Veterinary FAQs
Admissions
If you are applying for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) (BVetMed), you may be required to complete an online interview as part of the selection process. Applicants who meet the academic requirements and successfully progress through the written application stage will be invited to participate in an online interview. The interview uses recorded video responses to a series of questions and contributes to the applicant ranking process. Applicants for the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology (BVetTech) are not required to complete an interview or any additional non-academic selection assessment.
School leaver applications are generally assessed using your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), while non-school leaver applications are assessed using previous study and other qualifications. A school leaver is typically a student applying directly from secondary school with a current ATAR. A non-school leaver is generally someone who has completed university or other tertiary study, is currently enrolled in another course, or no longer holds a valid ATAR for admission purposes. Current minimum academic thresholds are Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours): ATAR 85 and Bachelor of Veterinary Technology: ATAR 65. Meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee an offer.
Applicants whose first language is not English must meet 糖心传媒's English language proficiency requirements before they can be admitted.
The current minimum English language requirements are:
• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours): Overall IELTS 7.0
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology: Overall IELTS 6.0
Equivalent results from other recognised English language tests may also be accepted where permitted by 糖心传媒 admission policies.
Whether you can defer your place depends on the veterinary course you have been offered.
For the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, deferral may be approved in exceptional circumstances such as serious illness, injury or compassionate grounds, subject to university policies and available places.
For the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours), deferred commencement is not permitted. Applicants who choose not to commence must submit a new application in a future admission round.
糖心传媒 is targeting an annual intake of approximately 35 to 40 students into the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours).
As admission is competitive, applicants are ranked according to academic and non-academic selection criteria.
If your application is unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply again in a future admission cycle.
Many successful applicants improve their competitiveness by:
• Improving their academic results
• Completing university study and building a stronger Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Gaining more animal handling experience
• Developing experience in veterinary clinics or animal industries
• Completing studies in biology, chemistry, animal science or related disciplines
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is also a common pathway for students seeking to strengthen a future Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine application.
You may be eligible for credit if your previous study is equivalent to units within the veterinary course.
Credit is assessed individually and depends on:
• The content of your previous studies
• The level of qualification completed
• How closely the completed subjects align with 糖心传媒 veterinary units
Because veterinary programs are highly specialised, credit is only granted where equivalent learning outcomes can be demonstrated.
Applicants who have completed veterinary, animal science or biomedical science studies are more likely to be eligible for credit.
Students transferring from the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology to the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) may receive credit for units that are shared across both courses.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning if you can demonstrate relevant veterinary or animal industry skills and experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning assesses whether your previous workplace experience or training is equivalent to the learning outcomes required in the course.
Approval is not guaranteed. Previous experience must align closely with the practical competencies and professional skills required by the program.
Clinical skills requirements can limit the amount of Recognition of Prior Learning that can be granted.
Assumed knowledge refers to subjects that are not mandatory for admission but are strongly recommended because they help prepare you for study in veterinary science.
Unlike some veterinary programs, the 糖心传媒 Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) does not require specific prerequisite subjects. However, previous study in:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Animal science
can help you succeed in the course and may strengthen your preparedness for veterinary studies. Your academic preparation may also be considered during applicant ranking.
Applicants who progress to the interview stage will normally receive an update on their application status by mid-December.
Applicants should monitor their email and application portal regularly for updates, interview invitations and admissions outcomes.
No. Due to the number of applications received, 糖心传媒 cannot provide individual feedback on applications or interview performance.
Applicants who are not successful are encouraged to strengthen future applications by:
• Improving academic performance
• Gaining companion animal, equine and production animal experience
• Building clinical or veterinary practice exposure
• Developing knowledge of the veterinary profession
• Demonstrating the professional attributes expected of veterinarians
These experiences can help improve the competitiveness of future applications.
