University
Massey UniversityBachelor of Veterinary Science – BVSc
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Summary
By studying at Massey you’ll join a highly ranked, world-class veterinary science qualification that will open up career options in a wide variety of rewarding areas relating to animal and human health. Massey’s veterinary degree is highly ranked globally and widely accredited. Our graduates work in many countries including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and parts of Asia.
Great facilitiesMassey University is the veterinary school for the whole of New Zealand. So it is a key focus for Massey University and we have some of the best facilities in Australasia. You can see some of 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.
Degree structure overviewOur Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), is a 5-year (10 semester) qualification offered solely on the Manawatū campus in Palmerston North. The first semester (starting in February) is referred to as the ‘pre-selection’ semester. Depending on your performance in the pre-selection semester courses and selection assessments, you may be selected to the ‘professional phase’ (4.5 years long) beginning in July. Selection is competitive so it pays to come well prepared for the pre-selection semester. Make sure you work on your communication and interpersonal skills and get a good background in the sciences (including maths) before joining us.
Professional veterinary trainingIf you’re selected into the professional phase, you’ll be well trained in a broad range of animal species. You’ll get hands-on experiences from day 1 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 spend part of the year focusing on an area of personal interest. In line with the international recognition of this degree, you will find the study rigorous, challenging and interesting.
International studentsMany international students study veterinary science at Massey. We understand it takes a special kind of person to choose to complete their veterinary degree abroad and we welcome you to join us.
Fast track your veterinary careerIn New Zealand, professional training qualifications (like medicine, vet and law) are undergraduate degrees, so you don’t need a previous degree to study. Whether you’ve recently completed high school or have already done a couple of years or even a degree at university, you can join us to become a veterinarian in a total of 5 years or less.
The Massey veterinary degree is one of the fastest paths to becoming a fully qualified veterinarian, accredited to work in many countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, NZ, South Africa and others). By spending fewer years at university, you can start your veterinary career sooner, start earning and save on tuition fees.
Renowned for an excellent lifestyle, New Zealand is a great place to study abroad for your American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA CoE) accredited veterinary degree.
A note for Canadian and American applicantsAn undergraduate veterinary degree is a different educational model than you would be used to. However, as our degree is accredited by the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations, you can be confident that it is recognized as the equivalent of a DVM degree from a North American vet school. This means you are eligible to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) and can return and work in the same way as if you had graduated from a vet school in North America.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Admission to MasseyAll students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirementsThe Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) is a 5-year degree divided into 2 phases:
- Pre-selection phase (a minimum of 1 semester). Entry into the pre-selection semester is open to anyone who meets the Massey University entry requirements.
- Professional phase (9 semesters – 4.5 years). Entry to the professional phase is by selection based on academic performance, non-academic performance, and relevant experience.
There are many inherent physical, cognitive and behavioural capabilities you’ll need, in order to meet the academic and professional requirements of the BVSc, and to practice as a veterinarian in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Expected high school preparationSuccessfully completing the following NCEA subjects (or equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate etc) should give you the background knowledge to pass the prerequisite courses.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.
- At least 14 credits of NCEA Level 2 Physics
- At least 14 credits of NCEA Level 2 Mathematics
However, the more science and maths experience you have, the better prepared you will be to do well enough in the prerequisite courses to meet the requirements for selection into the professional phase of the BVSc. If you haven’t done this level of science, contact us through the “Get advice” button on this page and we can discuss ways to help you prepare for the prerequisite courses. Put “vet selection advice” as the first line of your enquiry.
Phase 1: Pre-selection semesterThe pre-selection semester for the BVSc is offered at the Manawatū Campus in Semester One beginning in late February each year. It is your opportunity to show us that you have what it takes to become a veterinarian. You’ll complete the prerequisite courses and a range of selection assessments. You’ll need to do well in these to be selected into the professional phase, so work on your communication and interpersonal skills and get a good background in the sciences before joining us for the pre-selection semester.
Phase 2: Professional phaseThe professional phase of the BVSc is essentially ‘vet school’. It starts in Semester Two (mid-July) at the Manawatū Campus. There are more applicants than the number of places available in the professional phase (domestic students ~3-4 times, international students ~2 times), so there is a selection process. Selection is competitive, so make sure you come prepared.
If you are selected into the professional phase, over the next 4.5 years you will take courses which cover everything needed to become a qualified veterinarian. Please refer to the ‘Courses and Planning’ tab to see more about the courses in the professional phase.
Important notes regarding veterinary selectionThe total number of times you can apply for the BVSc professional phase (regardless of group) is limited to THREE (3). Attempts from 2020 onwards are counted.
The selection process to enter the professional phase is complex, so you should seek written advice about any questions you may have from a specialist veterinary academic adviser in the Academic Advice team at Massey University. This is especially important if you have completed any previous university-level study.
Contact an academic adviser through the Get advice button and note “vet selection advice” as the first line of your enquiry.
Please do not seek advice about veterinary selection from any other university staff members, as only the specialist veterinary academic advisers are trained regarding the many factors that must be considered. Please remember that in your application for admission you have agreed that you will not rely on verbal advice.
Professional phase selection – finding the right group for youYou’ll apply for selection in 1 of 4 application groups. There is some guidance below about the groups, but ultimately the university will determine the correct group for you based on whether you are a domestic or international applicant and your university study history.
How do I know if I am a domestic or international student?Do you have NZ citizenship or residency, or are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident who will be living in New Zealand when you study? If yes, then you are a domestic student (even if you have citizenship in another country). If not, then you ...
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