Study veterinary, agriculture or food sciences at the University of Melbourne and join a faculty committed to life-long learning and the application of science to local, national and global issues. We have study options for everyone, including diplomas, research degrees and professional development programs.
- Courses
Pursue your passion in agriculture, veterinary and food sciences at Australia’s number one university.
- Breadth
Gain knowledge across a broad range of disciplines.
- Graduate Research Opportunities
Work alongside our academic experts and pursue your interests with a Graduate Research Degree.
- Continuing Professional Development
Access life-long learning and professional development opportunities.
Scholarships
The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences has a range of scholarships and bursaries to assist with study and living expenses.
Current Students
Get to know your faculty and access information relating to your degree.
- Robin Gasser receives Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor title
Professor Robin Gasser has been awarded the title of Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor for his outstanding contribution to research at the University of Melbourne.
- Friday 6:00pmLinking the Health of People, Animals and the Environment to Address Global Challenges
- How a longing for ‘real beer’ turned a hobby into a career
University of Melbourne students can study the art and science of beer brewing, thanks to a passionate lecturer who brews his own English-style ales.
- Wednesday 6:00pmCan Food Labelling Help Create More Sustainable Food Systems?
- Meet the cow whisperer
The University of Melbourne's own cow whisper is Kenny Oluboyede who oversees the award winning research robotic dairy at Dookie in rural Victoria.
- Measuring deliciousness
The University of Melbourne's sensory lab monitors conscious and unconscious responses to food, to measure what we really think about what we're eating.
- Are these Australia’s happiest dairy cows?
The University of Melbourne's robotic dairy is home to some very happy cows; they decide when they're milked, and even enjoy a back-scratch in the process.
- Animal Welfare Science Centre appoints new Director
The Board of the Animal Welfare Science Centre (AWSC) has announced Professor Andrew Fisher has accepted its invitation to become Director.
- Embracing the finite
Ecologist Peter Vitousek explores how living in the Anthropocene will force us to make our way with diminished natural resources.
- Guts of the matter
Marshall Lightowlers, Robin Gasser and Rebecca Traub and their teams have worked for years to develop effective treatments and strategies to control parasites.
- Two FVAS alumni recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Alumni from the Faculty's Melbourne Veterinary School and School of Agriculture and Food received Queen's Birthday Honours for 2017.
- Silage: Rocket-fuel for cows
Silage provides key nutrition for livestock and allows farmers to manage feed - we ask University of Melbourne experts what it is, and why it smells?
- Veterinary alumni gather in Melbourne for AVA conference
Over 40 University of Melbourne Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) alumni met in Melbourne for a reception during the 2017 AVA Annual Conference.
- Soil pollution and remediation research centre established
A new research centre led by University of Melbourne scientists aims to solve the challenges pollution and soil degradation poses to food production around the world.
- Talking dirty: The conversation between plants and soil
Nitrogen pollution caused by farming practices is a major problem, but University of Melbourne research has discovered an environmentally friendly alternative.
- Gift lightens a student's burden
A family’s commitment to helping others has enabled a young student to focus on her studies
- BGI and FVAS expand human and animal health collaboration
A new agreement will enable research which supports the discovery of treatments and diagnostics for pathogens and disease.
- The first female Bachelor of Agriculture graduate, 100 years later
Irene Lowe took pride saying she was the first woman in the southern hemisphere to complete a degree in agricultural science.
- Siding with the animals
Dr Liz Walker has found a position she loves, as Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA Victoria.
- A voice of reason guides the way
Masters student Jemma McDougall believes she hit the jackpot when Nick Sher came into her life to offer guidance
- Job opportunities for ag grads continue growth
Bachelor of Agriculture students explored the wide range of careers available to agriculture graduates in an industry event on 27 April 2017
- The grand challenge of feeding 9 billion people
Sustainable agriculture expert Tim Reeves on the radical changes required in agricultural practice, public policy and consumer behaviour to feed Earth.
- Jaw-dropping: So how does a snake eat a man?
A reticulated python reportedly ate a man in Indonesia, but just how can a snake eat a grown human?
- Losing respect for our food
With increasing populations worldwide, greater demand for meat and an array of environmental issues, agriculture is facing a perfect storm of challenges.
- Government awards work on genetic control of flystrike
Parasitology researcher Clare Anstead has received the Australian Wool Innovation Award at the 2017 Science Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- Cutting-edge technology to improve agricultural research
Twenty early-and mid-career agricultural researchers learned how to build mobile apps for data collection in international development projects and how to pass these skills to their colleagues in a...
- Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences appoints new Heads of School
The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences has appointed Professors Ted Whitten and Mohan Singh to lead the Melbourne Veterinary School and School of Agriculture and Food.
