Veterinary Sciences

Veterinary student smiling at the camera

Start your career in animal care

Veterinarians and veterinary technologists play a vital role in animal health, biosecurity, food production and community wellbeing. With workforce shortages across Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas, demand for qualified professionals has never been greater.

Building on Southern Cross University's established strengths in agriculture, animal husbandry and health, our Veterinary Sciences programs prepare graduates to make a real impact from day one. Students benefit from an innovative curriculum, strong industry connections and practical learning experiences that reflect the realities of modern veterinary practice.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is a three-year degree focused on animal care, veterinary support and clinical practice across diverse animal species and settings.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is a five-year degree that prepares graduates for registration as veterinary surgeons.

Students learn at our Northern Rivers campus in Lismore, home to a multimillion-dollar, purpose-built Veterinary Sciences Precinct featuring dedicated facilities for anatomy, surgery, animal handling, simulated practice and community-based clinical learning.

Southern Cross University has been granted Provisional Accreditation by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours).

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“Our Northern Rivers campus is surrounded by farmland, with close links to wildlife carer groups, and owners of all animals great and small. With local connections and a global outlook, our courses prepare graduates for impactful careers. ”

Professor Jon Hill Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering
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Browse the courses

Browse the courses

Welcome to our new Veterinary Sciences Precinct

The veterinarians of tomorrow need more than knowledge. They need the confidence, experience and skills to provide exceptional care.
I'm Professor Rowland Cobbold, Discipline Chair of Veterinary Sciences at Southern Cross University.
Our Veterinary Sciences Precinct at the Northern Rivers campus in Lismore   provides students with an outstanding learning experience from day one.
The facilities reflect progressive veterinary training practice, giving students the opportunity to learn in authentic clinical environments.
The learning spaces represent a working veterinary clinic with a reception area, consultation rooms, as well as treatment and surgical suites, offering students hands-on experience with real animals.
These purpose-built facilities are designed to build confidence and prepare graduates for a   rapidly evolving profession, addressing a national shortage of regional vets.
Students learn in specialist laboratories equipped with industry-standard technology, from diagnostic testing to surgical training.  
The facilities are designed to allow students to gain the experience needed for Day 1 practice, using the kinds of equipment they'll encounter throughout their careers.
In our anatomy lab, students develop a deep understanding of animal structure and function; while the clinical skills centre provides a space for students to hone their technical skills on  
clinical models. We're preparing students to make  a meaningful difference in veterinary practice.   But the true impact of these experiences  is best told by the students themselves.
Hi, my name's Ryan and I'm studying Veterinary Medicine at Southern Cross University. I'd say  
my favourite part about the facilities is the surgical lab and the brand new equipment that  
they've put throughout. Everything is set up to make sure that this brand new cohort of students   comes through with the latest learning, the latest education and the latest tools.
Hello, my name is Ella. I'm studying Veterinary Medicine at Southern Cross University. My  
favourite part of the facility here is the simulation of a real-life vet clinic. So,  
we've got reception areas, consult rooms and surgery rooms. In the surgery room, there's  
amazing, state-of-the-art equipment and I'm really excited to be able to use that before going out   into the industry. So, it really prepares us for what we can expect in our careers later on.

Transforming the future of Veterinary Practice

Shaped by industry

Our courses are designed in consultation with the profession.

Graduate job-ready

A substantial professional placement builds invaluable on-the-job experience.

Well above world standard result

Zoology and Veterinary Science in the latest Excellence in Research for Australia results

FAQs

SCU offers two Veterinary Science courses: the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) and the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology.

 

The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is a five-year full-time degree that delivers the knowledge, skills, and clinical exposure required for you to practice as a registered veterinary surgeon.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is a three-year full-time course that allows you to practice as a veterinary nurse/technologist. You will also develop a strong theoretical understanding of a veterinary health care team philosophy and practice. The course also includes training in anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition and reproduction, clinical pathology and microbiology, radiography, and pharmacology.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is the degree that allows to be registered to practise veterinary medicine and surgery when you graduate. The degree and associated curriculum are tightly controlled to be compliant with stringent accreditation requirements, to guarantee you’ll graduate with all of the skills (Day 1 Competencies) you need to be a vet. 

The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology qualifies you to be a veterinary technologist. Vet Techs support vets in clinical practice, much like a human nurse works with doctors. But they do much more – please refer to the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology course page for more details. 

 

The Southern Cross University Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is designed to produce practice-ready graduates who are optimally selected and trained to work in general, mixed-animal practice in rural and regional areas.

We prioritise clinical and practical training, breadth and depth of animal handling experiences, complemented by essential theoretical knowledge, and the skills to independently source and critically evaluate new knowledge for clinical application.

You will have the opportunity to work directly with animals from the first term of the first year and will engage in clinical training very early. Our graduates will be self-motivated, independent, and capable professionals who are willing to take on new challenges and who can work effectively in modern professional work environments. 

Yes, the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) requires regular on-campus attendance.

Veterinary training involves extensive hands-on learning with animals, specialised equipment and clinical facilities that cannot be completed remotely.

Students participate in practical classes, animal handling activities and clinical training on the Lismore and Wollongbar campuses, as well as with external placement partners.

Students should plan to live within commuting distance of the Lismore campus for the duration of the course.

Yes, vaccinations should be undertaken on admission into the courses, to protect you during your early training.

Prior to scheduling of practical sessions and work-integrated learning placements, you must present evidence of required immunisations (Q-Fever and Tetanus), or other clearances as outlined in placement documentation. 

Come visit

Get a taste of the Southern Cross University experience through our webinars, campus tours and info sessions.

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Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

View our scholarships
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Alternative pathways

No matter where you're starting from, our pathway programs, Diplomas and English language courses can help you get there.

Explore pathways
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Ready to see where Veterinary Sciences takes you?

Explore your study options, connect with our team and take the next step towards your future career.

Register your interest
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The Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a leader in outstanding research and industry innovation, offering a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees which specialise in engineering, IT, regenerative agriculture, environmental science, marine science and veterinary studies. Each course is designed to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge and capabilities, focused on innovative approaches to contemporary issues, while opening doors and opportunities for them anywhere in the world. Our strong links with industry form a fundamental part of our internship programs, giving our students experience in real jobs before they graduate.

 

Visit the Faculty of Science and Engineering