Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Your veterinary science career starts at Melbourne

Graduates can pursue a diverse range of employment opportunities thanks to the clinical knowledge, communication skills, and scientific understanding developed on this course. These include opportunities in private practice, animal welfare, and public health.

Key career outcomes

• Work as a veterinarian. Register as a veterinarian in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and North America.
• Pursue specialist training. Specialise with an internship or residency in fields such as surgery, internal medicine, and pathology.
• Consider a research pathway. Build your expertise in a field directly aligned with veterinary practice.

Where can studying veterinary science take you?

Small animal employers include:

• Small animal veterinary practices: such as Greencross Vets, VetPartners, and privately owned practices
• Government or private companies: supporting the industry

Production animal employers include:

• Mixed veterinary practices: usually based regionally and rurally
• Government or quarantine services: such as inspection services
• Consultancy firms: in production animal health
• Private producers: like poultry or pork producers

Equine employers include:

• Equine practices: specialising in equine medicine
• Racehorse industry: work with owners, racecourses, and governing bodies

Government, industry, and conservation employers include:

• Government: in policy development, epidemiology, and other areas
• Animal welfare: including in clinical services, and policy development
• Business: such as veterinary equipment, pharmaceuticals, or practice management

Discover careers in veterinary science

Accreditation

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Graduates are eligible to register to practice in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, and to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) - a prerequisite for all veterinarians who seek to practise in North America. Some Asian countries accept degrees recognised by the RCVS, including Hong Kong and Singapore.

Industry connections

Gain valuable experience and build industry connections through:

• Clinical placements at the Greencross Veterinary Hospital at the University of Melbourne and external veterinary clinics
• Placements in your area of interest, like wildlife conservation, livestock management, and equine practice.
• Networking events with veterinary professionals and industry leaders.

Career support

Plan and achieve your goals with our career support services. Access these services to build your confidence and improve your career readiness while studying.

Support includes:

• Personalised career consultations
• Workshops on resume writing, LinkedIn optimisation, and interview skills
• Access to an exclusive job portal connecting students to industry opportunities
• Networking events with alumni and professionals

Find career advice

Further veterinary science studies

Pursue specialist study

Pursue an internship or residency to specialise in your chosen field of veterinary medicine, such as emergency, pathology, or surgery.

Make a difference through graduate research

Build on your masters qualification to pursue a graduate research degree. Supported by a globally connected research community, you’ll collaborate with supervisors, experts and peers who share your passion for discovery and impact.

Through regular connection with peers, researchers and our global network of industry partners, you’ll develop strong connections with community and industry that open the door to an outstanding future.

Explore graduate research