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General
糖心传媒 offers two veterinary science degrees: the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) and the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is a five-year full-time degree that provides the knowledge, practical skills and clinical experience required to become a registered veterinarian. Graduates are prepared for veterinary practice through a combination of scientific study, animal handling, clinical skills development and workplace learning.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is a three-year full-time degree that prepares graduates to work as veterinary technologists and veterinary nurses. The course develops both practical and theoretical knowledge in areas including anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, reproduction, clinical pathology, microbiology, radiography and pharmacology. Graduates learn to work as part of a veterinary healthcare team in a range of clinical and animal care settings.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) qualifies graduates to become registered veterinarians, while the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology qualifies graduates to work as veterinary technologists.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) allows graduates to diagnose diseases, perform surgery, prescribe medications and provide veterinary treatment. The curriculum is designed to meet stringent accreditation standards and ensure graduates achieve the Day One Competencies required of veterinarians.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology prepares graduates to support veterinarians in clinical practice. Veterinary technologists play an important role in animal care, diagnostics, anaesthesia, nursing, patient monitoring and practice operations, working as part of the veterinary healthcare team.
糖心传媒's veterinary program is designed to produce practice-ready graduates with strong clinical, practical and animal handling skills, particularly for rural and regional veterinary practice.
The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, clinical exposure and animal handling from the beginning of the course. Students work directly with animals from their first term of study and begin developing practical clinical skills early in the curriculum.
The curriculum combines practical experience with the scientific knowledge required for modern veterinary practice. Students are also taught how to independently source, evaluate and apply new evidence and information throughout their professional careers.
The program aims to graduate veterinarians who are independent, adaptable and capable of working effectively in contemporary veterinary workplaces, particularly in regional and rural communities.
Graduates who successfully complete all course, assessment and placement requirements will be eligible to apply for veterinary registration in Australia and New Zealand, subject to final accreditation of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours).
Registration applications are made through the relevant veterinary registration board in the state, territory or country where you intend to practise.
The 糖心传媒 Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is progressing through the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council accreditation process, with final accreditation expected when the first cohort reaches the final stage of the program in 2030.
Inherent Requirements are the fundamental abilities, skills and attributes that students must demonstrate to successfully complete a veterinary course.
These requirements include physical, communication, cognitive, behavioural and ethical capabilities that are essential for veterinary education and professional practice.
Where possible, 糖心传媒 may provide reasonable adjustments to support students in meeting these requirements while maintaining the academic and professional standards of the course.
Fitness to Practice refers to a student's ability to safely, ethically and professionally participate in veterinary education and enter the veterinary profession.
In addition to meeting Inherent Requirements, students must demonstrate professional behaviour, clinical competence, ethical decision-making and compliance with legal and professional standards.
Fitness to Practice helps ensure graduates can provide safe and effective animal care, work professionally with clients and colleagues, and uphold the standards and reputation of the veterinary profession.
Inherent Requirements and Fitness to Practice are related but different concepts.
Inherent Requirements describe the essential abilities, knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete a veterinary course.
Fitness to Practice assesses whether a student can safely, ethically and professionally enter the veterinary profession and work with animals, clients and the wider community.
In simple terms, Inherent Requirements relate to capability, while Fitness to Practice relates to professional suitability and conduct.
Official 糖心传媒 policies, procedures and governance documents are available through the 糖心传媒 Policy Library.
The Policy Library includes information relating to assessment, grading, appeals, academic integrity, placements, student conduct and other areas of University operations.
Yes. After graduating, you must meet any registration requirements that apply to the profession and location where you intend to work.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) must apply for registration with the relevant veterinary registration board in the Australian state, territory or country where they intend to practise. Registration is required before practising as a veterinarian.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology who intend to work in Western Australia are also subject to registration requirements. Similar registration requirements may be introduced in additional Australian jurisdictions in the future.
Students should confirm the registration requirements that apply in their preferred employment location prior to graduation.
International students can apply for the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology but are not currently eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours).
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology accepts eligible international onshore students who meet the University's admission requirements.
At present, international applicants are not eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours). Applicants should check the current course information and admission requirements before applying, as eligibility requirements may change over time.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is progressing through the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council accreditation process and has currently received "Provisional Accreditation" status.
Accreditation of a new veterinary degree occurs in stages. 糖心传媒 is actively working with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council to achieve full accreditation for the program.
