Overview

The School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide provides world-class, hands-on education and training to future animal and veterinary scientists.

The six year veterinary program at the University of Adelaide is composed of two required sequenced degrees, the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The three year Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) forms the first part of the required curriculum.

The Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) starts in the first year with foundational science courses, leading on to higher level foundational science courses in the second year and the commencement of veterinary science courses. The third year is a continuation of the veterinary specific science courses. The second and third year (48 units) of the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) includes an in-depth focus (21 units) on anatomy and physiology, which is not typically found in other bachelor degrees. An additional requirement of the program is the completion of a minimum of 480 hours extra-mural experience/work based training.

Entry into Adelaide’s three year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is obtained by successful completion of the three year Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) at the University of Adelaide.  As of 2022, there is no direct entry into this degree.  The first two years are aimed at developing the scientific and technical skills needed where you will:

• learn about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of domesticated animals including dogs, cats, horses, ruminants, camelids, pigs and poultry
• explore wildlife ecology, conservation medicine and ecohealth
• hone your scientific and technical skills for research and clinical practice
• gain advanced professional experience through a structured internship program

There is also a requirement for a further 23 weeks of extramural practical work during the program that must be completed.

Entry Requirements

• Canadian High School Diploma 85%
• Prerequisite Subjects: Mathematics year 12, Chemistry year 12
• Interview Required based on outcome of application. Interviews are held between late June and early November
• Its strongly advised applicants volunteer in a veterinary clinic for a couple of weeks. This will be considered an asset if invited to interview

Offers are generally released between August and December

Inherent Requirements:

There are inherent requirements associated with the University of Adelaide’s Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program that prospective students need to be aware of before applying. These requirements include, but are not limited to, physical fitness, physical capacity to learn how to handle a range of large and small animals; required vaccinations (specifically Q fever); and effective written communication

Why study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Adelaide?

Vital skills developed from studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Adelaide include:

• Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognized.
• The ability to locate, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.
• An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.
• Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.
• A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.
• A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.
• A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.
• An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.

Professional Recognition

The veterinary science program at the University of Adelaide has been granted accreditation by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board of Hong Kong and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK).  

Regulatory authority for veterinary practice in Canada is a provincial responsibility.  Specific requirements differ from province to province.  For further information refer to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. All students interested in Veterinary Science should contact KOM Consultants for full details on application processes.