The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Undergraduate

Details

University Location Sydney, New South Wales
City Population 6 million
Student Population 73,000
Int'l Student Population 10,600
Main Campus Camperdown / Darlington
Program Campus Camperdown & Camden (1 hour from Sydney)
Program Duration 2 + 4 years
Estimated Annual Tuition $61,000 AUD (2024 fees; subject to increase)**
Semester Intake February
Next Available Intake 2025
Application Deadline Varying rounds*
International Places approx 40 (140 total)

Overview

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science is the #1 vet school in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Veterinary Science), and its faculty is recognized internationally as a leading provider of education and a key contributor to the world’s best practice in the care and welfare of animals.

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals
Sydney has three vet teaching hospitals: the Sydney Teaching Hospital, the Camden Teaching Hospital, and the Avian, Reptile & Exotic Pet Hospital. Veterinary teaching hospitals provide world-class clinical services and have the latest technology for the care of companion animals, wildlife, livestock and horses, while the faculty’s teachers and teaching programs have achieved acclaim for their quality and effectiveness.

Program

The Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is a 6-year combined degree and allows you to enter the veterinary program directly from high school. As it encompasses the biological sciences aspect of studies prior to the DVM portion, it is perfectly designed for recently graduated high school students who are high achieving and ready to become knowledgeable and successful veterinarians.

This vet program will provide you with both a scientific foundation and specialist clinical and medical experience. In the first and second years of the degree, you’ll learn the fundamentals of biomedical and animal sciences that underpin veterinary sciences. This learning will be done in an integrated, cross-subject way that sets you up for understanding real-world situations.

Your third year of study will immerse you in real-world vet medicine. Sydney’s strong focus on clinical cases, applied problems, and practical experience means you will leave thoroughly prepared to launch straight into a career as vet. You’ll start training to be a professional by applying this knowledge in clinical settings, such as at our hospitals located on campuses in Sydney and Camden.

Your final, lecture-free year will be spent entirely doing clinical rotations through a variety of placements. These will give you a taste of the many career options available, including small animal practice, rural mixed practice and government agencies, or more specialized options like equine and wildlife health.

Program Structure

  • Years 1 & 2 – Bachelor of Veterinary Biology
  • Years 3–6 – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Once you begin the DVM in Year 3, you are subject to the DVM course fees.

Campuses & Practical Placements
During Years 1 and 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, students must travel to the university farms in Camden on a weekly basis. Camden is about 60 km southwest of Sydney and the location of all large-animal teaching facilities. Public transport to this site from the nearest railway station is infrequent and students requiring transport are encouraged to join a carpool on a shared cost basis.

During Year 3, all teaching and practical classes will be based in Camden, and students are advised to either keep the same travelling arrangements as in previous years or to make on-campus living arrangements.

During Year 4, you’ll experience intramural placements at both the University of Sydney Veterinary Hospital based in Camperdown as well as the University of Sydney Veterinary Hospital based at Camden. You’ll also have extramural placements at a partner site.

Admission Requirements

1. Completed high school diploma

The undergraduate-entry Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Sydney is only open to those who have not undertaken any college or university studies.

You must have a secondary school diploma and must demonstrate an aptitude for science-based study (chemistry, mathematics and physics. Biology is recommended).

You must have a minimum average of 86% in your Grade 12 year:

  • BC – A average across all Grade 12 courses, except Grad Transitions
  • Ontario – Grade average of best 6 Grade 12 courses, including English

International applicants will be assessed based on academic performance, Casper and their demonstration of a commitment to the health and welfare of animals.

2. Situational judgement test
The Sydney Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/DVM applicants must complete an online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) via Casper. Sydney 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 rigors of veterinary science and the profession.

3. Animal handling experience
Sydney expects applicants to the BVB/DVM program to have a minimum of 5 full days of hands-on experience at veterinary establishments. Those who have fewer than 5 days are still welcome to apply, although it is an advantage to have this experience.

**Once you begin the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (Year 3) you are subject to the DVM course fees.

Admission Timeline

*Applications for the 2024 intake closed November 20, 2023. For information about the 2025 intake and to apply, please contact OzTREKK. Applications are assessed as they are received (first come, first served). You are encouraged to apply as early as possible as this program often fills before the deadline.

1/1

“I have liked some courses where I have hands on work”

I have liked some courses where I have hands on work with animals at farms and I also visit the zoo, however some first year courses feel somewhat repetitive from high school. Campus is great and program is great, first year is quite simple and there is some review which feels repetitive.

university of sydney black and white logo Ignacio T
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Sydney, 2022