Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) is a five-year degree divided into two phases:
This is followed by:
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a professional phase (9 semesters – 4.5 years). Entry to the professional phase is by selection in accordance with criteria established by the Veterinary Undergraduate Student Selection Sub-Committee, which will include consideration of academic performance, non-academic performance and relevant experience. Candidates from a country whose first language is not English must show evidence of English language proficiency.
Expected high school preparation
Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) should give you the expected background knowledge for the prerequisite courses.
For your own preparation it’s also recommended, but not required, that you do at least 14 credits of NCEA Level 2 mathematics and/or physics before starting the pre-requisite courses.
If you haven’t done the level of science noted above, contact us through the Get advice button on this page and we can discuss preparation programmes to help you get ready for the pre-requisite courses.
Pre-entry Veterinary Practical Work Experience
2022
Due to the interruptions from COVID19 during 2020-21, some applicants have found it difficult to complete placements. In 2022 only, we have amended the work experience to be an expectation that applicants have completed the 10 days of veterinary practical work experience, rather than a compulsory requirement for selection in 2022. The veterinary work experience is for your benefit to see some of the reality of veterinary clinical practice and as such all applicants are expected to undertake as much of this experience as possible. If you are unable to complete the full 10 days, please submit a veterinary practical work experience verification form with your personal details and in the explanatory comments section note the number of days that you were unable to complete and your reason. Verification forms for any veterinary work experience must be submitted to the student portal by the due date of 26 April 2022.
2023
You must complete 10 days (total ≥80 hours) of veterinary practical work experience in a veterinary clinic(s) or hospital(s) within three years of starting the professional phase of the degree. This may be completed in New Zealand or overseas. You should complete this BEFORE you start the pre-selection semester as you won’t have time to complete it after the semester starts. For your preparation, we recommend (but do not require) that you complete one week of small animal and one week of large animal experience.To access the pre-entry practical work verification form, click on the “Entry Requirements” tab and scroll down to the “Finding the right professional phase selection pathway and policy for you” section. Select the pathway that is appropriate for you and the verification form will be located on the pathway information page.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
If you’re already a student in a veterinary qualification elsewhere and wish to enquire about transferring into our veterinary qualification contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
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. It is your opportunity to show us you have what it takes to become a veterinarian. You’ll complete pre-selection courses and a range of selection assessments. You’ll want to do really well in these pre-selection courses to improve your chances of selection into the professional phase.
There is no limit on the number of places in the pre-selection semester. However, selection into the professional phase is competitive, so make sure you are prepared. Work on your people skills and get a good background in the sciences before joining us for the pre-selection semester.
Veterinary applicants must undertake their Semester One study internally at the Massey University Manawatū campus if either:
- you have not already passed all four of the professional phase prerequisite courses, or
- you do not have an eligible semester of study (as specified in the BVSc GPA-regulations) completed at Massey University.
- The requirement to study internally at the Manawatū campus applies whether or not you are enrolling in the BVSc pre-selection qualification or in another qualification.
Phase 2: Professional phase
The professional phase of the BVSc is essentially ‘vet school proper’. It starts in Semester Two (mid-July) at the Manawatū Campus. There are limited places (133 domestic and 24-30 international places), so entry is competitive. If you are selected you will take courses over the next 4.5 years which cover everything needed to become a qualified veterinarian. Please refer to the ‘Courses and Planning’ tab to see the courses in the professional phase.
The total number of times you can apply for the BVSc professional phase regardless of pathway is limited to THREE (3). Attempts are counted from 2020 onwards.
