The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree gives you the experience and flexibility to succeed in your choice of veterinary career: as a small or large animal veterinarian, an animal welfare supervisor in the agricultural industries, an equine health professional, a government veterinarian monitoring wildlife health or a zoo veterinarian.
Entry requirements
Find out more about entry requirements and the selection guidelines for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
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To be considered for entry, applicants must have completed a science-based undergraduate degree of at least three (3) years full time equivalent
Appropriate science-based degrees for entry include but are not limited to Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Dentistry, Domestic Animal Science, Ecology and Conservation Science, Forensic Science, Genetics, Marine Science, Medicine, Microbiology, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiology, Physiotherapy, Veterinary BioSciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Zoology.
The Academic Selection Committee determines the suitability of the science-based degree by reviewing the content completed, not by the qualification title.
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Entry to the DVM is competitive, and full details of our admissions processes are outlined in the DVM Selection Guidelines.
Domestic Applicants
Due to the competitive nature of this course and the limited commonwealth supported places (CSP's) available, students are ranked highest to lowest based on their Overall Selection Score.
As an applicant's Overall Selection Score takes into account a range of factors (as outlined in our Selection Guidelines), the DVM WAM of a competitive applicant can vary. We encourage applicants with a DVM WAM of 65%+ to apply.International Applicants
A minimum DVM Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 75% (UoM equivalent) (based on final and penultimate year level subject results) is considered competitive. -
If you have not completed appropriate studies in biology and biochemistry you may be able to undertake these subjects as part of the Community Access Program (CAP) at the University of Melbourne.
Please note that these subjects may in turn have prerequisites.
You may also choose to study suitable prerequisite subjects at other institutions.
Lists of approved biochemistry subjects offered by other institutions which are deemed equivalent to suitable biochemistry subjects at the University of Melbourne are available below.
These lists are approved and compiled by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences for Doctor of Dental Surgery applicants but are also approved for DVM applicants by our Selection Committee.
The Faculty of Science does not assess prerequisite suitability for the DVM prior to application submission. You can use the resources provided above as a guide for self-assessment.
Please note that similar lists detailing pre-approved biology subjects do not exist, however university level general or cellular biology at 1st year level or above is sufficient for entry to the DVM.
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There is no minimum requirement for previous work experience with animals for entry into this program. However, previous work experience in a relevant setting (paid or unpaid) can be outlined in your personal statement and can demonstrate your commitment to animal health and welfare, and is therefore encouraged.
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There is no preference given to previous University of Melbourne students in the selection process.
However, University of Melbourne students undertaking a Bachelor of Science have the opportunity to apply for the DVM program via the Accelerated Pathway in their second year, shortening the combined length of both programs by 1 year.
Course structure and planning
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The opportunity to enter DVM with advanced standing (credit for previous studies) is limited to students who have completed veterinary science subjects taught by the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne.
Note: Applicants with veterinary science subjects completed at other institutions should expect to enrol in the full four-year DVM program.
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- Course Commencement: DVM commences at the start of Semester 1 (end of February/start of March) each year.
- Year 2: Normal Semester 1 start date.
- Year 3: Early February.
- Year 4: Start of January.
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- Years 1 and 2: Classes are primarily held at Parkville campus, with one day a week at our specialised veterinary campus in Werribee.
- Year 3: Classes are held at our Werribee campus.
- Year 4: The program is lecture-free, with contact hours primarily in clinical placements.
- Additional Information:
Students in Years 3 and 4 are also required to attend clinical and practical placements across diverse locations, including rural, regional, interstate, and sometimes overseas settings.
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- Clinical and Practical Placements:
- In Years 3 and 4, placements in various settings are mandatory.
- Pre-Clinical Extramural Placements:
- In Years 1 and 2, students must complete a total of 12 weeks of Animal husbandry and non-clinical experiential learning placements off site at locations such as farms during summer vacations and mid-year breaks.
- Travel and Expenses:
- Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
- If placements are undertaken at regional or rural locations, accommodation costs are also the student's responsibility.
- Additional Details:
More information on placements (and related non-tuition costs) is available on the LMS or through the Additional course costs for the DVM details.
- Clinical and Practical Placements:
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Due to the high contact hours and the integrated curriculum of the course, the DVM program cannot be undertaken on a part-time study load.
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Most students in the DVM manage casual / part-time work, however, it is important to understand that the DVM program is a demanding course in which students are expected to commit full-time efforts to succeed academically.
- Weekdays:
High contact hours during weekdays may conflict with typical work shifts. - After-hours:
Additional time may be needed for private or group study. - Final Year:
Part-time work is particularly challenging in the fourth year as students must be available for full-time clinical training at the Werribee campus and external practices.
- Weekdays:
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- Year 1 (and Veterinary BioSciences major): Approximately 22 hours per week.
- Year 2: Approximately 28 hours per week.
- Year 3: Approximately 35 hours per week.
- Year 4: Although lecture-free, students must be available full-time (generally 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays with additional rostered after-hours work).
- Important:
In Year 1 and 2, 12 weeks additional of animal husbandry and non-clinical experiential learning placements are required during semester breaks.
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- Years 1 and 2: Each semester is 12 weeks in duration.
- Year 3: Each semester lasts 14 weeks.
- Year 4: The final lecture-free year is a 42-week clinical placement period.
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Apart from tuition fees, there are additional costs associated with equipment, vaccinations, transport, and accommodation. For a detailed list, please refer to Additional course costs for the DVM.
Student Experience
Find out more about the student experience and how the DVM incorporates Work Integrated Learning into the curriculum.
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Students gain hands-on experience with:
- Large animals: Cattle and small ruminants (sheep, goats etc)
- Pets: Cats and dogs
- Equine (horses)
- Other miscellaneous animals: Additionally, there are opportunities to work with birds, wildlife, and various other species.
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- Extramural Studies:
- 12 weeks animal husbandry and non-clinical experiential learning placements:
Conducted during vacations in the first and second years between semesters (e.g., summer vacation). - 21 weeks Clinical Extramural studies:
Begin after the completion of examinations in the third year.
- 12 weeks animal husbandry and non-clinical experiential learning placements:
- Clinical Rotations:
The fourth year of the DVM is entirely lecture-free, as students participate in 23 weeks of clinical rotations, working closely with clinicians in consultations, clinical exams, treatments, and procedures.
- Extramural Studies:
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During year 4 clinical rotations, students are encouraged to undertake their clinical or professional practice extramural studies (EMS) placements interstate or overseas. Up to 50% of clinical EMS can be completed outside of Australia.
Due to the integrated curriculum and accreditation requirements, undertaking coursework for credit at other veterinary colleges is not available.
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