Student support

• The BVSc (Hons) program is one of the most challenging and rewarding at UQ. You will become a professional veterinarian with clinical, diagnostic and personal skills second to none.
• It is competitive, not all students will be offered a place.
• First year intake to the BVSc is currently limited to approximately 130 students.
• Once you gain a place in the BVSc program, you must pass all courses in the current year to progress to next year. For details, refer to the Program Rules.
• Generally, you cannot defer any year. This means that  once started you must continue until you complete the final year of study.
• You must have your own laptop.

The inherent requirements outline the physical and personal attributes expected of a veterinarian and of veterinary students. 

Prospective and current students are encouraged to read the inherent requirements for veterinary science programs and to reflect on these requirements.

In 2025, the School of Veterinary Science is offering 16 students the exclusive opportunity to explore the dynamic world of veterinary science exploring both farm animal enterprises and companion animal practices in Hong Kong and China over 4 weeks (22 November – 21 December).

Find out more about the Global Veterinary Care and Innovation: Exploring Animal Health in Hong Kong and China program

The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all veterinary students.

The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and debriefing space.

The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences, beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.

Online conduct relates to use of social media and details the expectations of students in the School of Veterinary Science.

Please refer to our SVS Guidelines for Online Conduct. (PDF, 57.5 KB)

The School complies with the University of Queensland’s policies and all applicable laws regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and equal opportunity. Student support services provide an integrated service in the areas of careers and employment, learning assistance, personal counselling, disability support, financial services and international student support.

At Gatton campus, contact Student Central, which is located in the Building 8101A.

Year Mentors are academic members who are interested in student welfare and are able to give advice or refer a student on for professional help and guidance when required. 

For concerns relating to course specific issues (e.g. examinations, special circumstances, and deferrals), students should first contact the course coordinator. If the issue remains unresolved, contact your Year Mentor or the Academic Advisor. 

The School and University are committed and dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities are given the same educational opportunities wherever possible.

Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements in any course within the program is advised to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a student advisor at Student Central. For example, special arrangements in examinations can be made for students with disabilities. Refer to the University policy on reasonable adjustments.

As a UQ Student, you are represented by the UQ Student Union. Typically, a veterinary student will also be a representative on the Union Council.

Your representative on the Union Council can support you in resolving a range of academic and other problems, or advice on seeking professional assistance if required.

Apart from the student representative on the Student Union, the Union also employs a Student Advocate who can help you prepare submissions to appeal against academic decisions, or simply provide an impartial source of advice on academic matters.

Admissions

Find information about undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

Fees

Find specific information on the BVSc(Hons) program or the BVet Tech program.

Find general information on fees.

Academic processes

Find details on progression, withdrawal, deferment, examinations, financial processes, the UQ Academic Calendar, and more on the my.UQ website.

The purpose of Year Representatives is to provide a collective voice for students in a single year who may have an issue with some aspect of their program.

The general process for managing issues is to first contact the Year Representative or Course Coordinator, who will then elevate the concern, if warranted, to the Year Coordinator. Further discussion can go to the Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee or the Chair of the Students and Admissions Committee before being finally handed to the Head of School for consideration.

BVSc Year representatives can be contacted via their generic email addresses:

• 1st year reps: uqvet2028@gmail.com
• 2nd year reps: uqvets2027@gmail.com
• 3rd year reps: uqvets2026@gmail.com
• 4th year reps:  uqvets2025@gmail.com
• 5th year reps: uqvets2024@gmail.com

Vet Tech students can contact their Vet Tech Student Association at uqgvettech@gmail.com.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about life at Gatton campus, home of the School of Veterinary Science.

Is there a Security Service at Gatton campus?

Yes. Security of staff and students is a primary concern for the University. The Security office is located in the NW Briton Administration Building (Building 8101). Emergency phones are located around the campus. If you have a non-emergency need to call security staff, dial 3365 1234. This will be answered by the central security office in St. Lucia, Brisbane. Tell them who you are, that you are at Gatton campus and the reason for your call. If you have an emergency, dial 3365 3333 ( or 1800 800 123 from public phones) and follow the same procedure as before.

UQ has a SafeZone app for mobile devices which can alert Security to your location if you have an emergency. Go to your preferred app store and download for free.

I have a disability. Can I get support?

Yes. You will need to contact Student Central and discuss your requirements with them. They may then contact the School to develop, in conjunction with you, a plan to ensure your disability does not interfere with your learning opportunities.

Where can I find a bus timetable?

Information on the Intercampus Bus service on the campuses website.

Are there any clubs or sporting groups at Gatton campus?

Yes. Details can be found on the UQ Sports Gatton website. We have clubs for a number of sports including rugby league, hockey, netball and rugby union.

Where can I eat at Gatton campus?

