There are only enough vets in Australia to meet 60% of the demand. This is due to an increase in pet ownership during COVID and a drop in university veterinarian entrants. This need is across the board, but particularly in rural areas and for emergency veterinarians.

IDP can help you with every step of the journey, from choosing your course, making your application, looking for relevant scholarships, and even finding accommodation.

Contact us today to chat about how we can help you start your new life in Australia with clarity, confidence, and certainty.

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Once qualified, there are a range of career options that include:

  • Animal nutritionist, salary AU$60,000 to $90,000

  • Zoologist, salary AU$60,000 to $120,000

  • Private practice caring for pets, salary AU$70,000 to $150,000

  • Rural farming practice, salary AU$90,000 to $160,000

  • Public health for domestic or wild animals, salary AU$90,000 to $140,000

  • Equine veterinarian, salary AU$100,000 to $150,000

  • Surgical, dental, or emergency specialisations, salary AU$70,000 to $150,000

Why Study Vet Science in Australia?

There is a huge shortage of qualified vets in Australia. For example, there are around one million horses, but only 8% of Australia’s registered 15,000 vets specialise in equine subjects. With a large number of farms and livestock, rural vets in Australia are in demand. In 2023, 40% of vet vacancies were advertised for more than a year before being filled.

This means that the career is on the skills shortage list and makes qualified vets eligible for permanent residency. This shortage is particularly acute in rural and regional areas.

Pathway to PR via Veterinary Sciences

ANZSCO 234711 Veterinarian is on the medium to long term skills shortage list in Australia. Once you’ve completed your course (student visa 500), you can apply for the temporary graduate visa (485). This allows you to live in work in Australia while looking for suitable employment.

From there, once you find a job, you can apply for any of these visas, depending on the role, location, and if you want to remain in Australia permanently.

Top Veterinary Courses in Australia

Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University

This three year course at Charles Sturt University provides all the fundamentals for horse care. This includes nutrition, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and training and performance. With six stable blocks, covered yard, indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and handling facilities, their equine centre is perfect, whether you board your own horse or care for theirs.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at The University of Sydney

This veterinary qualification from The University of Sydney qualifies you to become a registered vet. The four-year course follows on from a bachelor degree, and gives you the ability to drill down into your speciality or area of interest. There’s farm and clinical placements, and a mix of teaching delivery styles in and out of laboratories. The University of Sydney is ranked 23rd in the world for veterinary sciences, so this qualification is among the best of the best.

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) at The University of Adelaide

This three year degree is a great option for all Dr Dolittle’s out there. Animals all interact differently, and act in certain ways. This should inform how we work with them and ensure a positive future with them. This degree will teach you about animal development and the biological basis for their behaviours. This degree prepares you for non-clinical work such as dog adoptions, training guide dogs, or working with drug detection dogs.

Certificates in Veterinary Nursing

Certificates I, II, III and IV in veterinary nursing is a great way to learn practical skills and perhaps become an entry pathway into an undergraduate course. You’ll learn the basics of practical skills working with animals, so you can work as a nurse in a vet. How to feed, clean, and look after the most common animals. These certificates can be completed in most TAFE’s.

You can also move into related studies such as:

  • Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Animal Care)

  • Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming)

  • Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

  • Certificate III in Horse Breeding

  • Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care

  • Statement of Attainment in Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs

  • Certificate III in Horse Care

Still Not Sure? Contact IDP For Personalised Advice

If you’re still struggling to make a decision about which course or provider is right for you, contact us at IDP. We can help you make educated decisions about where you’ll flourish, and the steps you’ll need to take to stay in Australia permanently afterwards.