Veterinary Medicine

Would you like to study veterinary medicine? OzTREKK can help you achieve your dream at an AVMA-accredited, world-class veterinary school in Australia. Find out how you can study veterinary medicine at an Australian university—then practice in Canada.

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.

1/6

“It is hands on right away”

I love the closeness of the student body. The food though is awful. Everything is great. It is hands on right away.

Kennedy J
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2022

“I love how passionate and caring the professors are.”

I love how passionate and caring the professors are. They create an environment that fosters learning while trying to remove the competitive atmosphere among the students.

Peter S.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Melbourne, 2018

“[I love] the amount of handling I get to do with animals”

[The amount of work] is as expected. [I love] the amount of handling I get to do with animals. The courses and practical aspects of the program is great. Just expect to be working with a lot of animals and be prepared to get your hands dirty! There's a lot of studying that is involved with the program but also a lot of hands on! It's quite a heavy load, but very rewarding when you get through a semester.

Jessica T
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2017

“The teachers are all professionals in the industry”

I love the quality of my program. The teachers are all professionals in the industry, we have a fully functioning dairy, piggery, poultry and equine unit on campus so all the resources we need to become the best vets are at our fingertips.

Lia B
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2017

“I chose The University of Queensland because of their excellent standing”

I chose The University of Queensland because of their excellent standing. At the Gatton campus, there are dedicated facilities on hand besides UQ Veterinary School’s small animal and equine hospitals.  The program so far has been more challenging than I expected. The hours are long and you have to give a 100% commitment. That being said, there is a great camaraderie and support from your course mates who are in every single class with you, and their high motivation pushes me to keep striving.

Nur S
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2014

“I like how much the professors at the vet school want us to succeed.”

The weather, the people and I am really loving my program. I like how much the professors at the vet school want us to succeed. I dislike not having a car and being on a fairly rural campus. But there are lots of events on campus to fill up your week. Friends always offer to take me into town, so I don't feel that isolated. 10 out of 10!

Julia C
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2014