University of Melbourne Veterinary Science
- Acceptance Rate
- 30.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.75
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences centers on the Werribee campus, a purpose-built facility housing teaching spaces, research laboratories, and the veterinary hospital. The campus occupies former farmland approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Melbourne's central business district, creating a semi-rural environment suited to large animal work but requiring adjustment for students accustomed to urban campuses. The on-site animal population, including teaching animals and hospital patients, creates a unique atmosphere where students engage with animals daily. The DVM program's intensity creates strong bonds among classmates who progress through the curriculum together. Student organizations host academic and social events, from veterinary specialty interest groups to agricultural shows and sporting competitions. The professional nature of the program means that students often develop collegial relationships with faculty that extend beyond graduation into professional networks. Melbourne offers outstanding quality of life as Australia's cultural capital, with renowned restaurants, arts venues, and sporting events. The city's diverse neighborhoods each have distinct characters, from beachside suburbs to inner-city creative hubs. The Werribee campus location means that students must commute or choose housing in the western suburbs, balancing campus access against Melbourne's many attractions. Housing near Werribee is more affordable than in central Melbourne but offers fewer amenities. Some students live closer to the city and commute to campus, accepting longer travel times for access to urban social opportunities. The transition to clinical years, which may involve rotations at different locations, adds complexity to housing decisions. Cost of living in Melbourne has risen substantially but remains lower than Sydney, with student budgets requiring careful management.
Location & Surroundings
Melbourne spreads across the northern shores of Port Phillip Bay in southeastern Australia, a sprawling metropolis of five million people consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities. The city's reputation for culture, dining, and sport attracts visitors and residents from throughout Australia and internationally. The temperate climate features four distinct seasons, with mild winters that rarely reach freezing and warm summers occasionally punctuated by extreme heat. The Werribee campus occupies a semi-rural setting approximately 30 kilometers southwest of the Melbourne central business district, requiring dedicated travel time that sets it apart from urban campuses. The surrounding area combines agricultural land with growing residential suburbs as Melbourne's urban expansion reaches westward. The Werribee Open Range Zoo nearby provides opportunities for wildlife medicine experiences. Public transportation to Werribee includes train service on the Werribee line, with bus connections from the station to the campus. Many students drive, with parking available on campus. The commute from central Melbourne requires 45-60 minutes by train plus bus, or similar times by car depending on traffic. Students choosing housing in the western suburbs can significantly reduce commute times. Melbourne's international airport is approximately 40 kilometers north of the city center, with connections throughout Australia, Asia, and to global destinations. The city serves as a gateway to Australian wildlife, wine regions, and coastal areas that provide weekend escape opportunities. The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island's penguin population, and the Victorian high country lie within easy reach for students seeking outdoor experiences.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the DVM program differs substantially between domestic and international students. Commonwealth Supported Places for domestic students require annual contributions of approximately AUD 12,000, while full-fee international student places cost approximately AUD 75,000 annually. Living costs in Melbourne run AUD 20,000-25,000 annually for students, with housing representing the largest expense. Scholarship opportunities exist for domestic students through university and external awards, with some specifically targeted at rural students or those from underrepresented backgrounds. International student scholarships are competitive but available for exceptional candidates. Many students manage costs through part-time work, though the demanding DVM curriculum limits available working hours. Career outcomes for Melbourne veterinary graduates are excellent, with the qualification enabling registration throughout Australia and, through mutual recognition agreements, in many other countries. New graduates typically enter clinical practice, with positions available in companion animal, mixed, equine, and specialized practices. Government roles in biosecurity, public health, and wildlife management employ veterinarians, as do industry positions in animal health companies and agricultural organizations. Starting salaries for veterinary graduates in Australia range from AUD 60,000-75,000, with experienced veterinarians in specialized or management roles earning substantially more. The profession faces ongoing discussions about workload, mental health, and compensation relative to educational investment. Research and academic careers offer intellectual rewards alongside more modest compensation, with pathways through doctoral study and postdoctoral positions leading to faculty roles.
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