Overview

Becoming a veterinarian with Massey University's Veterinary Science course is a great goal that leads to an interesting, varied and rewarding career working with people and their animals. Massey’s veterinary degree is highly ranked and widely accredited. Our graduates can work in many countries including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and several in Asia.

Key facts

Veterinary science is a key focus for Massey University and we have some of the best facilities in Australasia. You can see them in our Behind the Scenes virtual tour.

We’re also currently building more great facilities that will make our future veterinary students’ learning experience even better.

Their Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) Massey University, is a five-year (10 semester) programme offered solely on the Manawatū campus. The first semester (starting in February) is referred to as the ‘pre-selection’ semester.

Depending on your performance in the pre-selection semester, you may be selected to the ‘professional phase’ beginning in July (4.5 years long). Selection is competitive so focussing on great results for your first semester is vital.

It pays to come well prepared for the pre-selection semester. Make sure you work on your people skills and get a good background in the sciences before joining us.

If you’re selected into the professional phase, you’ll be well trained in a broad range of species. You’ll get lots of hands on learning and develop problem-solving skills while learning everything you need to work as a veterinarian.

You’ll spend the final year on clinical placements and have the opportunity to focus more in your area of interest. In line with the international recognition of the degree, you will find the study rigorous, challenging and interesting.

Come and join us at Massey University and become one of tomorrow’s great veterinarians.

Career

Most veterinary graduates initially work in clinical practice for a few years. Some continue in clinical roles for the rest of their careers, while others may take the opportunity to develop further skills through clinical specialisation or postgraduate study. See the Careers and Jobs tab for more information.

New Zealand

Once you successfully complete the requirements for your Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), you’ll be able to register to practise as a veterinarian in New Zealand through the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. You’ll need to renew your registration annually to maintain a current practising certificate. As part of your annual renewal you’ll need to meet minimum practising standards (‘fitness to practice’).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Chemistry for Biological Systems

Biophysical Principles

Cell Biology

Animals and the Environment

Animal Behaviour and Welfare for Veterinary Science
Veterinary Biochemistry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-19 00:00:00 , National

More details

Applications will be considered after these dates if spaces are available.

Language

English

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Credits

600 alternative credits

120 credits/year

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Wellington, Australia

Disciplines

Veterinary Medicine View 3 other Bachelors in Veterinary Medicine in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Group 1 international students complete the pre-selection semester at Massey University in order to prove their capability for the professional phase. Group 1 students either do not meet all the eligibility criteria for Group 2 or met the criteria but were not ranked highly enough to be offered a Group 2 position.
Group 2 international students apply for entry into the professional phase of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) based on their academic performance in an appropriate undergraduate or postgraduate science degree at a university or college overseas.

You may be eligible for Group 2 if you are an international student who has:

Completed at least one year of full-time largely science-based study overseas at the time of applying, AND
Completed the equivalent of our pre-requisite courses AND
A GPA ≥ 5 (equivalent to a B average or GPA ≥ 3 in North America).

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Massey University and/or in your country of interest, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

84220 NZD / year

≈ 84220 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

15318 NZD / year

≈ 15318 NZD / year

Living costs

Palmerston North

New Zealand

1100 - 2100 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

This programme is taught in different countries. Which country are you interested in?

Country 1

Australia
New Zealand

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Veterinary Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Career

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Palmerston North

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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