Admission to the Veterinary Science Course

Prospective students should visit the Future Students web site.

What will I need to get into Murdoch's Veterinary Science course?

Admission requirements are successful completion of secondary education with Physics (and/or Biology), Chemistry and Discrete Mathematics as highly recommended subjects. Where appropriate, applications may be considered with fewer subjects.

Admission to Veterinary Studies is competitive as the programme is restricted by quota. The Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) requirement is higher than the minimum required by Murdoch University.

When is the normal intake for Murdoch's Veterinary Science course?
The majority of students commence in February (Semester 1), however based on exemptions awarded for previous tertiary studies, some students; both Australian residents and internationals, are eligible to commence in July (Semester 2).

Australian applicants

How do I apply for a place?

If you are a school leaver, you must attain a minimum Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) for admission that may vary each year. You must also meet requirements for Secondary Graduation and show competence in English by achieving a score of at least 50 in TEE English or TEE English Literature. Eligible students from non-English speaking backgrounds can demonstrate competence in English by a satisfactory result in Year 12 English for ESL Students, or the IELTS.

If you are a mature-age applicant you may apply for admission based on studies taken elsewhere or by virtue of special experience in a relevant area, or by undertaking the mature-age Tertiary Entrance Examination in two or more subjects. The best preparation, and consequently, the best chance for admission is with a four subject Tertiary Entrance Examination.

Mature age applicants who have previously studied at university are encouraged to apply and must submit a 500 word typed statement and show evidence that they have undertaken relevant work experience.

Mature-age applicants must also demonstrate competence in English. In addition, those mature-age applicants who are not taking the TEE should submit a supporting personal statement and curriculum vitae.

Applications close in late September for entry the following year. Application forms are available from the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.

How much are the tuition fees?

Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) charges apply to Australian students.

International applicants

How do I apply for a place?

In order to gain admission to Murdoch University, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in the English language. This requirement can be met by achieving the following scores in one of the following English language proficiency tests*:

IELTS**   -   7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0)
TOEFL*** (paper based)  -  570 (with the Test of Written English 5)
TOEFL (computer based)  -  230
Australian matriculation English   -   Pass
GCE 'O' level   -   C6 or better
Cambridge 1119   -   C6 or better
General Paper   -   Credit pass
TEE ESL   -   60%

* the requirements are subject to revision and should not be taken as firm indicators
** International English Language Testing Service
*** Test of English as a Foreign Language.
If you are a school leaver, you are expected to have completed an appropriate school leaving certificate/matriculation or a recognized post-secondary qualification. Because the actual grades or scores required for entry may vary each year, you are advised to consult Murdoch International for further details.

If you are a mature age student you must have completed at least one year of tertiary study. Applications will be assessed on academic performance and other factors. The specific requirements relevant to these applications are described below. Successful applicants will be admitted either directly into the veterinary course if they have completed a full year of tertiary study including the pre-requisite units, or offered a guaranteed place into the veterinary course in the following year if they study at Murdoch and successfully complete the pre-requisite study. Successful applicants who have completed units as part of a veterinary course will be assessed for advanced standing and may be offered a place in a higher year of the course if such a place is available.

Mature age applicants are required to supply with their applications a typed Personal statement of up to 500 words which should demonstrate the applicant’s motivation and preparation for veterinary science and should outline:

why you wish to become a Veterinarian;
how you consider your past study and experience to date will assist you to succeed in the veterinary course, and as a Veterinarian. If you have any fails/late withdrawals in your post-secondary/tertiary study, you should explain the circumstances for your poor performance and why those circumstances will not apply to your Murdoch studies.
Applicants are also required to provide evidence, such as signed references, of veterinary related work experience, most importantly at veterinary practices. Other relevant animal work includes work at animal shelters, farms, with wildlife, and in research. The additional documents such as references and curriculum vitae must be attached to the application.

Assessment of the application will be based on the academic standard achieved in all previous tertiary study, the personal statement, and recent veterinary and related experience

Applicants who have completed post-secondary qualifications such as a Diploma from an overseas polytechnic or a Diploma from an Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution or similar qualification are encouraged to apply. International students may also wish to transfer from another Australian institution. Inquiries about the status of these qualifications should be made to the Admissions Officer in Murdoch International.

How much are the tuition fees?

International students in Australia are required to pay tuition fees. Undergraduate fees are reviewed annually and may be varied during the period of study. For more details about the fees refer to : Murdoch International Fee schedules.