The University of Queensland Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) Undergraduate Apply To This Program Details University Location Brisbane, Queensland City Population 2.5 million Student Population 55,044 Int'l Student Population 21,000 Main Campus St Lucia Program Campus Gatton (approximately 1 hour west of Brisbane) Program Duration 5 years Estimated Annual Tuition $69,760 AUD (2023 fees; subject to increase) Semester Intake February Next Available Intake 2024 Application Deadline November 29 each year* International Places 40 (130 total) Apply To This Program Overview Since its first intake of students in 1936, the UQ School of Veterinary Science has been recognized for the quality of its research and for its sustained record of excellence in teaching and learning across the veterinary disciplines. The school and its programs are fully accredited with the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) allowing graduates direct entry to practice in North America. Based at the university’s rural Gatton Campus with a staff of approximately 150, the school also operates a Veterinary Teaching Hospital for small animals, equine, exotic pets, production farm animals, and injured wildlife. Some key features of UQ veterinary school include its first-rate facilities purpose-built in 2010, and recognized as the best veterinary school facilities in the Southern Hemisphere; small-group clinical teaching; strong focus on animal handling and development of “first day” competencies (ability to be job-ready from day one); thorough final-year, which is all “hands on” in veterinary clinics; high-quality teachers who have been recognized through nationally accredited awards; highly active student special interest groups; and accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA COE), the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), UK. Program The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) program at the University of Queensland is a fully accredited undergraduate course which you can enter directly from high school or after completion of university studies. It provides the broadest base in the biological sciences of any undergraduate course and provides a very wide range of career options as well as its professional qualifications, enabling graduates to practice veterinary medicine and surgery. The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) commences with three years of foundational training in the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and behaviour of healthy domestic and wild animals. It includes more than 600 hours of practical training, where you’ll develop your animal handling and husbandry skills, and acquire detailed knowledge of animal pathology and diagnostic skills. In your fourth year, you’ll undertake dedicated medicine and surgery courses for each of the major animal species, plus population and public health training, and complete 130 hours of clinical practical work. The final year includes more than 1,400 hours of lecture-free training within university- and privately owned practices. Practical Placements Industry placements provide UQ Veterinary Science students with authentic experiences that complement coursework learning, and are an integral component of the degree. You’ll undertake a range of preclinical placements in Years 1–3, during vacation periods, through which a broad foundational appreciation of animal enterprises and production systems is acquired. In Year 5, clinical placements are undertaken, contextualizing the clinical curriculum in a range of settings that include small animal, large animal and mixed practice. Core elements of preclinical and clinical placements (EMS) are augmented by elective opportunities, whereby you can explore areas of interest in general practice, specialized clinical practice, zoological work, government work, research, or other aspects of the vocation. Students are required to undertake 10 weeks of preclinical vacation work (in their own time) by the end of their third year of study, and undertake a further 10 weeks of clinical placements (EMS) during fifth-year rotations. Hear from a UQ Veterinary School graduate! Admission Requirements 1. Completed high school diploma You must have a secondary school diploma with an average of 88% in your top 4–6 Grade 12 courses (as below) and have completed the following prerequisite subjects at the Grade 12 level: chemistry, calculus, English, and either physics or biology. Alberta – Grade average of best 5 Level 30 Provincial Diploma Exams. BC – Grade average of best 4 Grade 12 4-credit provincially examined subjects which must include a Language Arts 12 provincially examined subject (e.g., English 12, English 12 First Peoples, Communication 12, English Literature 12) Ontario – Grade average of best 6 University (U, 4U) and/or University/College (U/C, 4M) courses. Please note, UQ tends to be quite strict when it comes to the calculus prerequisite. Due to the course content covered in the Australian high school math course, Canadian students must take a full calculus course to meet this requirement. Pre-calculus subjects will not suffice. BC – Calculus 12 or Mathematics will satisfy the Math B prerequisite Alberta – Mathematics 31 (Mathematics 30 & lower are not acceptable) Ontario – Calculus and Vectors Completed some post-secondary If you have a year or more of post-secondary studies (university or college), you must have at least 2.7/4.0 (approximately 70% – 72%) cumulative average to be eligible to apply. All students who meet the minimum GPA, English, and SJT requirements receive an offer for this program. With previous university studies, it is possible to request credit to lighten course load for one or two semesters; however, it will still take five years to complete the UQ veterinary science program. 2. Situational judgement test UQ Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours applicants must complete an online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) via CASPer. UQ recognizes that skills and attributes such as resilience, critical thinking, and communication are essential for veterinarians, but are not always reflected in academic performance alone. The situational judgement test will be used to select and identify applicants who are best suited to the rigours of veterinary science and the profession. Please note we will need to submit your application to UQ before you will be able to write the CASPer test. CASPer dates and times Please contact OzTREKK to learn more about this test. Admission Timeline *UQ Veterinary School has a general application deadline of November 29 each year; however, you are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline. The earlier you apply, the better! Student Reviews What do OzTREKK students think about studying Veterinary Medicine at The University of Queensland? Read on! 1/6 “It is hands on right away” I love the closeness of the student body.... It is hands on right away. It is hands on right away I love the closeness of the student body…. It is hands on right away. Kennedy J Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) The University of Queensland, 2022 Kennedy J Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) The University of Queensland, 2022 “[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. [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 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. 