How to become a veterinarian - The University of Melbourne

How long will it take?

3 yearsBachelor degree

4 yearsDoctor 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.

Career outcomes

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 and Biochemistry.

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).

graduateDoctor of Veterinary Medicine

Scholarships and guaranteed study 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 based 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

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

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

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

How can we help?

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How to apply

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