Discover the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Why study with us
We are ranked 1st in Australia and 12th in the world for veterinary science by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020.
Find out moreThe University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
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The Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is a vertically integrated masters, 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.
This six year course will provide you with both a scientific foundation and specialist clinical and medical experience. In the first and second years of the degree, you will learn the fundamentals of biomedical and animal sciences that underpin veterinary sciences. The difference, though, is that this learning will be done in an integrated, cross-subject way that sets you up for understanding real-world situations.
From your third year of study we will immerse you in real-world medicine. We have a strong focus on clinical cases, applied problems, and practical experience means you will leave thoroughly prepared to launch straight into a career as vet. You’ll start training to be a professional by applying this knowledge in clinical settings, such as at our hospitals located on campuses in Sydney and Camden. Your final, lecture-free year will be spent entirely doing clinical rotations through a variety of placements. These will give you a taste of the many career options available, including small animal practice, rural mixed practice and government agencies, or more specialised options like equine and wildlife health.
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.
Ancillary costs associated with the BVetBiol/DVM
It is imperative students make allowance for ancillary fees associated with equipment, clothing and footwear, travel and accommodation relating to placements, and other incidentals. To assist students with their planning we provide a ‘guide’ on ancillary costs. These costs are not actual costs they are to be used as a guide only. It is important to note these fees will vary from year to year.
Additional course costs
This course has specific additional course costs that are important to note. To assist students with their planning, we provide a ‘guide’ on these additional course costs.
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 components
This course has a mandatory work component totalling 2172 hours that must be completed as part of the award requirements for the degree.
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | ||||
| 1 | 1 | Life and Evolution | Chemistry 1A | Introduction to Statistical Methods | Elective | |
| 2 | From Molecules to Ecosystems | Chemistry 1B | Concepts of Animal Management | Elective | ||
| 2 | 1 | Genetics and Genomics | Animal Energetics and Homeostatis | Animal Structure and Function | Elective | |
| 2 | Introductory Veterinary Pathogenesis | Animal Nutrition | Animal Structure and Function | Elective | ||
| 3 (DVM) | Foundations of Veterinary Science A & B Professional Skills 1A & 1B The Veterinary Professional 1 Animal Management Systems 1Research and Enquiry 1A & 1B |
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| 4 (DVM) | Principles of Animal Disease A & B Professional Skills 2A & 2B The Veterinary Professional 2 Animal Management Systems 2 Research and Enquiry 2A & 2B |
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| 5 (DVM) | Small Animal Practice A & B Veterinary Public Practice Veterinary Practice Management Clinical Foundations Research and Enquiry 3B Small Practice A & B Livestock Practice A & B Equine Practice A & B Exotic and Wildlife Practice Intensive Animal Practice |
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| 6 (DVM) | Small Animal Clinics A, B, C & D Large Animal Clinics A & B Lab Investigations of Clinical Disease Public, Industry or Community Placement Extramural Placement 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
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Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Biology is recommended.
Honours in Veterinary Biology is available to meritorious candidates who complete an additional year of full time study, after the successful completion of year 3. Students must complete the requirements for the honours course full-time over two consecutive semesters. If the Faculty is satisfied that a student is unable to attempt the honours course on a full time basis and if the Dean so recommends, permission may be granted to undertake honours part-time over four consecutive semesters.
Students who qualify to undertake honours in the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology may elect to enrol in the honours programme by suspending candidature from the Bachelor Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine for one year after successful completion of year 3, with the permission of the Faculty or by undertaking the honours course after completion of both degrees in the combined programme.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
* For 2021 entry - the University is currently reviewing the admission criteria for applicants with tertiary studies or a tertiary qualification, with the exception of current University of Sydney students. Updated information will be published on this page (expected to be in June 2020).
^ Applicants who have not been able to undertake planned work experience due to covid-19 should indicate this in the 'Additional Information' section of the commitment form and attach any supporting evidence such as a letter from the establishment where work experience was planned to be undertaken.
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks and activities necessary to be able to achieve the core learning outcomes of a course. They are specific to a particular course or discipline. To assist students to make informed choices about their study, we have identified and set out the Inherent Requirements for this course.
This course has a mathematics course prerequisite. For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
If you've already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
During your lecture free final year program you will undertake clinical rotations through a variety of career option placements. As a student intern you will complete rotations at our University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and with our Partners in Veterinary Education. Core placements are within the areas of small animal practice, rural mixed practice and government agencies. Elective rotations may be in a wide variety of areas and enable you to focus on particular career interests such as government, industry, research specialist practice, equine and wildlife.
During the first and second year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, students must travel to the University farms in Camden on a weekly basis. Camden is about 60km south-west of Sydney and the location of all large animal teaching facilities. Transport and other costs associated with travelling to and from the Camden campus must be covered by students. Public transport to this site from the nearest railway station is infrequent and students requiring transport are encouraged to join a carpool on a shared cost basis. The School assists students with organising a carpool.
During the third year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, all teaching and practical classes will be based in Camden, and students are advised to either keep the same travelling arrangements as in previous years or to make on-campus living arrangements.
We hold and maintains continuous accreditation through the transition to a new veterinary program. Graduates of accredited programs are immediately eligible for registration with the Veterinary Surgeons' Board in each state and territory in Australia. The course is also recognised internationally by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Students graduating from an AVMA accredited School have their degree recognised in North America and are entitled to sit the US National Veterinary Licensing Examinations.
Visit our accredited programs page to learn more.
In order to be eligible for registration, the University of Sydney must inform the Veterinary Practitioners Boards that you have completed the requirements of your degree.
The SSVS Board of Examiners will meet to confirm results after the end of the examinations. A list of graduates will be sent from the School Office to the different Veterinary Boards across Australia. Students seeking to practice Veterinary Medicine overseas, should consult the local registration authority for legislative and registration information.
Please visit the relevant Veterinary Practitioners Boards websites for further information:
Information on registration in the UK and North America can be found online at:
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Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and the specific units of study in which you enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
Please note that for some courses there are additional costs in addition to the student contribution. Some of these additional costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Please consult the University's web page for more information: https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Double degrees (undergraduate to postgraduate) - price differentiation
Commonwealth Supported students enrolling in a double degree course, please note that student contribution amounts for the postgraduate degree are higher than the undergraduate degree. Some combined degree courses also have a price differentiation. When you are calculating the likely total cost of your course please carefully factor in this price differentiation.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Students
The tuition fee for international undergraduate students is an indication of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount. For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Combined undergraduate degree tuition fees
For international students, for combined undergraduate degrees, a single indicative course tuition fee applies for the duration of your study in the combined degree, regardless of the units of study that are undertaken as part of your combined degree. Importantly, the single indicative course tuition fee is subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your study in the combined degree.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Double degrees (undergraduate to postgraduate) - price differentiation
The two indicative tuition fee rates for double degrees that comprise an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree with a higher tuition fee rate for the postgraduate degree. The first indicative tuition fee listed is for students commencing the undergraduate degree as part of the double degree for Year 1. The fee is subject to annual increases for each year of your study. The second indicative tuition fee listed is for students commencing the postgraduate degree for Year 1. This fee will be subject to a number of annual reviews and indexation before you may be eligible to commence your study in the postgraduate degree. You will need to consult the faculty for up-to-date information about your tuition fees.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
