Veterinary studies courses
Becoming a veterinarian takes a professional veterinary degree and registration with the veterinary board, and that is the only route into the job. The other courses here lead to different roles in animal health, such as veterinary nursing and veterinary technology.
- Quickest way to start
- 5 years
- Bachelor degree, typical full time length
- TAFE cost from
- $2,770
- subsidised Certificate IV, TAFE NSW
- What the jobs pay
- $125,500
- median pay across 1 job
- Demand
- In shortage
- on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Become a veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in pets, farm animals and other species, through medicine, surgery and anaesthesia.
JobVeterinarian
Median pay$125,500
- How long it takes
- 5 years full time
- How you'll study
- On campus
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate IV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $2,770 | $14,710 |
| GOTAFE | VIC | $7,638 | $21,708 |
| The Gordon | VIC | $6,102 | $18,940 |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $6,955 | $12,075 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate IV
- $2,770 subsidised
- $14,710 full fee
GOTAFEVIC
- Certificate IV
- $7,638 subsidised
- $21,708 full fee
The GordonVIC
- Certificate IV
- $6,102 subsidised
- $18,940 full fee
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate IV
- $6,955 subsidised
- $12,075 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other university courses
- Bachelor of Veterinary Technology3 years. Trains you to work alongside veterinarians in animal health care, often in supervisory roles. A different path from becoming a vet.
- Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)3 years. A science degree in animal health and disease. It is not a veterinary qualification, though some universities treat it as a first stage.
Other certificates and diplomas
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.