The course has already met the first stage of accreditation by receiving "Reasonable Assurance" status. Once students commence the program, the course is expected to progress to "Provisional Accreditation." Final accreditation will be assessed when the first cohort reaches the final stage of the program, which is anticipated to occur in 2030.
Graduating from an accredited veterinary degree allows graduates to seek registration and practise in Australia and New Zealand.
International accreditation arrangements, including accreditation by organisations such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), are not currently in place.
Students should be aware that international accreditation cannot be applied retrospectively. To be eligible for registration pathways associated with an international accreditation, students must complete their veterinary degree while the accreditation is active.
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Study
Special Consideration allows you to request adjustments to assessment requirements when illness, injury, personal circumstances or other significant events affect your ability to complete an assessment or examination.
Special Consideration may allow for:
• An extension of time for an assessment
• Alternative assessment arrangements
• Alternative examination arrangements
• Other reasonable adjustments to assessment requirements
To be eligible, you must submit a Special Consideration application using the 糖心传媒 Special Consideration eForm and provide any required supporting documentation. Applications should normally be submitted within two working days of the affected assessment or examination.
You must submit a 糖心传媒 Special Consideration eForm within two working days of the affected assessment or examination.
Your application should include supporting evidence that explains how your circumstances affected your ability to complete the assessment or examination requirements. Supporting documentation may include medical certificates or other relevant evidence.
Students should submit their application as soon as possible after the circumstances occur.
The process for requesting a review of an assessment mark or final grade depends on the type of decision you wish to challenge and the stage of the review process.
糖心传媒 has formal procedures for:
• Requesting feedback on assessment outcomes
• Querying assessment marks
• Requesting a review of marks
• Appealing final grades
• Appealing other academic decisions
Students should follow the University's Student Appeals process and review the relevant assessment and grading procedures before submitting an application.
Attendance is compulsory for many practical, laboratory, tutorial and clinical learning activities within the veterinary programs.
Attendance requirements exist because students must develop and demonstrate essential workplace, clinical and professional competencies that cannot be achieved through independent study alone. Some activities are also required to meet workplace health and safety requirements, accreditation standards and veterinary Day One Competencies.
Failure to attend mandatory classes or activities without an approved reason may affect your ability to complete assessments, demonstrate required competencies, undertake placements or progress through the course.
Students who are unable to attend due to illness or other serious circumstances may be eligible to apply for Special Consideration.
The veterinary programs use a combination of traditional academic assessments and practical competency-based assessments.
Students may complete:
• Quizzes
• Written assignments
• Reports
• Examinations
• Practical examinations
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
• Workplace-based assessments
• Placement performance evaluations
A strong emphasis is placed on demonstrating professional competence and workplace readiness, reflecting the practical nature of veterinary education.
糖心传媒 and the Veterinary Sciences Discipline provide a range of support services to help students succeed academically and personally throughout their studies.
Support services include:
• Academic support programs
• Learning advisers
• Study skills assistance
• Disability and Inclusion support services
• Learning Access Plans
• Student wellbeing services
• Counselling and personal support services
Students are encouraged to access support as early as possible if they experience challenges that may affect their academic performance, participation or wellbeing.
Rural and regional applicants may be eligible for consideration through rural access or equity admission schemes where applicable.
The veterinary programs have been developed with a strong focus on supporting rural and regional veterinary workforce needs. The programs are particularly interested in applicants who intend to work in mixed-animal practice in rural and regional communities.
Eligibility requirements and priority arrangements may vary between admission cycles. Applicants should review the current Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) admissions information to determine whether any rural, regional or equity access schemes apply.
糖心传媒 delivers veterinary clinical education through a Distributed Model of Clinical Instruction.
Rather than relying solely on university-owned veterinary hospitals, clinics or farms, students develop practical and clinical skills through placements and learning experiences with approved external partners. These may include veterinary clinics, hospitals, farms, animal enterprises and other veterinary workplaces.
Students are supervised by experienced veterinary professionals and supported by 糖心传媒 academic staff throughout their clinical and professional placements. Field stations and research farms may also be used for production animal and wildlife learning experiences.
