• hold a degree or diploma awarded after at least four years of study at a veterinary school listed in the "World Veterinary Directory", at a school which was part of a college or university listed in the "World List of Universities" or the AVMA-Listed Veterinary Colleges of the World (.pdf); and
  
• be registered, licensed or eligible to be recognised as a veterinarian of good standing in the country in which you studied or worked.

If you meet this criteria, you should send the completed application form (.doc, updated March 2009 ), the documentation listed therein and fee (money order or bank cheque in Australian dollars) by post to:

Australasian Veterinary Boards Councils Inc (AVBC Inc)
Level 11, 470 Collins Street
Melbourne, VICTORIA 3000
AUSTRALIA

If you wish to pay by direct deposit, our bank details can be obtained by contacting

Tel: + 61 3 9620 7844 or

email: nve"at"avbc.asn.au (please use the @ instead of "at")

A comprehensive knowledge of English is essential to the practice of veterinary science in Australia. If your first language is English (that is, born and educated in one of the countries listed in paragraph 1 of section 2.2 of the Candidates Handbook) you will be exempted from an English language test. If your first language is not English, a pass in all four sections of the Occupational English Test (OET) with a B pass or higher or score of band 7 in all sections at the academic level of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will satisfy the requirements. Should you fail to achieve the required standard in either of these examinations, you must re-sit the entire examination. The Board of Examiners does not permit re-sits of sub-sections of the examination.

Occupational English Test (OET)

The contact address is:

The OET Centre
GPO BOX 372
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
AUSTRALIA
Telephone:+61 3 9825 3800
Facsimile:+61 3 9825 3899

Email:  oet@oet.com.au

www.occupationalenglishtest.org

Please note: in exceptional circumstances, The OET Centre offers a "one off" OET. There is an additional charge for such a test.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

A score of band 7 in all sections at the academic levell of IELTS is accepted as an alternative to the OET. IELTS provides an assessment of whether candidates are ready to study or train in the medium of English. It is readily available at test centres around the world. Tests are arranged according to local demand.

Results are issued approximately two weeks after candidates have taken the test.
Band scores are recorded on a test report form showing overall ability as well as
performance in listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The test is conducted at two levels, either academic or general training and results are graded across nine bands ie, Band 1 - non-user to Band 9 - expert user. All enquiries concerning IELTS should be directed to IELTS at one of the following locations:

You must pass the English Language requirements and the NVE Preliminary Examination in order to be eligible to sit the Final Examination. The Final Examination is held over four or five days. The examination is conducted in an Australian veterinary school. You will be examined at the same level as recent graduates from Australian universities. The format of the examination is fully described in the Veterinary Science Candidates Information Handbook (pdf Updated June 2009 ).

If you have not been successful in two attempts at the Clinical Examination further attempts must be approved by the Board of Examiners. You would need to provide evidence that you have been, or plan to undertake appropriate activities to enhance your veterinary knowledge and experience.

You must endeavour to maintain proficiency in all areas covered by the clinical examination.

The clinical examination must be commenced within 2.25 years of passing the MCQ, and you must complete the clinical examination within five years of passing the MCQ, otherwise you will be required to re-start the NVE process.

If you successfully complete the NVE process you will be issued with a Certificate. This entitles you to apply for registration with any Australian Veterinary Surgeons' Registration Board. The Certificate will be sent direct to you. You must present the Certificate to the registration board in the State or Territory in which you intend to practise.

Once you are registered in Australia you will have the same rights and responsibilities as those of all other registered veterinarians in Australia.

If you are seeking to migrate to Australia you will be provided with a skills assessment letter with your certificate. You do not need to complete the skills assessment application form.