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Animal health and veterinary science
Make a difference in animal health and veterinary science
Study animal health and veterinary science to learn about different animal species, their importance for people and the environment, and challenges we face in contemporary conservation.
Studying animal health and veterinary science will give you an all-inclusive appreciation of the multidisciplinary sciences involved in the veterinary and allied animal science industries, including companion animals and wildlife.
Your animal health and veterinary science studies will be in the One Health framework, ensuring you understand the linkages between veterinary health, human medicine and the environment at local, national and global levels.
If you choose to study the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, you can become a practising veterinarian.
You can choose a specialist animal health or veterinary science degree, or choose to undertake animal health or veterinary science related program, major, minor, or electives within one of our other degrees.
Animal health and veterinary science courses
- Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience
Graduate with an all-inclusive appreciation of the multidisciplinary sciences involved in the veterinary and allied animal science industries. - Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga)
Develop your expertise in wildlife conservation, taught by researchers and practitioners the University of Sydney and Taronga Conservation Society Australia. - Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Study to become a registered veterinary practitioner with this six-year degree, which is globally recognised.
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
- Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science
Programs and majors available in these courses:
Most of these majors are also available as minors.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Study to become a registered veterinary practitioner in this four year degree. - Master of Veterinary Studies (coursework) and Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies (research)
This combined master by coursework and research degree is for veterinarians who want to enhance their clinical skills and/or seek to become veterinary specialists in a range of areas.
Accredited programs
The veterinary degrees at the University of Sydney are accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc. (AVBC Inc.) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK). Graduating from an accredited veterinary school is essential before graduates are able to practice as a licensed veterinarian.
The University of Sydney was ranked first in Australia and 26th in the world for veterinary science by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc.
The veterinary degrees from the University of Sydney are recognised by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc., allowing graduates to be eligible for registration with the Veterinary Surgeons' Board in all states and territories of Australia and in New Zealand.
American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education
Following its global accreditation site visit in 2019, the Sydney School of Veterinary Science has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Last Site Visit: 2019
Next Site Visit: 2026
Accreditation by the AVMA allows our graduates to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is a prerequisite for all veterinarians seeking to practice in North America.
University of Sydney NAVLE Results
| N | Number passing | Percent passing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| November/December 2009 and April 2010 | 4 | 3 | 75% |
| November/December 2010 and April 2011 | 5 | 4 | 80% |
| November/December 2011 and April 2012 | 17 | 16 | 94% |
| November/December 2012 and April 2013 | 16 | 14 | 88% |
| November/December 2013 and April 2014 | 8 | 6 | 75% |
| November/December 2014 and April 2015 | 16 | 13 | 81% |
| November/December 2015 and April 2016 | 19 | 15 | 79% |
| November/December 2016 and April 2017 | 13 | 10 | 77% |
| November/December 2017 and April 2018 | 9 | 7 | 78% |
| November December 2018 and April 2019 | 11 | 6 | 55% |
| November December 2019 and April 2020 | 17 | 16 | 94% |
| November December 2020 and April 2021 | 23 | 15 | 65% |
| November December 2021 and April 2022 | 22 | 16 | 73% |
| November December 2022 and April 2023 | 34 | 23 | 68%% |
| Cumulative results 2009 - 2023 | 214 | 164 | 77% |
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK)
The veterinary degrees at University of Sydney are recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK) through a mutual recognition agreement with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council. This allows graduates to apply to practice veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom and certain countries in Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
South African Veterinary Council
The veterinary degrees at University of Sydney are recognised by the South African Veterinary Council. This allows graduates to apply to practice veterinary science in South Africa.
Why study with us?
- We are ranked 1st in Australia and 26th in the world for veterinary sciences by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Our courses in animal health and veterinary science include hands-on laboratory, field, industry or clinical experience that’s relevant to your area of study.
- Our Camperdown Campus offers modern lecture theatres, advanced laboratories and a well-equipped clinical teaching hospital. Our Camden campus allows students to work directly with livestock and gain experience with the large-animal industries of sheep, dairy, pigs, cattle and aquaculture.
- You have the chance to access our University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals in Camperdown and Camden, Taronga Zoo staff, facilities and animals, and do work placements with industry partners.
- If you choose the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or graduate entry Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, you will be eligible when you graduate for immediate registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board in each state and territory in Australia, and is recognised internationally by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK).
Animal health and veterinary science careers
Our graduates can be found in many settings and roles, including:
- animal breeding program manager
- animal health and quarantine manager
- animal nutritionist
- animal production manager
- biosecurity scientist
- biotechnologist
- medical researcher
- microbiologist
- molecular geneticist
- national parks and wildlife services officer
- reproductive technologist
- sustainable agriculturalist
- veterinarian
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