If you love animals and want to build a career in animal care, studying veterinary courses can be a great choice. New Zealand is one of the best places for international students who want to learn veterinary science. It offers world-class education, practical training, and peaceful surroundings – all in one place. In 2025, many students are choosing to study in New Zealand because of its modern learning system and high-quality courses in veterinary and animal sciences. Whether you want to become a veterinary nurse, animal care technician, or a qualified vet, New Zealand has a course for you. This blog will guide you through the top veterinary courses, universities, tuition fees, career scope, and how to apply for a New Zealand student visa. You will also learn about the process of getting a New Zealand study visa and how you can get expert help for your journey.
Why Study Veterinary Courses in New Zealand?
New Zealand is one of the top choices for students who want to study veterinary and animal care courses. The country offers a strong mix of theory and hands-on training, which helps students gain real skills and experience. The teaching methods are modern, and students learn directly through practice in animal hospitals, farms, and clinics. New Zealand is also known for its high standard of education, and veterinary courses here are designed to meet international quality levels. For example, Massey University’s veterinary program is globally accredited, making it easier for graduates to work in other countries too.
Another reason to study in New Zealand is the safe, friendly, and peaceful environment. International students feel welcomed and supported. Veterinary professionals are in demand in New Zealand, and graduates may have the opportunity to stay and work after their studies. The country also offers clear and simple pathways to apply for a New Zealand student visa, with post-study work options available. With expert teaching, strong career scope, and supportive visa policies, studying veterinary courses in New Zealand can open doors to a rewarding future in animal health. Applying for a New Zealand study visa is the first step toward that goal.
Top Institutes offering Veterinary Courses
Unitec – Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour & Welfare)
Unitec’s three‑year Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) is taught at Mt Albert campus. From day one, you work directly with animals in Te Puna Kararehe, learning to understand and influence their behaviour, improve their welfare, and manage their health in labs and practical settings. The course covers animal handling, welfare ethics, conservation, and human–animal relationships. It’s ideal for students who want to study in New Zealand and pursue careers as animal welfare officers, behaviour consultants, welfare educators, or inspectors. The programme offers both February and July starts and is designed to prepare you for roles in welfare agencies, zoos, rescue groups, and clinics. Coursework includes behaviour observation, welfare science, and hands‑on husbandry, providing excellent preparation for applying to a New Zealand student visa once accepted.
Unitec – New Zealand Diploma / Bachelor in Veterinary Nursing
Unitec also offers veterinary nursing training. Its Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (under the Applied Science umbrella) and the NZ Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Nursing teach you to assist with medical procedures, patient care, sterilisation, X‑rays, pharmacy, and client communication in clinics and animal hospitals. The diploma covers clinical nursing skills and includes supervised placement in real vet clinics, while the bachelor adds deeper study and research elements. Both options prepare you well to study in New Zealand and enter the workforce as vet nurses. The structured pathway supports visa applications, making it easier to get a New Zealand study visa by showing you’re enrolled in a recognised professional programme.
Massey University – Bachelor of Animal Science (Animal Welfare major)
Massey University’s Bachelor of Animal Science is a three‑year degree available at its Palmerston North campus and includes a major in Animal Welfare. This course focuses on animal welfare science, ethics, biosecurity, companion animal health, and disease prevention using real-world case studies. You’ll study animal physiology, welfare assessment, and the legal and ethical aspects of animal care, ideal if you want to study in New Zealand and make a difference in animal welfare policy, research, or advocacy. The degree qualifies graduates for roles such as welfare officers, biosecurity advisors, and policy-makers. As one of New Zealand’s top universities, Massey supports international students with visa guidance, making your New Zealand student visa process smoother.
Ara Institute – Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Ara Institute (formerly CPIT) offers a New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), designed to train you in caring for and treating companion animals. Students gain practical skills in animal handling, clinical nursing procedures, client communication, and clinic administration through both classroom learning and hands-on clinical placements. The programme meets the standards set by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association, preparing you for roles in vet clinics, shelters, and pet rescues. While exact durations and fees vary, the course matches the professional pathway of vet nursing offered across NZ. Graduates are well-equipped to work immediately after study and use that to support a New Zealand study visa application, showing enrolment in a full-time career-focused course.
Wintec – New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6)
Wintec offers a two‑year New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) at its Rotokauri campus in Hamilton. The programme teaches clinical skills including patient and client management, nursing protocols, medication, surgery assistance, X‑rays, and lab work. Students complete 750 hours of industry placement in veterinary clinics and hospitals, gaining hands‑on experience. Tuition is approximately NZD 8,508 per year, and international students may be eligible for fee‑free study under the government’s Fees Free Policy. This diploma is recognised by industry and supports graduates in seeking entry-level vet nurse jobs. Enrolment in this full-time programme supports your application to study in New Zealand and is a strong foundation when applying for a New Zealand student visa.
Entry Requirements to study Veterinary in New Zealand
- Academic Qualifications: High school completion (e.g., Year 12 with science subjects) or equivalent, depending on the course level. For diploma and bachelor-level courses, you typically need NCEA Level 3 credits in Biology, Chemistry, English, and Mathematics.
