, we suggest you add them to your application anyway because it can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to add them afterwards. You’ll then need to provide additional documentation to support your claims of a relationship or your children’s dependency status.

In addition to looking after the visa, you’ll also need to ensure they’re included on your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you have appropriate accommodation, and if you’re bringing children, you’ll need to enroll them in school.

Visit our Health Insurance page for more information.

When should I apply?

We recommend you begin your OzTREKK application about a year before your program would start. Most programs in Australia start between January and March, so that means you would start your OzTREKK application between January and March the year prior.

Here’s how the typical “cycle” works if your program starts January – March:

March – May: You gather all required documents like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement, and send them to our office. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly what we need!

June – August: Interviews (if your program requires one)

September – December: Offer time! If you get an offer, we’ll walk you through the acceptance (or decline) process and give you all the help you need to get ready to go.

January – March: Time to head Down Under!

Can I apply if I’m only 17?

Yes, but you’ll require parental or guardian consent (signature). OzTREKK will provide the necessary documentation for this signature.

If you won’t be 18 when your program starts, you’ll be required to show that you’ll be living with an approved guardian until you turn 18. If you don’t have an approved guardian in Australia, you may need a family member to apply for a guardian visa to accompany you. This guardian visa should be obtained as part of the student visa application

 

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities.

Applying to an  Australian or New Zealand university starts by filling out our OzTREKK application: You’ll tell us a bit about yourself, like your name, address, date of birth, education history, and what schools you want to apply to!

When you click “Submit,” the application with all your information only comes to us, so there’s no need to worry about making a mistake at this stage. We then create a file for you (based on your name, not a number!) and email you a list of documents required to complete your application—things like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement—but it depends on the program, as some programs require more paperwork than others.

If you get an offer, we’ll help you with that part, too! Whether you want to accept or decline, we’ll help you figure out your next steps. If you accept your offer, we’ll even help you get ready to go. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat. That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.

Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.

Do you have course outlines on file? 

Before sending us outlines, check to see if we’ve already got them. We can save you a lot of time and ensure we’re submitting good outlines on your behalf. Outlines must be within 2 years of the time you took the course (as listed on your transcript).

I received a low mark on my prerequisite course. Will this impact my application? 

To meet the prerequisite subjects, you need to have been granted the credit (passed); the grade isn’t considered in the prerequisite assessment.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.

Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!

You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.

In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.

What is a “school leaver”?

“School leaver” is a term used by Australians (and those in the UK) that refers to someone who has graduated high school.

Australia offers professional undergraduate programs—like medicine or veterinary science—that may require an applicant to apply straight from high school without having any post-secondary education. In their admissions requirements, you may see “open to school leavers only,” so anyone who has post-secondary studies (completed or not), aren’t eligible to apply.

If you’re not sure if you qualify for a program, reach out! Contact us at info@oztrekk.com.

What are official transcripts, and how do I send them?

For a transcript to be considered “official,” it must be sent directly from your high school, college, and/or university (either via snail mail or by email). It can even come from you—as long as it arrives in the original, sealed envelope.

To assess your application, universities must see your official transcripts certified by OzTREKK—a requirement of Australian and New Zealand universities and a part of our agreement with them.

By email (preferred method): Your high school, college and/or university can email them to transcripts@oztrekk.com or they can use an official transcript service, like Parchment or MyCreds. When submitting a request for a digital transcript and a password is required, please use OZTREKK1 (all capitals, no spaces). If you have a character limit or need to set an access pin, please use 1234.

By mail (only if unable to send via email): Please order your transcripts to be sent directly to our office from all institutions where you have studied since high school, including any college studies, exchanges, transfer credits, and/or advanced placement (or IB) studies. Please note, some programs also require high school transcripts; if this is the case, your student advisor will let you know.

Send your documents via FedEx or Purolator, especially when you need your documents to arrive at our office ASAP. If you use Canada Post’s courier Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature, as this can add delays.

OzTREKK
301–1 Sherbrooke Street East
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 Canada

As soon as your transcript arrives, we’ll let you know!

What are the average marks for entry into a vet program?

Most undergrad-entry eligible candidates have a high school diploma with an overall average of approximately 85% – 88%. If applying with some university studies to The University of Queensland, an average of 75% or above is required. For graduate-entry DVM programs, a 77%+ is generally eligible for The University of Melbourne, and a 90%+ for The University of Sydney.

Keep in mind entry is competitive and meeting minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee entry.

When are the application deadlines?

Variable; however, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the deadline. Most OzTREKK students begin their applications in January / February for the following February / March start date.

What if my degree is more than 10 years old?