Students who experience difficulties meeting required competencies, professional standards or course requirements may be offered support, remediation and reassessment opportunities where appropriate.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) and Bachelor of Veterinary Technology include progression requirements designed to support the progressive development of knowledge, skills and professional competencies throughout the course.
If concerns arise regarding competency development, professional conduct or other requirements, students may be required to:
• Undertake remediation activities
• Complete reassessment
• Participate in additional learning activities
• Follow an individual progression plan
In some circumstances, students may be required to temporarily or permanently withdraw from the course if required standards cannot be achieved.
Future exit pathway options may be developed for students who successfully complete Year 3 of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) but do not continue through the remainder of the veterinary program.
Students receive enrolment instructions and orientation information before the start of Term 1.
Students enrol in their units through the 糖心传媒 student portal and MyEnrolment system. Information about enrolment, orientation activities, timetables and course commencement requirements is provided before classes begin.
Students should regularly check their student email account and enrolment portal for important updates and deadlines.
Yes. The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) requires significant on-campus attendance because veterinary medicine is a highly practical and hands-on profession.
Students develop technical skills, animal handling skills, clinical skills and professional capabilities through direct interaction with animals, teaching staff, equipment and specialised veterinary facilities. Much of the learning occurs in small-group practical settings and cannot be completed remotely.
Specialised veterinary training is delivered through purpose-built facilities on the Lismore and Wollongbar campuses, together with external partner organisations. Students should expect to attend these facilities frequently throughout their studies and should plan to live within commuting distance of the Lismore campus.
If you have been granted an exemption, you must comply with all conditions outlined in your official exemption outcome letter.
Your outcome letter explains:
• The approved exemption
• Any restrictions or conditions that apply
• Actions you must take to remain compliant
• Relevant timeframes
• Any placement-related requirements
Students are responsible for following all instructions and meeting all conditions specified in the exemption documentation.
Students who wish to take a period of leave from the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) must first discuss their circumstances with the Course Coordinator.
Students who have an approved leave of absence exceeding 12 months must meet with the Course Coordinator before returning to the program. Continuation in the course may depend on the duration of the absence, curriculum requirements and available places within future cohorts.
Approval of a leave of absence does not automatically guarantee continuation in the course following an extended interruption to studies.
Students who wish to interrupt their studies in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology must discuss their plans with the Course Coordinator before taking leave.
Students are generally not permitted to have more than 12 months between studying two units unless prior approval has been granted.
Students returning after an approved interruption of 12 months or more may be required to complete practical or theoretical remediation activities to ensure that their skills and knowledge remain current before continuing in the course.
Continuation in the course after an extended interruption is also subject to the availability of places within the relevant teaching period and student cohort.
Students are responsible for the travel and accommodation costs associated with practical learning activities and Work Integrated Learning placements.
Students may be eligible for assistance through a range of University support services and programs, including:
• Scholarships
• Student loan programs
• Accommodation support services such as UniStays
• Other available financial support initiatives
Students should review available support options and funding opportunities before undertaking placements that may require travel or temporary relocation.
Students who disagree with a final grade should follow the processes outlined in 糖心传媒's assessment and appeals procedures.
The University provides formal pathways for:
• Seeking clarification or feedback
• Requesting a review of an assessment outcome
• Appealing academic decisions where appropriate
Students should review the Assessment, Teaching and Learning Procedures and the Rules Relating to Awards when considering a formal appeal.
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Vaccination
Yes. Students are required to complete specified vaccinations and health requirements to support safe participation in practical learning activities, animal handling and Work Integrated Learning placements.
Vaccinations should be arranged as early as possible after admission to the course so that students are ready to participate in practical classes and placements when required.
Before attending certain practical activities or Work Integrated Learning placements, students must provide evidence that they have met the required vaccination and health screening requirements. These currently include Q Fever vaccination and Tetanus vaccination, as well as any additional health checks or clearances specified in placement documentation.
Students are responsible for ensuring that all required documentation is submitted within the required timeframes. Failure to meet vaccination or health screening requirements may affect participation in practical activities, placements and progression through the course.