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS overall score 6.0 (minimum 5.5 per band), or TOEFL iBT 80 (min. 19 in Writing), or equivalent test results. Some certification courses (e.g. Veterinary Nursing Assistant) accept IELTS 5.5.
- Course-Specific Academic Criteria: Bachelor of Animal Science (Massey): Minimum 14 NCEA Level 3 credits in Biology and Chemistry; 16 Level 2 credits in Mathematics are recommended. Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Unitec): Either a relevant Level 5/6 NZQA certificate/diploma or at least 42 NCEA Level 3 credits (across approved subjects), plus literacy and numeracy standards.
- Supporting Documentation: Many courses (especially Unitec’s BVetN) require a personal statement describing animal‑care experience, plus referee reports (teacher/employer), medical declaration, and police check.
- Bridging & Pathway Options: If you lack prerequisites, universities like Massey offer introductory or foundation courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics. Unitec offers bridging education or discretionary admission based on interviews and experience.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
In 2025, international students planning to study in New Zealand for veterinary and animal care programs should budget for both tuition fees and living expenses. The tuition fee for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour & Welfare) at Unitec is approximately NZD 26,391 per year. Massey University’s Bachelor of Animal Science, which includes an animal welfare major, is more intensive and costs around NZD 56,240 to NZD 79,450 annually, depending on the course structure and year of study. The New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at Ara Institute is priced at NZD 26,000 per year, while Wintec offers the same diploma for approximately NZD 8,508 annually. In addition to tuition, students should plan for living costs in New Zealand, which average 20,000 per year. These expenses include housing, food, transport, and other daily needs. Planning finances properly is crucial when applying for a New Zealand student visa or New Zealand study visa.
Career Scope after studying Veterinary courses in New Zealand
Studying veterinary and animal care courses in New Zealand opens up a wide range of career opportunities for both domestic and international students. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in animal healthcare, welfare, and management, graduates from New Zealand institutions are well-prepared to enter the workforce or even work overseas. The country’s education system focuses on practical learning and industry placements, which makes students job-ready upon graduation. Veterinary professionals are also featured in New Zealand’s skill shortage list, increasing your chances of getting post-study work visas and long-term employment. Here are some key career paths:
- Veterinary Nurse / Technician: Graduates from diploma and bachelor-level programs can work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency care facilities. Their roles include assisting surgeries, patient care, lab testing, and client communication.
- Animal Welfare Officer or Inspector: Those who complete animal behaviour and welfare degrees can work in government departments, SPCA, rescue organisations, and councils to ensure proper treatment and welfare of animals.
- Biosecurity and Quarantine Roles: With strong training in disease control and animal health, graduates may work with MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) to manage animal imports/exports and control disease spread.
- Zoo, Wildlife, or Research Assistant: Students may also find roles in conservation centres, zoos, or research institutions, working on animal behaviour, breeding, and welfare enhancement.
Post-study Work Rights for Veterinary Graduates in New Zealand
Veterinary and animal care graduates who study in New Zealand at Level 7 or higher (such as bachelor’s degrees) are eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa of up to 3 years, depending on the length and location of the course. For diplomas at Level 6, like those offered at Ara Institute and Wintec, international students may qualify for a 1-year Post-Study Work Visa if the course is in an area of skill shortage, such as veterinary nursing. This visa allows graduates to gain full-time employment in their field of study, helping them to build experience and settle into the New Zealand workforce. During this time, students can apply for roles in vet clinics, welfare organisations, farms, or conservation agencies. If graduates find long-term job offers, they may also become eligible for further visas or residency. The New Zealand study visa system supports this transition by offering clear post-study pathways, making it easier for skilled veterinary graduates to stay and contribute to the country’s growing animal care sector.
How to Apply for New Zealand Student Visa?
Applying for a New Zealand student visa is an important step for international students who wish to study in New Zealand. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the process:
- Get an Offer of Place from a Recognised Institute: First, apply to a government-approved education provider like Massey University, Unitec, Ara Institute, or Wintec. Once accepted, you will receive an “Offer of Place” – a required document for your visa application.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather essential documents including a valid passport, academic transcripts, medical and police certificates, passport-sized photos, and a well-written Statement of Purpose. Include proof of funds to show you can cover tuition fees and living costs.
- Show Financial Evidence: You must prove you have at least NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses and enough to pay tuition fees. Funds can be in a bank account, a scholarship, or a financial sponsor.
- Apply Online via Immigration New Zealand: Create an account on the official Immigration NZ website and upload your documents. Pay the visa fee and submit your application.
- Wait for Visa Decision: Processing time may take several weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your New Zealand study visa, allowing you to travel and begin your education journey.
West Highlander Immigration
At West Highlander Immigration, we’re dedicated to helping aspiring veterinarians study in New Zealand. Our expert team provides personalised guidance, from selecting top veterinary and animal-care programs at Massey, Unitec, Ara, and Wintec to securing your New Zealand student visa. We assist with documentation, financial proof, and post-study planning so you can focus on your education and career. Choose West Highlander Immigration for trusted, streamlined support on your journey to veterinary success.