Program Overview

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Bachelor of Veterinary Science – BVSc

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) is a 5-year degree divided into 2 phases: a pre-selection phase (a minimum of 1 semester) followed by a professional phase (9 semesters – 4.5 years). By studying veterinary science at Massey University, you’ll obtain a world-leading veterinary qualification that will qualify you to work as a veterinarian in many different areas.

Overview

• The BVSc is a 5-year degree that includes a pre-selection semester and a professional phase.
• The degree is divided into two phases: pre-selection and professional.
• The pre-selection phase is a minimum of 1 semester, and the professional phase is 9 semesters (4.5 years).

Entry Requirements

• All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• The 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.

Expected High School Preparation

• Successfully 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

Phase 1: Pre-Selection Semester

• The 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.

Phase 2: Professional Phase

• The 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.

Casper

• Casper is a 2-hour online assessment.
• In this assessment, you will be presented with a set of written or video format scenarios that might be experienced by people in everyday life.
• For each scenario, you will be asked to type or record open-ended responses to questions in a set period of time.

STAT

• The STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test) is a 2-hour multiple-choice question test designed to assess your ability to understand, analyze, and think critically about written and numerical material.

Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

• The MMI consists of a round of 8 short, structured interviews each lasting 8 minutes (for a total of 64 minutes).
• At each interview station, you will be presented with a hypothetical scenario that might be experienced by veterinary students during the course of their training and questions about the scenario.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

• The grade point average (GPA) is a calculation that gives a number (0 - 9) representing an applicant’s average academic performance over time.
• Where an applicant has no prior university study, their GPA will be calculated from the 4 prerequisite courses.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

• If you’re already a student in a veterinary degree elsewhere and you’re interested in transferring into our veterinary degree, contact us through the "Get advice" button on this page and note “vet selection advice” in the first line of your enquiry.

English Language Skills

• International applicants who are from a country where English is not the first language must show evidence of English language competence that meets the requirements of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

Structure of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science

• The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) is a 5-year degree divided into 2 phases: a pre-selection phase (a minimum of 1 semester) followed by a professional phase (9 semesters – 4.5 years).

Practical Experience During the Degree

• Once selected into the professional phase of the BVSc, you will complete ~21 weeks of farm and veterinary practical work.
• This practical work is usually completed during semester and summer breaks of Years 1-4.

Withdrawal from Veterinary Study

• Veterinary students have the option to take some time out of their studies.
• This might be to take advantage of an amazing opportunity, or for health or wellbeing reasons.

Key Dates

• 1 November: Deadline for International Group 2 admission application for BVSc Professional Phase submission of transcripts. International Group 1 admission application for BVSc pre-selection phase due (Late applications may be considered). VetMAP application due.
• 4 February: Domestic admission application for BVSc pre-selection due.
• 5 March: Deadline for Domestic & International Group 1 admission application for BVSc Professional Phase. Late applications will not be accepted.

Courses and Specialisations

• The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) is a 5-year degree divided into 2 phases: a pre-selection phase (a minimum of 1 semester) followed by a professional phase (9 semesters – 4.5 years).
• The pre-selection semester includes the following courses:
  • Chemistry for Biological Systems
  • Biophysical Principles
  • Cell Biology
  • Animals and the Environment
• The professional phase includes a range of courses, including:
  • Veterinary Biochemistry
  • Animal Behaviour and Welfare for Veterinary Science
  • Farm Practical Training
  • Fundamentals of Veterinary Structure and Function
  • Veterinary Work Integrated Learning 1

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $15,318
  • International students: $84,220
• There are several scholarships for veterinary students in the professional phase, but none specifically for students in the pre-selection phase.

Careers and Job Opportunities

• 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 specialization or postgraduate study.

Registering as a Veterinarian

• 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.
• The Massey University Veterinary degree allows you to work in many parts of the world.
• Registration information for some of these countries can be accessed through the relevant veterinary boards or councils.