- Keeping pets safe in the festive season
Christmas can be exciting and full of treats for us, but full of new dangers for pets warns veterinarian Dr Leonie Richards from the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet clinic in Werribee.
- Rebecca Traub receives Bill & Melinda Gates grant for groundbreaking global health research
Congratulations to Associate Professor Rebecca Traub, whose new Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded research is expected to improve access to diagnosis in remote areas of developing countries at...
- Professor John Fazakerley, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary and...
Professor John Fazakerley, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences delivered this public lecture at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville Campus on Thursday 22 September.
- Snakes, crocodiles and goannas – Melbourne vets treat wildlife in the Northern Territory
They may have graduated 16 years apart, but Melbourne veterinary science alumni Stephen Cutter and Ella Richardson found a shared interest in Australian wildlife and treating dogs in Indigenous co...
- Agriculture and commerce alumni draw inspiration from family’s fields of gold
Alicia Cain and her brothers Peter and Matthew turned their father’s renowned oat farm into fields of gold when the trio saw the potential of his produce as an artisanal product.
- Pig vaccine developed by Melbourne's Marshall Lightowlers could reduce epilepsy in humans
A vaccine to combat tapeworms in pigs developed by the University of Melbourne’s Professor Marshall Lightowlers, Indian Immunological Limited and the Global Alliance for Veterinary Medicine, could ...
- Melbourne vet alumna appointed Massey Vice-Chancellor - Massey University
Professor Jan Thomas, a Melbourne Master of Veterinary Studies alumna with an international reputation for her teaching, research and academic leadership will be the next vice-chancellor of Massey ...
- Melbourne alumni among spring racing's women of influence
The Weekly Review interviews women in the racing industry in its latest issue, including University of Melbourne veterinary medicine alumna and former staff member Grace Forbes.
- Melbourne students receive Rural Finance scholarships
University of Melbourne students Dale Hinkley and Kate Methven have been awarded Rural Finance Scholarships in this year’s round. The scholarship gives Victorian agriculture students financial and...
- Why does a broken leg mean death to a racehorse?
If you break your leg, it will be painful and debilitating but in most cases you can recover with treatment.
- Melbourne leads Australia in nation’s first animal welfare judging competition
Animal welfare judging competition in full swing! @HazelSJ @FVASunimelb #AWJC #AWSC @ZoosVictoria pic.twitter.com/4Pd2z5cAhE
- Wool classer in the making
Second-year Bachelor of Agriculture student Xavier Carew was originally interested in agronomy, but after being part of the University of Melbourne’s competition-winning sheep judging team, he’s co...
- Frank Dunshea receives Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor title
Professor Frank Dunshea has been awarded the title of Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor by the University of Melbourne.
- The sound of female elephants could drive away crop-raiding males
Research by Evan Bittner (pictured above) has shown recordings of the cries and trumpets of female elephants can be played through speakers to prevent crops from being raided by bull elephants.
- Media Release: Funding boost to improve horse and rider safety
University of Melbourne researchers will seek to reduce the risk of racehorse fatalities on the track as part of a $5.25 million funding commitment from the Victorian Government and Racing Victoria.
- Unimelb v Marcus Oldham - Aussie Rules Showdown
“Men’s and women’s football teams made up of University of Melbourne and Marcus Oldham College agriculture students went toe-to-toe in two games in Parkville.”
- GM pastures tipped as the way forward.
“University of Melbourne professor Kevin Smith spoke at the WAFarmers annual dairy conference last week about GM pasture research and the opportunity it presents for dairy farmers in Australia, as ...
- University of Melbourne at forefront of agriculture science
While Sam’s interest in agriculture comes from working on his father’s sheep and dryland cropping farm, he is also interested in agronomy, efficient fertiliser use and how technology can make Austr...
- Ag alumna grows her interest
“Claudia Gerbert undertook the Bachelor of Agriculture at Melbourne.
- DVM Student Pioneers Sheep Stud
“The use of Corriedales in agricultural teaching programs by several Mornington Peninsula schools has sparked the setting up of three mini-studs in the region.
- Diploma in General Studies opening doors for students
Current University of Melbourne Bachelor of Agriculture student Carl Young is one of the many who are benefiting. Carl grew up helping his parents maintain a large market garden growing baby salads...
- Food security, healthy animals and people our focus: says new Dean
Acclaimed virologist and academic Professor John Fazakerley has today commenced his role as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
- Animal welfare gets a boost from SA partnership
Two South Australian research partners have joined the Animal Welfare Science Centre (AWSC) to make the Centre one of the world’s largest animal welfare focused research groups.
- U-Vet equine vets help baby elephant stand.
