Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February

Campus

Roseworthy Campus

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BVETT

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$56,600

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods (or equivalent)

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115764M

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Essential requirements

There is an inherent requirement to be vaccinated against Q Fever in order to study the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. It is a condition that all students enrolled in this program must be vaccinated against Q Fever (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). This must be completed as soon as possible and by no later than the end of Semester 1 in the first year.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6
IELTS Listening 6
IELTS Speaking 6
IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
Canada	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)	70%
China	Gaokao	65%
Denmark	Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma)	4 (Fair)
France	French Baccalaureate	11.5
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Norway	Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering	3.6
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
South Korea	College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)	320
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Sweden	Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate	14.0
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of Veterinary Technology?

Are you an inquisitive, passionate and empathetic animal lover? Keen to work closely with animals, their owners and the community to make a difference to their care?

Veterinary technologists and veterinary nurses play a vital role in delivering modern animal healthcare. They are the heart of our veterinary hospitals and clinics. As part of the veterinary care team, they educate owners and provide high-level nursing care to veterinary patients in areas such as surgery and medicine, anaesthesia, emergency and critical care, dentistry, exotics, wildlife and more.

Safeguard the health of animals. Save lives. Enter a field with strong job prospects and security. Work in a dynamic team environment and join a like-minded community of animal loving problem-solvers.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is a clinically focused degree and provides access to our world-class, $37 million veterinary health centre. You'll build high-level expertise in the nursing care of animals of all kinds – from cats, dogs and horses to farm animals, wildlife and exotic pets.

Gain hands-on animal and clinical experience through work placements providing you with opportunities to learn and experience the diversity of veterinary nursing and technology practice. Build an invaluable community of peers as you collaborate with animal and veterinary scientists, animal behaviourists and veterinarians.

Study the complete spectrum of animal health, including pathology, pain management, animal nutrition, dentistry and pharmacology. Gain knowledge and training in the use of veterinary anaesthetic, radiography and dental equipment. Explore animal diseases, including those threatening humans, and the concept of One Health.

You’ll graduate with extensive real-world experience, ready for fulfilling careers in general veterinary practice and specialist hospitals, animal breeding farms, zoos and animal shelters.

Key features

Learn to operate medical and diagnostic equipment and perform advanced clinical tasks.
Gain extensive hands-on experience through industry and clinical placements.
Work directly with animals, including cats, dogs, horses, farm animals, wildlife and exotic pets.
Access our world-class veterinary health centre and build skills in simulated environments like our veterinary clinical skills centre.
Learn from world-leading veterinary nursing and technology educators, clinical veterinary nursing staff and researchers.
Collaborate with other on-campus animal and veterinary scientists, animal behaviourists and veterinarians.

What you'll learn

Our Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is expert-led, hands-on and contemporary. During the three-year program you’ll learn how to enhance outcomes for veterinary patients from progressive educators. You’ll provide nursing care to different animals with varied health statuses and perform clinical tasks such as diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing and analyses, medication administration and fluid therapy delivery. 

You’ll study industry informed courses, including:

Animal handling and husbandry
Animal behaviour welfare ethics
Principles of veterinary nursing
Anatomy, physiology and pathology
Animal microbiology and virology
Pharmacology, pharmacy and therapeutics
Biosecurity, epidemiology and food safety
Managing animals in emergencies.

Learn from experienced veterinary nursing and technology academics and clinical veterinary nursing staff in our state-of-the-art teaching hospital where you can apply your learning and deploy your clinical skills whilst building confidence in your practice.