For competitive programs, many universities will only accept applications from students who have studied within the last 10 years. Universities want to make sure the knowledge that students have is still relevant and that students are prepared to take on additional studies. If you’ve studied more than 10 years ago, consider the following options:

1. Complete another degree
If you haven’t completed a degree within the last 10 years and your program of choice requires it, you’ll need to complete another degree. For some universities, this may mean you can complete a master’s (or bachelor’s) degree in Canada and then apply again.

University of Sydney DVM – You must be able to provide evidence that you’ve passed the prerequisite subjects with at least credit average by showing the official transcript with final mark. There is some flexibility for applicants who have stayed in scientific academia.

University of Melbourne DVM – If you graduated more than 10 years ago, you’ll be required to demonstrate your capacity for continued study. Typically, this would mean demonstrating that your knowledge of the prerequisite subjects is still current by having achieved a mark of at least 70% in each of those subjects within the last three years.

University of Queensland BVSc – Qualifications completed more than 10 years ago may be considered as basis for admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs; however, credit will not be granted for studies completed more than 10 years ago.

2. Complete additional studies and re-apply

University of Sydney DVM

Must complete another degree – Where there are more than one completed degrees, the best GPA will be used. GPA is calculated over the entire duration of the degree and all years of study are weighted equally. Results from completed honours and postgraduate coursework degrees are included in the GPA calculation. Incomplete degree results will not be included. The discipline of the degree is not considered during the ranking process.

University of Melbourne DVM

Complete additional upper-level science courses – The University of Melbourne will consider upper-year science subjects (300- and 400-level courses), rather than cumulative GPA. Melbourne weights their science GPA 75:25 toward the 400-level subjects, meaning your 400-level courses are weighed 3 times as much as your 300 level. Subjects can be taken outside a degree (non-award) will be considered. Courses must be science subjects Melbourne defines a science subject as a subject dealing with the scientific basis of physical or biological sciences, but not including social sciences such as sociology, human behavior, history of science, economics, philosophy (including philosophy of science), and anthropology. This list is indicative and not comprehensive.

What if I don’t have a relevant degree?

The University of Melbourne DVM program requires applicants have a science degree with a majors in one of the following areas: agriculture, animal science, biochemistry, biomedicine, physiology, or zoology. If you don’t have an applicable degree, consider the following options:

1. Take science-related studies and re-apply
You may re-apply with either a master’s degree or after having completed upper-level science courses (if eligible). The University of Melbourne will consider upper-year science subjects (300- and 400-level courses), either at bachelor’s or master’s level. Subjects can be taken outside a degree (non-award studies).

Melbourne defines a science subject as a subject dealing with the scientific basis of physical or biological sciences, but not including social sciences such as sociology, human behavior, history of science, economics, philosophy (including philosophy of science), and anthropology. This list is indicative and not comprehensive.

2. Consider applying to a different program
If you’re interested in working with animals, but the other options won’t work for you, consider applying to a degree in veterinary technology, zoology, animal or environmental conservation, etc. instead, as long as your GPA meets the minimum requirements.

What if my GPA doesn’t meet the minimum or I’m not competitive?

If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement for veterinary medicine, we’re not able to submit the application.

University of Melbourne DVM
Complete additional upper-level science courses – The University Melbourne will consider upper-year science subjects (300- and 400-level courses), rather than cumulative GPA. Melbourne weights their science GPA 75:25 toward the 400-level subjects, meaning your 400-level courses are weighed 3 times as much as your 300 level. Subjects can be taken outside a degree (non-award) will be considered. Courses must deal with the scientific basis of physical or biological sciences, but not including social sciences such as sociology, human behavior, history of science, economics, philosophy (including philosophy of science), and anthropology. This list is indicative and not comprehensive.

University of Sydney DVM
Must complete another degree – For the University of Sydney’s DVM program, where there are more than one completed bachelor’s degrees, the best GPA will be used. GPA is calculated over the entire duration of the degree and all years of study are weighted equally. Results from completed Honours and postgraduate coursework degrees are included in the GPA calculation. Incomplete degree results will not be included. The discipline of the degree is not considered during the ranking process.

Undergraduate veterinary degrees (Sydney BVB/DVM and UQ BVSc)
Take college/university studies – The GPA requirement is lower for applicants with a year of more of post-secondary studies (uni or college).

Consider another program
If you’re interested in working with animals, but the other options won’t work for you, consider completing a degree in veterinary technology, zoology, animal or environmental conservation, etc. instead, as long as your GPA meets the minimum requirements.

What if I didn’t pass the Casper SJT?

It’s uncommon for OzTREKK to see students not meet the Casper requirements for Sydney, UQ, and Melbourne veterinary schools.

If you failed to meet conditions of an offer due to the Casper situational judgement test, you’ll need to re-apply for next available intake, and you’ll be required to retake the test. Your application must be submitted to the university before you’ll be able to register for the test. Please read Applying to veterinary schools in Australia: What is the Casper test? for more information

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