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Frequently asked Questions

How many places are available each year?

There will be around 60 places available each year.

Are there any prerequisite subjects?

There are no formal prerequisites for the Veterinary Science course at CSU but, as it is a science based course, we assume that students will have studied mathematics and chemistry at Year 12 level. Interview panels may consider that the study of chemistry reflects a student’s interest in and aptitude for science but we understand that not all rural schools offer Chemistry at Year 12 level. If you have not studied Chemistry in Year 12 or if you studied Maths at a general or basic level and are accepted into the course we strongly recommend that you undertake a Study Link course before commencing.

What UAI score do I need to get in?

Please refer to the Academic Requirements

What if I have not done Year 12?

If you have not completed Year 12 in the last 10 years or have not completed at least one full year of study at University, you may not be eligible for selection into the course. In that case you should contact us to ascertain your eligibility.

What is the questionnaire about?

The purpose of the questionnaire is to find out about your interest in, and commitment to farm animal production and rural veterinary practice. You may be able to provide evidence of this through your family background, work (including school work experience, part-time jobs and voluntary work) and special interests.

Will all applicants be called for an interview?

No. Applicants will be selected for interview on the basis of their questionnaire. We normally interview between one third and one half of all applicants.

Why is the Veterinary Science course at CSU one year longer than some other veterinary science courses?

The six year program enables us to provide a broader course that includes areas such as communication, business management and agriculture and an increased emphasis on nutrition, epidemiology, public health and production animals as well as the traditional curriculum of veterinary science courses. This additional study is recognised by the awarding of two degrees, the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and the Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the completion of the course.

Why is the CSU Veterinary Science course a double degree?

The CSU Veterinary Science course is a six year program. At graduation, students will be awarded both a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology (BVetBio) and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc). The double degree recognises the extra content in the CSU veterinary program, compared to five year programs. Students who successfully complete the first three years of the course but are unable to compete the last three years are able to leave the course with one degree - the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology. This degree does not permit graduates to practice as a veterinary practitioner, but does recognise the substantial training in animal -related sciences in the first three years of the course.

How do I graduate with Honours?

To graduate with a BVetBio, BVSc(Hons) degree, students must first attain a grade point average (GPA) of 5 or higher (credit average or higher) from all 8-credit point subjects studied in years 2, 3 and 4. Then they must satisfactorily complete a research project during Year 5 while maintaining a high GPA from subjects studied in Years 4 and 5.

How many contact hours are involved?

You will have to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes for approximately 26-28 hours per week. In the final year of the course, you are required to complete a number of extramural placements of 3 week duration at vererinayr practices remote to Wagga Wagga

How much clinical time is involved and where is it conducted?

Clinical activities will be incorporated in each year of the course, starting with a few hours related to your subject content in first year. These will build throughout the course, and culminate in extensive clinical rotations in your final year. You will undertake your placements in veterinary practices in regional and metropolitan centres, and in rural veterinary practices.

Can the course be studied part-time?

No.

If I am offered a place in CSU Veterinary Science, can I defer?

No. If you are unable to accept your offer of a place, you must apply again in subsequent years. It will not harm your application if you choose to decline an offer then reapply in subsequent years.

Can I sit the STAT and have the score considered?

No. If you are a non-recent school leaver, you will be selected on your performance in the questionnaire, interview and the GPA you achieved in university study.

If I am not accepted into CSU Veterinary Science the first time, what should I do?

First, you should make sure that Veterinary Science is the profession that you really want to pursue and seek career planning advice. If you have no Year 12 qualification or your ATAR was not high enough, you should concentrate on qualifying for admission to another university course with a view to reapplying for CSU Veterinary Science in the future. It is also very important to recognise the emphasis placed on commitment to farm animal production in the selection process.

If I am not accepted into CSU Veterinary Science the first time, can you recommend another suitable university course?

You should choose a course that you think you will enjoy and do well in. It should also be a course you will be happy to stay in, should your future applications to CSU Veterinary Science be unsuccessful. Whatever course you choose, you will have to complete the questionnaire/interview process each time you apply.

If I am not accepted into CSU Veterinary Sciences the first time, can I enrol in another CSU course and apply for an internal course transfer?

You can. However, your application will be judged on its merits at the same time as applications from students at other universities. CSU students do not get preference in this competitive process. You will need to repeat the questionnaire/interview process.

Can I apply to study on a full-fee paying basis?

Only Commonwealth supported places are available to Australian applicants.

A limited number of international students will be accepted on a full fee paying basis in 2010 and thereafter.

How much does it cost?

Australian residents can only study Veterinary Science at CSU as a Commonwealth supported student and will be liable to pay the student contribution (HECS). Note that you will normally be studying 8 8-point subjects in each year of the Veterinary Science course. In addition you will need to buy books - some subjects have prescribed text books, and most students purchase additional books to help with their studies. Scientific texts are expensive, typically costing between $100 and $150 each. Second hand books are often available. As part of the course in the first 3 years, students are required to travel to veterinary practices within a radius of about 100 km of Wagga Wagga. Students will either need a car of their own or will travel with another student who may expect some contribution for travel expenses. The University does not contribute to these costs. Protective clothing (laboratory coat, overalls, boots) are also required from the first week or two of the course.

The fees for international students are $36,000 per year.

I am not an Australian resident. Can I apply?

A limited number of international students will be accepted on a full fee paying basis in 2010 and thereafter. Details about application for a place will be made available later in 2009.