Brochure cover for the research study guide.

Doctor of Veterinary Clinical Science

The Doctor of Veterinary Clinical Science is our veterinary residency program, designed to prepare already qualified veterinarians to meet the credentials for specialist certification.

It is designed to lead to careers as a specialist veterinarian, provided you meet all other requirements.

The doctorate will take you 3.5 years to complete full-time. It combines advanced coursework with clinical training and a research-based 50,000-word thesis. The doctorate is intended to introduce you to all aspects of specialist practice.

You will undertake clinical work in a diagnostic laboratory or a veterinary teaching hospital to develop your clinical skills to specialist level. This work will also count towards the coursework part of the degree.

The research thesis will provide a path to clinical or research careers with an evidence-based focus. These can include roles in public health agencies, universities or research centres.

Domestic International

Begin study in

See full entry requirements

Location: Gatton
Duration: 3.5 Years
Start Semester: Research Quarter 1 (1 Jan, 2025), Research Quarter 3 (1 Jul, 2025)
Program Code: 7603
AQF: Level 10

Scholarships available

Begin study in

Semester

Where your qualification is from

Qualification

GPA equivalent

0000

Select an option for all fields above to view entry requirements

Entry requirements are subject to change

See full entry requirements

Location: Gatton
Duration: 3.5 Years
Start Semester: Research Quarter 1 (1 Jan, 2025), Research Quarter 3 (1 Jul, 2025); Semester dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code: 7603
CRICOS Code: 094716G
AQF: Level 10

Scholarships available

Program highlights

                  
            Program highlights
    
            Extend your expertise and scientific knowledge in areas such as case management, clinical record keeping, epidemiology and research methods
Learn in $100 million facilities including a small animal hospital, an equine specialist hospital and a diagnostic laboratory
Write a thesis on a topic of your choice and be inspired and challenged to explore new ideas and develop greater understanding of complex questions
Study at a university fully accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American Veterinary Medical Association

35 in the world for veterinary science

QS World University Rankings 2025

1 in Australia for agriculture and forestry

QS World University Rankings 2025

Supervision

You have to find and contact a thesis supervisor before you apply

This supervisor will support, guide and mentor you through your research, and can introduce you to professional networks that will start your career.

Find a supervisor

What you'll study

Students in this program have to complete a thesis, coursework and clinical work to develop their skills to specialist level.

See courses and program structure

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

Anatomical pathologist
Anaesthesiologist
Avian and exotics veterinarian
Equine veterinarian
Equine surgical veterinarian
Small animal veterinarian (emergency and critical care)
Small animal veterinarian (internal medicine)

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Entry requirements

Prerequisites

BVSc(Hons) with honours class IIB or higher; OR

Postgraduate degree in Veterinary Science of at least one year full-time equivalent including relevant experience and an overall GPA of 5; OR

BVSc or equivalent plus two years relevant experience, or one year internship under the supervision of a registered veterinary specialist.

Applicants must satisfy the Head of School and Dean of the Graduate School that they are qualified for admission, and may be required to attend an interview. Applicants must be eligible for registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland.

Prerequisites

BVSc(Hons) with honours class IIB or higher; OR

Postgraduate degree in Veterinary Science of at least one year full-time equivalent including relevant experience and an overall GPA of 5; OR

BVSc or equivalent plus two years relevant experience, or one year internship under the supervision of a registered veterinary specialist.

GPA equivalent

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA you need to be considered for this program.

Meeting the GPA requirement doesn’t guarantee admission.

Begin study in

Semester

Where your qualification is from

Qualification

GPA equivalent

0000

Select an option for all fields above to view entry requirements

Entry requirements are subject to change

Overview

Fees and scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Your fees will vary according to your academic field, study load and whether you study internally or remotely.

Learn more about postgraduate research fees

Your fees will vary according to your academic field, study load and whether you study internally or remotely.

Learn more about postgraduate research fees

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

Research costs

Scholarships

Scholarships are only available when a residency vacancy becomes available. Scholarships will be advertised on the UQ Scholarships website.

Successful applicants will receive a tax-free living stipend of $52,352/annum in 2025, indexed annually.

Entry requirements

How to apply

Before you apply

1. Gather your documents

You will need to compile the necessary documents. We will accept scanned copies of original documents, but you will have to keep all original documents for the duration of your studies.

Upload all documents as PDFs and name your files like this: LASTNAME_firstname_document-name.pdf

If any of your documents is in a language other than English, you will need to send both the original document and an official translation.

Send the following documents with your application:

Academic CV/résumé

Your academic CV should include the following headings:

Personal details
Include your full name and contact details.
Educational qualifications and professional affiliations
Include the full title of the qualification, the institution attended and the year awarded.
Employment history
In chronological order, starting with your current position and specifying dates of employment. Include the title of each position, name of employer, main duties or responsibilities, and achievements relevant to your proposed field of research. Make sure you include details of any research-related positions.
Research publications
Include articles published or accepted for publication. Mark the three most significant publications with an asterisk. Specify the publication details, your contribution as an author to multi-authored publications, plus the standing of the journal or conference.
Description of most significant publications
Include a short description (200 words each maximum) for each of the three asterisked publications. Explain their significance in the field and why they have made an important contribution. All publications should use an official referencing style (such as Chicago, APA or Harvard).
Research grants
Only include awarded grants.
Academic referees
Include the name and contact details (address, telephone and email) of two referees. If possible, include a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of organisational unit) closely associated with your current research work.

You don't need to include marital status, photographs, driver’s license, hobbies and interests.

Academic transcript

Degree certificate

Passport

References/letters of recommendation

2. Approach a potential supervisor

You have to find and contact a clinical supervisor and thesis supervisor before you apply. Your supervisors will support, guide and mentor you through your research and clinical training.

3. Apply online

Once you have prepared your application and contacted your potential supervisors, use the online application form to apply. You can send an application at any time.

Apply now

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

Fees and scholarships

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