At the end of your first year, you’ll also complete an industry placement where you’ll see first-hand how the knowledge and skills of a veterinary technologist are used in clinical practice. This is followed by substantial clinical placements in the second and third year of the degree. In total, you will complete over 600 hours of industry placements.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

108 units for all Core courses, and
24 units for all Work integrated learning, and
12 units for Electives

Complete 108 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Animal Handling and Husbandry	Course code ANIM1000	Units 6
Course name Principles of Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics	Course code ANIM1001	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Science for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1000	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Mechanisms of Health	Course code VETS1001	Units 6
Course name Anatomy for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1002	Units 6
Course name Physiology for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1003	Units 6
Course name Evidence-based Veterinary Technology	Course code VETS1004	Units 6
Course name Animal Microbiology, Virology and Immunology 2	Course code ANIM2004	Units 6
Course name Clinical Studies A	Course code VETS2006	Units 6
Course name Clinical Studies B	Course code VETS2007	Units 6
Course name Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2	Course code VETS2008	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Workplace Skills 2	Course code VETS2009	Units 6
Course name Pathology for Veterinary Technologists 2	Course code VETS2010	Units 6
Course name Advanced Animal Husbandry for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2011	Units 6
Course name Biosecurity, Epidemiology and Food Safety for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2015	Units 6
Course name Managing Animals in Emergencies	Course code VETS3007	Units 6
Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part A	Course code VETS3008	Units 0
Course name Principles of Veterinary Nursing	Course code VETS1005	Units 6
Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part B	Course code VETS3009	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Animal Handling and Husbandry	Course code ANIM1000	Units 6
	Course name Foundations of Science for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1000	Units 6
	Course name Anatomy for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1002	Units 6
	Course name Principles of Veterinary Nursing	Course code VETS1005	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Principles of Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics	Course code ANIM1001	Units 6
	Course name Introduction to Mechanisms of Health	Course code VETS1001	Units 6
	Course name Physiology for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1003	Units 6
	Course name Evidence-based Veterinary Technology	Course code VETS1004	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Animal Microbiology, Virology and Immunology 2	Course code ANIM2004	Units 6
	Course name Introduction to Workplace Skills 2	Course code VETS2009	Units 6
	Course name Pathology for Veterinary Technologists 2	Course code VETS2010	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Studies A	Course code VETS2006	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2	Course code VETS2008	Units 6
	Course name Biosecurity, Epidemiology and Food Safety for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2015	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Animal Husbandry for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2011	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Studies B	Course code VETS2007	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Clinical Skills in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3006	Units 12
	Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part A	Course code VETS3008	Units
	Course name Managing Animals in Emergencies	Course code VETS3007	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Clinical Practice in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3010	Units 12
	Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part B	Course code VETS3009	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 12

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Clinical Skills in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3006	Units 12
	Course name Clinical Practice in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3010	Units 12

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Animal Handling and Husbandry	Course code ANIM1000	Units 6
	Course name Foundations of Science for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1000	Units 6
	Course name Anatomy for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1002	Units 6
	Course name Principles of Veterinary Nursing	Course code VETS1005	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Principles of Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics	Course code ANIM1001	Units 6
	Course name Introduction to Mechanisms of Health	Course code VETS1001	Units 6
	Course name Physiology for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1003	Units 6
	Course name Evidence-based Veterinary Technology	Course code VETS1004	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Animal Microbiology, Virology and Immunology 2	Course code ANIM2004	Units 6
	Course name Introduction to Workplace Skills 2	Course code VETS2009	Units 6
	Course name Pathology for Veterinary Technologists 2	Course code VETS2010	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Studies A	Course code VETS2006	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2	Course code VETS2008	Units 6
	Course name Biosecurity, Epidemiology and Food Safety for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2015	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Animal Husbandry for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2011	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Studies B	Course code VETS2007	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Clinical Skills in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3006	Units 12
	Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part A	Course code VETS3008	Units
	Course name Managing Animals in Emergencies	Course code VETS3007	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Clinical Practice in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3010	Units 12
	Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part B	Course code VETS3009	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 12

Complete 12 units comprising:

