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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
5 years full-time
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Location
Lismore
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
85
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BVetMed(Hons)
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Course code
3508006
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Credit points
480
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Equivalent units
40
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
-
Duration
5 years full-time
-
Location
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
85
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BVetMed(Hons)
-
Course code
3508006
-
Credit points
480
-
Equivalent units
40
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is a five-year, full-time degree offered at the Southern Cross University Northern Rivers (Lismore) campus. It provides a comprehensive, skills-intensive and academically rigorous education, preparing graduates for a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.
The degree includes early development of clinical problem-solving skills by connecting basic and clinical sciences. There will be extensive opportunities to practise and hone core clinical, communication, and teamwork skills.
Work-Integrated Learning is central to the curriculum and covers a wide variety of contexts, from companion animal veterinary practice to large-scale production animal and mixed rural practice, critical care, native wildlife, regulatory practice and surgery.
For more detailed information on the course, please refer to the Course Information Package.
Important information for applicants:
There are a number of prerequisites and additional requirements that need to be met before applying for this course. Please refer to the How to Apply page for more information.
Vaccination Requirements
Students must receive compulsory vaccinations (Q-Fever and Tetanus) prior to commencement of study in Term 1. Other recommended vaccinations (not compulsory) are Lyssa Virus (rabies), COVID, and annual Influenza.
Attendance Requirements
Students must attend and participate in all scheduled classes and activities. While some learning sessions may not include direct assessment, they are all linked to the capabilities and knowledge you must demonstrate as a graduate veterinarian.
Travel and Equipment
Students are expected to fund and organise their own travel to external partner locations and will need to provide some of their own equipment (PPE, boots, overalls).
Additional Costs
There will be additional costs associated with your course. Please refer to the Additional Costs Guide for an indication of extra costs.
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"Our new, purpose-built teaching facilities on the beautiful Lismore campus, and our student-focussed staff, ensure a quality learning experience that aims to produce highly competent, practice-ready veterinarians and veterinary technicians."
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Scholarship: Retrieve, critically review and evaluate the validity of information to practice evidence-based veterinary medicine. Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Apply critical thinking skills and knowledge to prioritise problems then select and undertake diagnostic procedures and treatment plans. Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Develop and adapt treatment, diagnostic and prognostic recommendations to consider animal and client needs, available resources, ethical, regulatory requirements and the social context. |
GA2: Creativity Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Develop and adapt treatment, diagnostic and prognostic recommendations to consider animal and client needs, available resources, ethical, regulatory requirements and the social context. |
GA3: Ethical practice Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Develop and adapt treatment, diagnostic and prognostic recommendations to consider animal and client needs, available resources, ethical, regulatory requirements and the social context. Veterinary Public Health: Successfully engage in One Health activities to promote the health and safety of animals, people and the environment. Collaboration: Demonstrate the professional responsibilities, ethics and behaviours expected of registered veterinarians and effectively engage with members of professional/interprofessional teams in a range of cultural contexts. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Basic Science Knowledge: Apply advanced knowledge of animal structure, function, and biological processes identifying normal and abnormal states. Animal Handling and Clinical Skills: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to safely handle and manage animals to enable comprehensive and relevant examination and sample collection. Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Apply critical thinking skills and knowledge to prioritise problems then select and undertake diagnostic procedures and treatment plans. Individual Animal Care and Management: Perform routine clinical procedures, including anaesthesia, surgery and management of common emergencies. Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Develop and adapt treatment, diagnostic and prognostic recommendations to consider animal and client needs, available resources, ethical, regulatory requirements and the social context. Animal Population Care and Management: Demonstrate knowledge and skills in optimizing health, welfare, disease surveillance, prevention, and economics in managing animal populations. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Scholarship: Retrieve, critically review and evaluate the validity of information to practice evidence-based veterinary medicine. Animal Population Care and Management: Demonstrate knowledge and skills in optimizing health, welfare, disease surveillance, prevention, and economics in managing animal populations. Professionalism and Professional Identity: Take responsibility for professional and personal growth through lifelong learning, reflective practice and self-awareness of limitations. Financial and Practice Management: Demonstrate business acumen through a fundamental knowledge of veterinary organizations, including their management, business principles and governing legislation. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Clinical Reasoning and Decision-making: Develop and adapt treatment, diagnostic and prognostic recommendations to consider animal and client needs, available resources, ethical, regulatory requirements and the social context. Veterinary Public Health: Successfully engage in One Health activities to promote the health and safety of animals, people and the environment. Communication: Communicate effectively using oral, written and electronic formats to interact appropriately according to the audience and context. Collaboration: Demonstrate the professional responsibilities, ethics and behaviours expected of registered veterinarians and effectively engage with members of professional/interprofessional teams in a range of cultural contexts. |
GA7: Cultural competence Collaboration: Demonstrate the professional responsibilities, ethics and behaviours expected of registered veterinarians and effectively engage with members of professional/interprofessional teams in a range of cultural contexts. |
This course includes 56 weeks of core professional placement (Work-Integrated Learning or WIL) in a variety of veterinary and professional practice and animal health settings that include:
- Animal Husbandry WIL (10 weeks)
- Pre-Clinical WIL (4 weeks)
- Extra-Mural WIL (12 weeks)
- Intra-Mural Clinical WIL (30 weeks).
Please refer to the Work-Integrated Learning Outline for detailed information.
This course is very practical in nature and requires students to demonstrate development of what are known as ‘Day 1 Competencies’. This is a term used by accreditation bodies to describe the standard of knowledge, skills and abilities you must possess as a graduate veterinarian.
While some instruction is conducted online, students are required to attend face-to-face teaching sessions on-campus each week with many learning activities occurring off-campus at veterinary industry sites. Students are expected to fund and organise their own travel to external partner locations and need to provide their own protective clothing (laboratory coat, overalls, boots, scrubs). Students may also, on occasion, require additional equipment such as PPE (e.g. safety goggles). In some instances, buses will be provided for travel to and from the external site.
Please note: All students are required to undertake visits to abattoirs and observe the slaughter of livestock for human consumption. Animal cadavers are used as part of teaching and learning in this course.
Important information about your placements:
Veterinary Medicine students must complete compulsory vaccinations (QFever and Tetanus) prior to commencement of study in Term 1. Other recommended vaccinations (not compulsory) are Lyssa Virus (rabies) and annual Influenza.
Fitness to Practice (FtP) Guidelines
Fitness to practice refers to the ability of a veterinary student to meet the necessary physical, mental, and ethical standards required for safe and effective veterinary care. It encompasses knowledge, skills, professional behaviour, and the ability to handle the demands of the profession. As a candidate for veterinary medical studies, understanding fitness to practice ensures you are aware of the potential challenges of a career in veterinary medicine. Cultivating a professional ethical identity is imperative to the profession and foundational to meeting the expectations of integrity, respect and trust in community.
Veterinary Sciences Inherent Requirements
Please ensure you have reviewed and understand the Inherent Requirements for this course.
Students will develop a solid theoretical understanding of animal husbandry, microbiology, genetics and breeding, anatomy and physiology, population health, food safety, animal nutrition, pharmacology and pathology.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 |
Career Outcomes
Graduates will be eligible to be registered to practise as veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand in settings including veterinary practices and clinics, veterinary hospitals, agricultural businesses, zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
Graduates will also have opportunities to work in government and non-government organisations relating to biosecurity, pharmaceuticals and public health.
The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council has granted the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) course the accreditation classification of Reasonable Assurance.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours), applicants must:
Academic Factors
1. Meet at least one of the required achievement standards:
- Year 12 studies that meet the minimum ATAR/rank specified; or
- Tertiary studies of at least 1 year or full time equivalent, of a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 5.5 or above; or
- Completed tertiary studies (Bachelor’s degree or above) with a GPA of 5.0 or above
Non-Academic Factors
2. Demonstrated previous experience working with animals and an aptitude for understanding veterinary or animal health sector workplaces by providing a personal statement and evidence detailing:
- Practical experience working with animals
- Motivation for application and interest in the veterinary profession
3. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, which will assess:
- Communication skills
- Suitability for the veterinary profession
Students within the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) are assumed to have foundational knowledge in one or two subjects such as advanced mathematics, biology, agriculture, chemistry or physics.
English Language Requirements:
Applicants will meet the Language Admission requirements if they have:
- Completed at least 2 years of senior secondary studies which was taught and assessed solely in English in Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, OR
- Have successfully completed and attained a tertiary (equivalent AQF 7 Bachelor degree or higher) of at least 1-year full time duration which was taught and assessed solely in English in Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America
Alternatively:
- A valid IELTS Academic test score overall 7.0 with no sub score below 7.0 (or equivalent scores in a SCU approved English language proficiency test in a single siting
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7 |
| Reading | 7 |
| Writing | 7 |
| Listening | 7 |
| Speaking | 7 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) students must successfully complete ALL of the following requirements:
- 38 core units (480 credit points); and
- 10 weeks animal husbandry WIL, 4 weeks pre-clinical WIL, 6 weeks clinical WIL; and
- Professional, practical and clinical skills assessments across the program
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
To meet professional regulatory and course accreditation requirements for the BVetMed, students MUST successfully complete the following listed work integrated learning requirements prior to graduation. Professional attributes and behaviours as outlined in the Fitness to Practice guidelines MUST be demonstrated during the WIL undertakings.
- 10 weeks animal handling WIL; and
- 4 weeks preclinical WIL; and
- 12 weeks clinical WIL (6 weeks delivered as units VMED4003 and VMED4005) and 6 weeks non-unit-based delivery); and
- 30 weeks intramural WIL (delivered as units VMED4001 and VMED4002)
Refer to the BVetMed Work Integrated Learning Outline.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details. Refer to the Veterinary Sciences Inherent Requirements.
Fitness to Practice
Students are required to be vaccinated with Q-Fever (including results) and Tetanus before starting any units. Refer to the Veterinary Sciences Fitness to Practice Guidelines.
Progression and Leave of Absence (LoA)
Students wishing to take any period away from their study must consult with and seek approval from the Course Coordinator.
Students who have taken a LoA greater than 12 months must meet with the Course Coordinator to determine continuation of study. Continuation of study may not necessarily be guaranteed depending on the period and nature of the absence.
Honours
All students successfully completing this course will be awarded Honours. Additionally, a student who has reached the required standard of academic performance may be awarded Honours with one of the following merit descriptors based on the criteria specified in Rule 10:
- First Class Honours
- Second Class Honours Division I
- Second Class Honours Division II
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access, an initiative created to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
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- Check requirements
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- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Notice: Applications for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) for Term 1 2026 have now closed.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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