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Career Pathways

Become a veterinarian

Help solve global challenges by improving animal health

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How long will it take?

3 years Bachelor degree
+
4 years Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Why study with us?

Explore animal health and welfare and their effects on human wellbeing in our $63 million facilities designed specifically for veterinary students.

Earn an internationally recognised qualification at a higher level than a traditional double degree.

Work in clinical practice or veterinary research, for pharmaceutical companies or education providers, at zoos or animal welfare agencies, and in government services or development agencies across the globe.

Where will this take me?

Career outcomes

In addition to working in private veterinary practice, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine opens up a variety of exciting career paths including:

  • Agricultural industries
  • Animal welfare agencies
  • Government services, departments and agencies
  • Pharmaceutical companies and industry
  • Research
  • Tertiary and professional development education

The tracks program, offered in third and fourth year, will provide you with the knowledge, skills and aptitude to take any path you choose following graduation. Our tracks programs include:

  • Production Animal
  • Small Animal
  • Government, Industry and Conservation Health
  • Equine

Professional accreditation

  • Australasian Veterinary Boards Council
  • Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • American Veterinary Medical Association

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is an international accredited degree which means you can work in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong without further qualifications.

What can I study?

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

First you must meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate degree.

2. Graduate degree

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine also has specific subject prerequisites and grade entry requirements to be considered for entry. Graduate applicants (who are not entering via the accelerated pathway) must complete a semester of biology and biochemistry. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, may be eligible for the accelerated pathway.

Accelerated entry pathway

Students wishing to progress into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with one year of credit must complete the University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science, Veterinary BioSciences major in third year. To be competitive for selection, students must achieve a minimum of 70 per cent in first and second-year science subjects as well as complete the prerequisite subjects including Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Biology, Biochemistry and Physics (if not completed in Year 12).

Upon satisfactory completion of the Veterinary Biosciences major, students transition into the second year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, receiving one full year of credit (for all DVM first-year subjects).

Other entry pathways

Graduate Degree Packages

The University also offers guaranteed entry to high–achieving domestic and international students who have completed an Australian Year 12 or the IB in Australia baseed on your ATAR.

Discover more about Graduate Degree Packages

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Guaranteed entry

Guaranteed entry means you’ll have the peace of mind of a secure graduate pathway with us without having to make any big decisions from Year 12. You will also be able to leave Melbourne with an undergraduate qualification if you decide further study isn’t right for you.

Discover more about guaranteed entry

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

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Why study at the University of Melbourne

Industry-ready skills

Industry-ready skills

With access to intensive, practical experience over two years of the degree, the DVM enables you to graduate career-ready.

Taught by leading experts

Taught by leading experts

Benefit from the experience and research expertise of our world-class academics, and an innovative, evidence-based curriculum.

Flexible study options

Flexible study options

Take clinical or research placements anywhere in Australia or overseas, and even prepare yourself for leadership or industry roles with a concurrent diploma.

Talk to us

Please speak to our expert staff to discover more about our learning opportunities and get support with your application.