University of Sydney Veterinary School

World leader in Veterinary Science:

• The University of Sydney Veterinary School is ranked 1st in Australia and 23rd in the world for veterinary science by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
• Leading veterinary education, animal science and research that advances the health and welfare of animals and benefits the community.

What does it mean to be the best university for veterinary science in Australia?

• It means being taught by world-leading animal and veterinary scientists from the moment a student sets foot on our campuses.
• It’s studying in the latest facilities, in small groups to maximize learning, and in courses at the cutting-edge of knowledge in the field.
• It means leaving as a globally respected graduate with the experience and skills to make a difference to the health, welfare and conservation of animals all around the world.
• And it means undertaking research across a range of specializations to better tackle the big, complex issues facing the world.

About the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Sydney’s Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is a vertically integrated combined degree, which provides you with both a scientific foundation and specialist clinical and medical experience. With its integrated approach designed for understanding real-world situations, the six-year course will turn you into a global professional at the cutting edge of modern veterinary medicine.  Entry into this combined degree is available directly from high school (must not have commenced any post secondary study).

In the first and second years of the degree, you will learn the fundamentals of biomedical and animal sciences that underpin veterinary sciences. Upon successful completion of years 1 & 2 you will progress into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine consisting of core units of study and placements.  Participation in a mix of small group, case based tutorials, lab and practical classes teaching clinical skills and animal handling training.  Final year is lecture free, it involves a series of rotations as a veterinary student intern at the University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and off campus partner institutions.  Placements may be in a wide variety of areas such as small animal practice, rural mixed practice and government agencies.

Once you leave us, you’ll be a veterinary professional able to view issues from a population health framework, with a strong animal welfare consciousness, and the skills and confidence to be at the forefront of the industry.

What you’ll study

Students in first and second year are given a sound grounding in the basic biomedical sciences relevant to veterinary science. Examples of clinical cases and actual problems in veterinary practice are used to promote integrated learning in many subject areas.

Emphasis then shifts to applying this knowledge in clinical settings. The University of Sydney’s BVetBiol/DVM program incorporates a lecture-free year in which students are assigned as ‘interns’ in university and commercial partner practices.

Work component

This course has a mandatory work component totaling 2172 hours that must be completed as part of the award requirements for the degree.

Entry Requirements for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

• Canadian High School Diploma – OSSD 86%  / BC Certificate of Graduation 3.75
• Prerequisite Subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology.  Physics is highly recommended
• Must have minimum 5 FULL DAYS of work experience within a veterinary establishment (must include hands on contact not just observation)
• Casper Test is required

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine are internationally accredited.  Upon completion of both programs you will be eligible for immediate registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board in each state/territory in Australia.  This combined degree is also recognized internationally by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK.   Students graduating from an AVMA accredited School have their degree recognized in North America and are entitled to sit the US National Veterinary Licensing Examinations (NAVLE).

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.