12 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Business Management for Applied Sciences 3	Course code AGRI3001	Units 6
Course name Genes and Inheritance 2	Course code ANIM2005	Units 6
Course name Livestock Production 2	Course code ANIM2006	Units 6
Course name Animal Nutrition and Metabolism 3	Course code ANIM3003	Units 6
Course name Laboratory Animal Science 3	Course code ANIM3010	Units 6
Course name Animals and the Law	Course code ANIM3011	Units 6
Course name Parasitology III	Course code ANIM3012	Units 6
Course name eChallenge	Course code BUSI1005	Units 6
Course name Wildlife Management 2	Course code ENVI2006	Units 6
Course name Ecology and Management of Vertebrate Pests III	Course code HBIO3014	Units 6
Course name Animal Nutrition & Metabolism II (Vet Bio)	Course code VETS2012	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Animal Handling and Husbandry	Course code ANIM1000	Units 6
	Course name Foundations of Science for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1000	Units 6
	Course name Anatomy for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1002	Units 6
	Course name Principles of Veterinary Nursing	Course code VETS1005	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Principles of Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics	Course code ANIM1001	Units 6
	Course name Introduction to Mechanisms of Health	Course code VETS1001	Units 6
	Course name Physiology for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS1003	Units 6
	Course name Evidence-based Veterinary Technology	Course code VETS1004	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Animal Microbiology, Virology and Immunology 2	Course code ANIM2004	Units 6
	Course name Introduction to Workplace Skills 2	Course code VETS2009	Units 6
	Course name Pathology for Veterinary Technologists 2	Course code VETS2010	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Studies A	Course code VETS2006	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2	Course code VETS2008	Units 6
	Course name Biosecurity, Epidemiology and Food Safety for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2015	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Animal Husbandry for Veterinary Technologists	Course code VETS2011	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Studies B	Course code VETS2007	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Clinical Skills in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3006	Units 12
	Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part A	Course code VETS3008	Units
	Course name Managing Animals in Emergencies	Course code VETS3007	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Clinical Practice in Veterinary Technology 3	Course code VETS3010	Units 12
	Course name Transition to the Veterinary Technology Profession 3 Part B	Course code VETS3009	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 12

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate from Adelaide University with industry skills ready for a dynamic career in high-level animal care roles. You could oversee anaesthesia services for specialist veterinary hospitals. You might work at a zoo and provide nursing care to exotic animals and wildlife. Perhaps you’ll work on an equine breeding farm and direct the nursing care of equine neonates.

Your career options as a veterinary technologist will be extensive and you could provide nursing care to veterinary patients in a variety of settings, including:

Specialist veterinary care areas such as oncology, medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care and anaesthesia
Small animal general practice clinics
Large and production animal veterinary hospitals
Exotic and wildlife specialist clinics
Community care and shelter medicine
Veterinary clinical pathology laboratories
Animal welfare organisations
Zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries
Animal breeding farms
Telemedicine and the veterinary insurance industry
Animal research facilities
Policy and management
Tertiary education.

Industry trends

With pet ownership on the rise and a heightened awareness of animal welfare in society, the demand for veterinary services has never been higher. Employment growth is projected to be strong for professionals working with animals (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023). This means that once you graduate, you'll find plenty of job openings waiting for you.

There is also a steady stream of advanced new tools reimagining what’s possible in the clinical environment – data-driven apps, wearable devices, telemedicine. As a veterinary technologist, you can take advantage of these new technologies, ensuring they deliver maximum benefit to animals’ health and wellbeing.

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Ask Adelaide University

When is the last date to apply?

What campuses and facilities does Adelaide University have?

When will my studies commence?

Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

What scholarships are available?

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:

Case studies
Essays and assignments
Examinations
Group projects
Internships and placements
Practicals
Presentations
Reports and project documentations
Research projects
Workplace and classroom contributions.

Explore Adelaide University

Accommodation options

Considering calling Adelaide home? Explore accommodation options to find a place that's right for you.

Find out more

Life in Adelaide

Discover why Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Find out more

Ebenezer Place shopping and cafes, bikes, bicycles

Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

Find out more

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology