Australia is a popular destination for overseas-trained veterinarians and veterinary nurses, with opportunities in metropolitan, regional and rural veterinary practices.
But moving to Australia to work in veterinary medicine involves two separate questions:
- Can you legally work in Australia? — your visa and work rights.
- Can you legally practise as a veterinarian or veterinary nurse? — your professional registration and qualification requirements.
The requirements depend on your occupation, qualifications, country of training and the Australian state or territory where you want to work.
Overseas veterinarians: can I work as a vet in Australia?
To practise as a veterinarian in Australia, you generally need to be registered with the veterinary registration board in the state or territory where you will work.
The first step is to check whether your veterinary qualification is recognised by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC). The AVBC maintains a list of qualifications that are generally recognised for registration in Australia and New Zealand.
If your veterinary degree is recognised, you may be able to apply for registration without sitting the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE), although you will still need to satisfy the relevant registration board’s requirements, including English-language requirements.
If your qualification is not recognised, you will generally need to complete an examination pathway before obtaining unrestricted registration.
The Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE)
The Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE) is the main examination pathway for overseas-qualified veterinarians whose qualifications are not recognised for registration in Australia.
The process involves:
- an eligibility assessment
- the AVE Preliminary Examination (MCQ)
- the AVE Final Examination (clinical)
Passing the AVE can provide a pathway to registration with an Australian veterinary board.
Other recognised examination pathways may apply to veterinarians coming through systems such as the US or Canadian veterinary qualification pathways.
Important: visa eligibility and veterinary registration are separate processes. A visa does not give you the right to practise veterinary medicine, and passing a skills assessment does not itself provide veterinary registration.
Can an overseas-qualified vet work under supervision?
Sometimes—but there is no single Australia-wide “supervised vet” registration category.
Some state and territory veterinary boards provide forms of specific, limited or conditional registration that can allow an overseas-qualified veterinarian to work while completing an approved pathway towards full registration. The rules are different between jurisdictions.
For example, Victoria allows certain overseas-qualified veterinarians who have passed the written stage of the AVE (or an equivalent pathway) to obtain specific registration and work in a veterinary practice under direct supervision while preparing for their final examination. The supervising veterinarian must be on the premises while the overseas-qualified vet is practising, although they do not necessarily have to be in the same room. Conditions can also restrict the veterinarian to a particular workplace.
This is not the same as being fully registered. The exact conditions, permitted duties and supervision requirements depend on the relevant veterinary board.
If you are considering working as a supervised veterinarian, contact the veterinary board in the state where you intend to work before accepting a position or starting work.
What qualifications do overseas veterinary nurses need?
Veterinary nursing is regulated differently from veterinary practice.
Unlike veterinarians, veterinary nurses are not nationally registered in most Australian states and territories. Western Australia is an exception, with statutory registration requirements for veterinary nurses.
The Australian industry qualification is the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Overseas veterinary nursing qualifications may be assessed for Australian equivalence, particularly if you intend to migrate under a skilled visa.
For migration purposes, Veterinary Nurse (ANZSCO 361311) is currently listed on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List. VETASSESS is the relevant skills assessing authority.
VETASSESS considers both your qualification and employment history. Depending on your qualification and experience, different pathways can apply. For example, an overseas qualification comparable to an Australian Certificate IV or higher may require at least one year of relevant post-qualification employment, while other pathways require more experience.
If you are unsure whether your overseas veterinary nursing qualification is equivalent, it is worth checking this before relocating.
What visa do I need to work in Australia?
There is no single visa for overseas veterinary professionals.
Possible pathways include:
- Employer-sponsored visas, where an Australian veterinary practice sponsors an eligible worker
- Skilled migration visas, where you qualify based on your occupation, skills, qualifications and other requirements
- Working Holiday visas, for eligible applicants from participating countries
- other temporary or permanent visa pathways depending on your circumstances
Veterinarian (ANZSCO 234711) is currently included on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List. Veterinary Nurse (ANZSCO 361311) is also listed.
One employer-sponsored option is the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). Other skilled and employer-sponsored permanent pathways may also be available depending on your circumstances.
Visa rules, occupation lists and salary requirements can change, so always check the current requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before making migration decisions.
Where should I start?
If you are an overseas veterinarian considering Australia, a sensible order is:
1. Check your veterinary qualification with AVBC
Find out whether you can apply for registration directly or whether you need an examination pathway.
2. Check the registration board for the state where you want to work
Australia has separate veterinary registration boards for each state and territory.
3. Check your visa options
Use the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and, if necessary, a registered migration agent.
4. If you are a veterinary nurse, check your qualification and migration skills assessment requirements
VETASSESS provides the relevant skills assessment information for Veterinary Nurse.
5. Start looking for jobs
Once you understand your registration and visa position, look for Australian veterinary jobs and be clear with prospective employers about where you are in the process.
Useful official resources
- Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) — veterinary registration, recognised qualifications and the AVE.
- Australian Department of Home Affairs — Australian visa and migration information.
- VETASSESS — skills assessment for Veterinary Nurse migration.
- Your state or territory veterinary registration board — registration and supervision requirements.
- Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) — Australian veterinary careers and professional information.
Find veterinary jobs in Australia
Once you have worked out your registration, qualification and visa requirements, the next step is finding the right Australian veterinary employer.
Vets Unlimited connects veterinary practices with veterinarians, veterinary nurses and other veterinary professionals looking for their next opportunity—including candidates coming to Australia from overseas.
Search Australian veterinary jobs and find practices looking for international veterinary professionals on Vets Unlimited.
Disclaimer: Vets Unlimited provides general information based on personal interpretation only and is not a legal or employment advice service. Employment conditions can vary depending on the relevant award, contract and individual circumstances. Laws and awards can change, so always check the current information with Fair Work Ombudsman or seek independent professional advice.