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 Lia B Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) The University of Queensland, 2017 “UQ provides students with a lot of practicals and clinical experience” UQ provides students with a lot of practicals and clinical experience during the degree. Which allows us to interact with animals we perhaps never have before. For example, students from cities likely don't know how to properly handle and provide adequate husbandry for cows or sheep. This degree and UQ specifically is one of the only in Australia that has all of their teaching animals on 1 campus. Other unis require you to move to a different location during your final 2 years ... Read More UQ provides students with a lot of practicals and clinical experience UQ provides students with a lot of practicals and clinical experience during the degree. Which allows us to interact with animals we perhaps never have before. For example, students from cities likely don’t know how to properly handle and provide adequate husbandry for cows or sheep. This degree and UQ specifically is one of the only in Australia that has all of their teaching animals on 1 campus. Other unis require you to move to a different location during your final 2 years (ie Sydney). Developing the amazing friendships that I have during this degree has made it worthwhile. The people I’ve met will likely be lifelong friends and have become like my family. And as an international student that’s important when you live so far away from your family. Reiko Y Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) The University of Queensland, 2015 Reiko Y Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) The University of Queensland, 2015 “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. 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 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! 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 Julia C Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) The University of Queensland, 2014 Related News View All 3 March 2023 · News Australian university applications are officially open! Australian university applications are officially open, and starting now means making your application as strong as possible. Here’s how. Read More 9 August 2022 · News Top 8 things to look for in a veterinary school Which is the best veterinary school in Australia? With so many options to choose from, it may feel like an overwhelming question. Read More 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… Read More Related FAQs Have a question? View All See below for some frequently asked questions. Still need answers? Send us a request for information or contact an admissions officer today. 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 are 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 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? If you failed to meet conditions 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 UQ before you’ll be able to register for the test. What if I don’t meet the veterinary prerequisites? If you haven’t taken courses in the required prerequisite areas, but you are still interested in applying to the program, you will need to make up for this course on your own. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s) You’ll need to provide a transcript showing that you have enrolled in the missing prerequisite(s) before we can submit your application to the university. This will allow the university to proceed with your primary assessment. Once you’ve successfully completed your course(s), you’ll need to provide a final transcript so the university can complete your assessment. Melbourne and Sydney DVM Take an intro-level university course – Generally, introduction courses work best for the prerequisite requirements as they cover a broad range of understanding. University of Queensland BVSc Take a high school-level calculus course – Many students do so either through summer school, at another institution, or online. Keep in mind, the course must be a full calculus course. Pre-calculus and math courses which cover only some calculus content will not suffice. Take an intro-level college or university calculus course – You will need to provide the course outline for this subject for a prerequisite assessment to confirm comparability. Read more about overseas equivalents for UQ’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Be sure to provide the course outline before you enroll! We can ask UQ to assess a course before an app is submitted to confirm the course will meet the requirements. Take a course through Unilearn – Offers a self-paced online course, Senior Mathematics (UNL32), which satisfies the Mathematics B prerequisites requirement as noted in the Bridging Subject table. The Unilearn course allows you to enroll at any time and typically takes 18–26 weeks to complete. How will the university assess my vet application? Undergraduate-entry Programs UQ BVSc Applicants will be assessed primarily on their academic achievement in their final year of high school or cumulative average in their post-secondary studies if they have a year or more of studies. Admissions for the BVSc program run on rolling admissions, which means applications are assessed in the order they are received, and applicants are assessed against the requirements and not against other applicants. Sydney BVB/DVM Sydney’s BVB/DVM program assesses applicants primarily on their academic achievement in their final year of high school or cumulative average in their post-secondary studies if they have a year or more of studies. The applicant’s commitment to the health and welfare of animals will also be considered in the assessment. Applications are assessed on a rolling admissions basis and applicants are assessed against the requirements and not against other applicants. Graduate-entry Programs Melbourne DVM Selection into the Melbourne DVM will be primarily based on your 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. 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. Applicants with a 75% average and above in these courses should apply. In ranking applications, Melbourne’s Selection Committee will consider your prior academic performance and your personal statement. Admissions for this program run on a rolling-admissions basis, which means applications are assessed in the order they are received, and applicants are assessed against the requirements and not against other applicants. Sydney DVM The GPA is calculated over the entire duration of the bachelor’s degree and all years of study are weighted equally. Only results from completed bachelor’s and postgraduate coursework degrees are included in the GPA calculation. Sydney does not consider the discipline of the bachelor’s degree during the ranking process. Admissions run on a pooled-application process, where applicants are pooled and assessed against one another after the application deadline. Applicants who have achieved the minimum GPA (and other admission requirements) are then ranked on academic performance. Entry is highly competitive in this program so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee entry. The higher your GPA, the better your chances of receiving an offer. What is considered a competitive GPA for veterinary medicine? Melb DVM: Applicants with a 77% average and above Syd DVM: Applicants with a 75% average and above Undergraduate vet programs: Applicants with previous university studies: 70% average and above; directly from high school: 85%–86% average and above Admissions OfficerMeghan Publow Traveller, nighthawk, social butterfly. Has a major sweet tooth. Loves tea, music, dogs. ESFP. #FOMO Meghan works with vet science, medicine, and all the other undergraduate and postgraduate programs like arts, business, and sciences, helping to make the application process easier, and making sure everything stays on track. If you’re a high school counsellor or a parent and interested in any of the programs Meghan works with, please reach out! Food: Tacos Drink: Her own trademark (vodka, soda and peach schnapps) Movie: Superbad , State of Play Music: A little bit of everything! Country, classic rock, rap, top 40 Book: The Girl on the Train Superpower: Healing Email: [email protected]