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Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a compulsory component of both veterinary programs and provides students with supervised experience in professional veterinary and animal-related environments.
Through WIL, students apply their academic learning in real workplace settings and develop practical, clinical and professional skills under supervision.
Students complete WIL activities through a combination of clinical placements, professional placements and other experiential learning opportunities with approved veterinary practices, hospitals and industry partners.
The amount and type of WIL required varies between the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) and the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. Detailed placement requirements are outlined in the relevant course structure information.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) must complete a substantial amount of Work Integrated Learning throughout the program.
Work Integrated Learning is an essential component of veterinary education because it allows students to develop professional capabilities, clinical skills and workplace readiness through direct participation in real veterinary and animal industry environments.
To complete the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours), students must successfully complete:
Animal Husbandry Work Integrated Learning (AHWIL)
10 weeks of Animal Husbandry Work Integrated Learning. These placements occur in farms and animal management enterprises where students participate in the day-to-day care, handling and husbandry of animals. Activities are designed to develop practical animal management skills and an understanding of animal production systems.
Preclinical Work Integrated Learning (PCWIL)
4 weeks of Preclinical Work Integrated Learning. These placements allow students to work alongside veterinary teams in a para-professional capacity and gain familiarity with veterinary workplaces, professional roles and clinical operations before entering advanced clinical training.
Extra-Mural Clinical Work Integrated Learning
12 weeks of Extra-Mural Clinical Work Integrated Learning. During these placements, students actively participate in veterinary clinical activities under the supervision of registered veterinarians. Students contribute to diagnosing, treating and managing animal patients while gaining experience across a range of clinical contexts.
Intra-Mural Clinical Work Integrated Learning
30 weeks of Intra-Mural Clinical Work Integrated Learning. These clinical placements are completed through 糖心传媒-controlled or contracted teaching sites. Placement schedules are centrally coordinated by the University to ensure students achieve the required clinical experiences and learning outcomes.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology must complete a minimum of 18 weeks of Work Integrated Learning.
The placement requirements include:
• 4 weeks of intramural Work Integrated Learning through VTWIL-1 and VTWIL-2.
• 12 weeks of clinical Work Integrated Learning through VTEC3007 and VTEC3008.
• 2 weeks of extramural Work Integrated Learning through VTWIL-3.
Together, these placement activities provide students with practical experience across veterinary clinical environments and support the development of professional and technical skills required for veterinary technology practice.
Yes. Students may arrange their own Work Integrated Learning placement provided the placement site meets University requirements and there is no conflict of interest.
Students who identify a suitable placement provider should discuss the proposed placement with the Veterinary Sciences Work Integrated Learning team. All placements must be reviewed and approved before they can be counted toward course requirements.
Approval will depend on factors such as the suitability of the workplace, supervisory arrangements, learning opportunities and compliance with University requirements.
No. Placement locations are determined by available learning opportunities and clinical requirements, and a placement close to home cannot be guaranteed.
Students should expect that some Work Integrated Learning activities may require travel or periods away from home.
The priority when allocating placements is ensuring students have access to appropriate learning experiences that meet course and accreditation requirements.
Yes. Placement arrangements may take approved disability-related requirements into consideration.
Students who are registered with Student Inclusion and Equity and have an approved Learning Access Plan that identifies specific placement needs may have these requirements considered during the placement allocation process.
For example, requirements relating to medical conditions, accessibility, travel limitations or the need to remain close to home may be considered where supported through approved University processes.
Being the sole carer of young children does not automatically provide priority access to specific placement locations or allocation preferences.
Students with extenuating circumstances who require consideration of matters such as placement location, travel requirements, start times or finish times may apply through the Work Integrated Learning Attendance Variation Application process.
Applications are submitted through Sonia using the Forms section and are assessed on an individual basis.
Part-time students complete Work Integrated Learning according to the progression of their individual study plan and course structure.
Placement timing will depend on:
• Your enrolled units
• The recommended course progression
• Completion of any prerequisite requirements
• Availability of placement opportunities
Students should refer to the course structure information published on the University website and contact Client Services if they require advice regarding study progression or Work Integrated Learning scheduling.