Gatton campus has 3 options for food, the Dining Hall, the Walkway Café and the Coffee Cart located outside the main administration complex. The Walkway Café caters for fast food, meals, and drinks. They accept pre-purchased meal passes, cash and credit cards. The Coffee Cart only accepts cash or cards. Alternative food outlets exist outside the campus, with a number of cafés and restaurants in Gatton, Forest Hill and Laidley. The Dining Hall caters for residential students and visiting groups. Specific food needs can be catered for provided notice is given of your requirements. Only Australian currency is accepted.

Where is the Student Central located?

Student Central is located in Building 8101A.

How big is Gatton campus?

Gatton campus is located about an hour’s drive west from Brisbane. It covers 1,068 hectares and includes working farms and enterprises, student accommodation, many teaching buildings and laboratories.

Visit the UQ Gatton website for full details of services available.

I am finishing Year 12 in Queensland this year. How do I apply?

• Domestic students currently completing Year 12 in Australia apply via the online application service on the QTAC website.
• School students will receive instructions and guidance from their school on how to apply. The QTAC Guide (available from QTAC and selected newsagencies from July each year) also contains specific information on the application process. For further advice, please contact QTAC directly.
• For program information, please visit the Study at UQ website.

Are there pre-requisites to get into the BVSc (Hon) program?

Yes. You must have a minimum ATAR of 98.25. You must also have passes in General English, Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and you must also have passes in either Physics or Biology.

UQ has introduced a situational judgement test for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). For further information on this test, visit the UQ Future Students program page.

I am an interstate student finishing Year 12. Is the process the same as Queensland students?

Yes, you must apply through QTAC. The pre-requisites listed for Queensland students will be the same for your State which will have an equivalent standard which must be met.

Are there other schemes the might help me a place in the veterinary science program?

UQ has a range of admissions schemes to encourage people to apply for a place in the veterinary science program. These schemes can work by increasing your entry rank. These factors include equity adjustments, subject adjustments and location adjustments.

I think I might be eligible, but I attended high school in a small country town and don’t feel I had the same opportunities as someone from the city. Is there an option for me to enrol?

Yes. A Rural Access Scheme exists for the veterinary science program. The scheme can boost entry score for eligible applicants, but remember, you still have to meet all other entry requirements of the program.

What happens after I apply through QTAC?

If you are successful, you will be notified by UQ. Once you have responded to your UQ offer on the Current Applicant online service, you will see an “Enrol at UQ” button next to the offered program. Clicking on this button will take you to the “Starting at UQ” website where you will be able to set your password for access to all online student services and portals. If you have already activated your UQ login though this service, you can access the Starting at UQ website anytime using your UQ username and password.

What happens if I have not passed the pre-requisites to gain entry?

If you have not passed the pre-requisite subjects at senior level in a Queensland school (or equivalent), you can undertake equivalent courses at tertiary level (at UQ or elsewhere) or at private secondary education providers. Students from interstate wanting to check if they’ve met pre-requisites, or students who have completed tertiary courses or are planning to enrol in tertiary courses, can seek advice from the Faculty of Science Office or the University’s Admissions section.

Can I get credit for study I have done somewhere else?

Possibly. Students who undertake some tertiary study prior to entry to the UQ program may be eligible for specified credit for courses in the BVSc program. Generally, only limited credit is approved, because much of the preclinical program is integrated or cross disciplinary. The School does not award “partial credit” for components of a course. Students can complete an Application for Credit form and lodge it with the Student Centre, Gatton Campus. Generally you can only apply for credit for courses in the year you are in, that is, you can’t apply for credit for a 3rd year course if you are in 1st year.

As part of a continuous improvement process, the School encourages feedback from students about how it is performing in a number of areas. Enrolled students can provide feedback by providing anonomous responses to our accreditation standards. Specific areas we regularly review are: Organisational structures, Finances, Physical Facilities & Equipment, Clinical Resources, Library & Information Resources, Admissions processes, Curriculum, Research, Staff and Student support systems and Outcomes Assessment.

We would welcome any feedback you might have on your experiences so far by directing them to  the Feedback Box located outside the Anatomy Laboratory (Building 8106).

Students in the School of Veterinary Science (SVS) often have questions about how to communicate with staff and the university. When we communicate with you, we aim to help you with your education in the fastest and most professional way we can. We really appreciate your friendly professionalism in return!

Please refer to our Communicating with Kindness guidelines

In the the SVS Student Wellbeing and Sustainability Plan, we aim to outline the various avenues—institutional, curricular, and co-curricular—through which students can access content, support, and training related to wellbeing.

Throughout the Bachelor of Veterinary Science(Hons) and Bachelor of Veterinary Technology programs, our goal is to provide students with realistic and contemporary insights into the nature of veterinary work and career opportunities. Additionally, we strive to equip students with personal wellbeing resources, foster a 'help-seeking' mindset, and increase awareness of available support.