Studying vet medicine
Animal lover? Veterinary medicine is by far one of the most popular and rewarding career options for you! One of the greatest benefits of a career in veterinary medicine is the chance to promote the health and welfare of animals. Your career will be varied and interesting, and provide the opportunity for professional independence.
OzTREKK represents three Australian universities that feature professional veterinary degrees. You can become a veterinarian by completing one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Melbourne’s and Sydney’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs are offered only to students who have already obtained an undergraduate science degree.
UQ’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) and Sydney’s Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs are suitable for students who wish enter into a professional veterinary program directly from high school or with college or university studies.
Here’s what you’ll find on this page:
Admissions Requirements
Graduate-entry Veterinary Degrees
University | Competitive GPA | Prerequisites | Notes |
University of Melbourne | 77%+ in 300- and 400-level science courses | Uni-level cell or general biology & biochemistry | Undergrad science degree (with at least two-thirds of program science study); animal health & welfare personal statement (no set number of hours); SJT- CASPer |
University of Sydney | 85%+ in most recent completed bachelor’s degree | Uni-level general biology, biochemistry, general chemistry (physical & inorganic), organic chemistry | 28 days + of relevant work experience & animal-handling experience; SJT- CASPer |
Undergraduate-entry Veterinary Degrees
University | Competitive GPA | Prerequisites | Notes |
University of Queensland | 88% top 5 or 6 high school courses; or 75% from university studies | Grade 12 chemistry, calculus (pre-calculus will not suffice), English, & either physics or biology | SJT (CASPer) |
University of Sydney | 86% (high school) ON: 86% (top 6 courses incl. Eng) BC: “A” average (all Gr 12 except Grad Transitions) |
Assumed knowledge: chemistry, mathematics, physics. Biology recommended. | 5 days of hands-on experience at veterinary establishment recommended. Not available to those with any post-secondary study. |
How to Apply
The process of applying to study veterinary medicine in Australia can feel both simple and confusing at the same time. That’s why we’re here. Our goal is to have the best prepared students ready for a first-class educational experience in Australia and New Zealand—and we take that to heart.
When you’re considering vet school in Australia, you may have questions about
- your eligibility;
- the application;
- how (and where) to submit your documents; and
- what we do with your application.
We’ve got you covered. Head on over to our how to apply to veterinary school in Australia page where you’ll find info about what to expect!
Practicing in Canada
The University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the University of Sydney (both its DVM and bachelor-level programs) hold full American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accreditation, which means graduates are considered in the same category as graduates from North American veterinary schools when undertaking licensing examinations in North America. Graduates are eligible to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination along with graduates from accredited veterinary colleges in the United States and Canada. AVMA accreditation is well recognized as the international benchmark for quality in veterinary education.
Both the graduate-entry (DVM) and the undergraduate entry (bachelor-level) veterinary medicine programs are AVMA accredited. The name of the program does not necessarily affect its accreditation status. The program is not required to be listed as a “Doctor” program in order to be accredited in North America; it is the content and quality of the program that determines its eligibility, not simply the name.
For information about returning to Canada after completing an Australian veterinary program, please visit our Practicing Veterinary Medicine in Canada page.
Ask A Question
Ask us about your program of interest, or if you have a question about our services.
CONTACT US TODAY