Veterinary Medicine
- Apr 11, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 21, 2025
Veterinary Medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals. Veterinarians play a crucial role in protecting the health and well-being of all types of animals, from household pets to livestock and wildlife. Aspiring veterinarians should have a strong interest in science and medicine, as well as a passion for working with animals.
1. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Veterinary Science
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 recognized several Australian universities for their excellence in the field of Veterinary Science. The top-performing universities in Australia were ranked in the top 50 globally, while others ranked between 51-100th. These universities offer a range of opportunities for students interested in Veterinary Science, including top-notch education and research programs. Students who choose to study at these universities will have access to world-class facilities and resources, as well as the chance to learn from leading experts in the field.
Rank | Australian University |
21 | The University of Sydney |
25 | The University of Melbourne |
35 | The University of Queensland |
39 | Murdoch University |
51-100 | The University of Adelaide |
2. Admissions Guide for Veterinary Medicine in Australia
This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school and university graduates who wish to study veterinary medicine in Australia.
3. Entry Requirements for Veterinary Medicine Studies in Australia
The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Veterinary Medicine in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).
Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.
Qualification | Duration | IELTS | Academic Requirement |
Bachelor's degree | 5 years | 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) |
|
Combined degree | 6 years | 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) |
|
Doctoral degree | 4 years | 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) |
|
4. Structure of Veterinary Medicine Courses in Australia
The following table provides an overview of the structure of a Veterinary Medicine course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.
Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.
Component | Description |
Pre-clinical studies | Courses on the basic sciences related to veterinary medicine, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. |
Clinical studies | Courses on the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, such as surgery, internal medicine, radiology, and clinical pathology. |
Professional skills | Courses on the practical skills required for veterinary practice, such as communication, professional ethics, and business management. |
Electives | Optional courses that allow students to explore specific areas of interest, such as wildlife medicine, animal behavior, or equine medicine. |
Clinical rotations | Practical training in a veterinary clinic or hospital, where students gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. |
Research project | An opportunity for students to conduct original research in a specific area of veterinary medicine, under the guidance of a faculty member. |
5. AVBC (Australian Veterinary Boards Council) Accredited Programs List
The AVBC (Australian Veterinary Boards Council) maintains a list of accredited veterinary programs offered by various institutions across different states and territories in Australia. The accreditation process ensures that the programs meet the required standards for veterinary education and training in Australia. Prospective veterinary students or veterinarians seeking to practice in Australia should consult this list to ensure they enroll in an accredited program.
State/Territory | Institution | Course | Duration |
NSW | The University of Sydney | Bachelor of Veterinary Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 6 years (2+4 years) |
NSW | Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science | 6 years |
VIC | The University of Melbourne | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 4 years |
QLD | The University of Queensland | Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) | 5 years |
QLD | James Cook University | Bachelor of Veterinary Science | 5 years |
SA | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 6 years (3+3 years) |
WA | Murdoch University | Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 5 years |
6. Hierarchy of Veterinary Medicine Positions and Descriptions
The table outlines the positions in the veterinary medicine hierarchy in Australia, from Junior Veterinarian to Senior Veterinarian. Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team, leading complex cases, and providing advanced veterinary expertise.
Note that the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the veterinary clinic or organization.
Position | Description |
Junior Veterinarian | A recent graduate of veterinary school who works under the supervision of a senior veterinarian. Responsibilities may include performing routine medical procedures, diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries, and educating clients. |
Associate Veterinarian | More experienced than a junior veterinarian and often responsible for managing a small team of veterinary technicians. Responsibilities may include performing more complex surgeries and treatments, developing treatment plans, and managing client relationships. |
Senior Veterinarian | The most experienced veterinarian in a clinic or hospital, responsible for managing the entire team and providing advanced veterinary care. Responsibilities may include leading complex surgeries and treatments, mentoring junior veterinarians, and providing leadership in the clinic. |
7. Registration and Career Information for Veterinary Medicine in Australia
The table below shows the process and future directions for becoming a veterinarian in Australia. Additionally, it provides information on the employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the veterinarian profession in Australia.
Occupation | Veterinarians (ANZSCO ID 2347) |
Job Type | Professionals |
Skill Level | Very high skill |
Unemployment Rate | Below average |
Employed | 13,500 |
Future Growth | 19.7% |
Weekly Earnings | N/A |
Full - Time Share | 68% |
Female Share | 61% |
Average Age | 39 |
8. Immigrating to Australia through Veterinary Medicine
The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Veterinary Medicine Program, including available visa options and Veterinary Medicine-related occupations.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) | Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) |
O | O | O | O | O |
Occupation | ANZSCO | List | Visa | Accessing Authority |
Veterinarian | 234711 | MLTSSL | Subclass 186 Subclass 189 Subclass 190 Subclass 482 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | AVBC |
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