Veterinary Medicine Courses in Australia

Introduction to studying veterinary medicine in Australia

A veterinary medicine course in Australia typically spans six years and combines theoretical and practical components. The curriculum covers various subjects, including anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, and clinical skills, and the emphasis on hands-on experience is significant, with students participating in clinical rotations and gaining practical exposure to various species in state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospitals.

Australia's veterinary education system is known for its research excellence and commitment to animal health. Students can engage in cutting-edge research and learn from experienced faculty experts in their respective fields. Clinical training component ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the diverse challenges of veterinary practice and upon successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to register with the veterinary regulatory body in Australia and pursue a career as a veterinarian.

Australian veterinary degrees are internationally recognized, and many graduates choose to practice in Australia or return to their home countries, contributing to global advancements in animal health and welfare. After completing the degree, students can opt for high-paying careers like veterinary surgeons, animal attendants, ecologists, research scientists, and zoologists.

Types of Degrees in Vet Medicine Australia

To study in Australia, students must know the top Australian universities that offer vet courses, their curriculum, course duration, fees, and admission requirements. Here is the complete information on vet degrees in Australia-

Bachelor’s in Australia (BVSc)

If you are passionate about animal health and well-being and want to pursue a career in the respective field, then a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medicine could be the right choice. Through this undergraduate program, students can practice as veterans locally and internationally. The curriculum is designed to teach all major animal groups the latest knowledge and skills, implementing medical, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles. Students will be able to work with animals in the first semester and learn about various topics and subjects, such as animal husbandry, animal handling, and business management. 

Foundational subjects, such as biomedical disciplines, surgical procedures, nutrition, treatment, and medicine, are taught with pre-clinical placement internships during the academic session. The final year comprises clinical and private training under the supervision of a registered veterinarian. 

• Course duration - five years
• Course fees- $50,000
• Entry requirements - excellent academic record with English proficiency test scores

Master’s in Veterinary Medicine (MVSc)

A master in veterinary medicine degree in Australia is a postgraduate research degree that can be taken in any of the Faculty’s veterinary science research areas. The courses are designed to develop advanced skills and conduct independent research. All students studying vet courses will be examined based on their thesis work, which must be 30,000 to 40,000 words. 

After completing a master’s in veterinary medicine, one can work in private practice university referral veterinary hospitals, industry, government, or leadership roles. 

• Course duration- two years
• Course fees -$52,448
• Entry requirements - bachelor’s degree/graduate diploma in veterinary medicine with qualifying English proficiency test

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Most veterinary colleges in Australia offer doctorates in veterinary science in various specialisations. The course is based on the latest global thinking in veterinary science practice, teaching, and learning. After developing a solid veterinary science core, students can take clinical or research placements anywhere in Australia or overseas.

The doctorate program in veterinary medicine in Australia for international students enhances experience and flexibility to succeed in a veterinary career, where one can gain strong communication and teamwork skills. 

• Course duration - 4 years
• Course fees - $61,792
• Entry requirements - master’s degree with qualifying English proficiency test

Scholarships

Australian universities offer different types of scholarships to international students.

Jobs and Career

Veterinary Medicine graduates are in demand and will move into private animal welfare practices and work at charities, laboratories, abattoirs and within the public health sector. If a student chooses to continue postgraduate studies, careers can be forged in more specialist areas of the profession.

• Animal Nutritionist evaluates animal feeds' chemical and nutritional value and prepares diet and nutrition plans for every animal breed based on their needs. 
• Veterinary surgeons are healthcare professionals who operate on sick animals, give vaccinations, advise owners to care for their pets and diagnose and treat using instruments such as radiographs and ultrasound scans. 
• Higher education lecturers are veteran professionals working in education and learning. They are responsible for delivering lectures, seminars, and tutorials and developing and implementing new teaching methods to reflect research changes. 

Graduates can also opt for career paths in public health and regulatory medicine, diagnostic services, biosecurity, inspection and environmental quality control.

Salary

In Australia, international students pursuing a vet course make an average of $121,036 annually or $62.07 hourly once they graduate and are fully qualified. Entry-level positions start at $99,150 annually, while the experienced earn up to $156,409 annually.

Top Universities for Veterinary Sciences

To learn more about the best veterinary universities in Australia, find details of the top-ranking veterinary universities in the QS University rankings by subject 2023 below:

Study Veterinary Medicine in Australia

If you want to learn more about studying for a veterinary medicine degree in Australia, arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today.

Vet Medicine Australia FAQ

What is veterinary science, and what do veterinarians do?

Veterinary science is a subject that deals with the treatment and diagnosis of domestic and pet animals. The degree comprises anatomy, animal behaviour, and other niche topics like parasitology and gastroenterology. Veterinarians perform and examine animals and their health, operate medical equipment, such as X-ray machines, and perform surgery on animals. 

What types of veterinary courses are available in Australia?

Australian universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate veterinary courses in various specialisations, such as animal and veterinary biosciences, veterinary technology, and veterinary and wildlife sciences. 

How long does it take to complete a veterinary course in Australia?

The duration of the program depends on the course or degree chosen. For a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate, the course duration is five, two, and four years, respectively. 

What career opportunities are available after completing a veterinary course in Australia?

After completing a veterinary degree in Australia, students can opt for various career opportunities, such as animal health, the livestock sector, biosecurity, animal nutrition companies, veterinary pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.