The two-and-a-half weeks old animal was able to stand for a short period of time after medical staff removed casts from its front legs.
We are a research-intensive faculty dedicated to the advancement of societal, animal and environmental wellbeing through cross-disciplinary and collaborative research spanning agricultural, food, veterinary and biomedical sciences.
- Research Areas
Discover our wide-range of research disciplines and specialisations across the agricultural, food, veterinary and bio sciences.
- Research Centres
Our researchers collaborate and work cross-institutionally and with industry at the local, national and global level.
- Learning and Teaching
We are committed to the continuous improvement of the student learning experience, and the professionalism and effectiveness of our teaching activities.
Graduate Research Opportunities
Ready to take the next step? Learn how you can contribute to the future of agriculture, food and animal and veterinary sciences, as well as agricultural innovation, bioscience and zoonoses.
Current Projects
From bone re-modelling, to rural R and D to the development of vaccines in the fight against parasites, learn about some of the different projects we are working on the faculty.
Our talented alumni from the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences make valuable contributions to animal and human health, food security and socioeconomic prosperity in Australia and worldwide.
You are a vital part of our future
Remain involved with your alumni community of over 11,000 professionals and take advantage of industry networking opportunities, career development services, professional and social events and exclusive benefits. We are proud of your contributions and achievements and are always interested in hearing your news.
Stay connected
- Tell us what you’re most interested in through your alumni profile and receive tailored news and updates from the Faculty and University.
- Connect with the Faculty on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook.
- Read the latest research findings and expert commentary on veterinary treatment and research, animal health and welfare, the science and economics of food production and farming on Pursuit.
Reunions
Reunions are a great way to reconnect with fellow alumni and catch up on stories from your student days and beyond. If you are organising a reunion, we can assist in contacting your year level and provide practical advice and support.
Contact us
For any alumni queries please contact:
Maree Blackburn - Alumni Relations
Tel: +61 3 8344 8154
Email: fvas-alumni@unimelb.edu.au
Welcome to one of Australia’s leading veterinary hospitals
The University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital is based in Werribee, Victoria.
Our expert and caring team treat over 17,000 animals per year, via the following services:
- General practice (for primary and preventative care)
- Referral practice (for veterinarians)
- Emergency and critical care services – open 24 hours, 365 days per year
- Equine Centre
Emergency and critical care
- Phone
- +61 3 9731 2000
- Hours
- 24 hours, 365 days per year
- Web
- www.u-vet.com.au
Dedicated and highly qualified staff
We are a large veterinary practice operating within world-class facilities. Our team of caring and highly-qualified veterinary staff are supported by dedicated veterinary nurses, specialist technicians and administrative staff. We employ over 40 registered veterinarians from interns to senior veterinary registrars.
Total animal care
As well as our general practice, we provide specialist veterinary services in surgery, anaesthesia, radiology, neurology and clinical pathology.
Emergency department, open all hours
Our emergency and critical care department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is supported by modern diagnostic capabilities and on-site pathology laboratories, which enable us to promptly diagnose and manage complex, involved and unusual cases.
Teaching the veterinarians of tomorrow
Importantly, we are also a teaching hospital and research facility. We are committed to educating the veterinarians of today and tomorrow. Students may be allowed to undertake simple procedures, such as administering medication, but most cases require advanced veterinary care that is only provided by experienced veterinarians. We thank you for allowing us to involve veterinary students in the care of your pet.
Our faculty has a proud history of achievement, and we are always striving to build on that by having a strong vision for the future. That’s where we need your help.
Your support helps us in so many ways and makes an enormous impact:
- Scholarships and bursaries– To promote equal opportunity and empowering the best students to become the talented professionals of tomorrow
- Academic excellence and research - By attracting and retaining the best staff and enabling them to undertake innovative and essential research
- World class infrastructure – Building the best and most sustainable environments for teaching, learning and research, equipped with the latest technology
The finances required to achieve our aims are considerable. While government provides a base level of assistance, this alone is not sufficient to achieve excellence in the 21st century.
Support us
We invite you to share this exciting journey as we continue to secure the future health of animals, people, communities, land and the environment.
Our aim is to continue to provide an education in veterinary and agricultural sciences that is second to none, to conduct innovative and relevant research, and to exchange knowledge with society – including the veterinary profession, the agricultural sector and the general public.
To do this we need the best equipment, the most up-to-date facilities and the most experienced staff. This all costs money, but with your help we can ensure the Faculty and the University Veterinary Hospital maintains exceptionally high levels of education and service to the community.
How you can help
There are a number of ways you can help:
- Donate to one of our trusts to support academic excellence
- Create a bequest
- Found a scholarship or bursary to assist our students and researchers
- Make a gift today
- UK, US or Canadian donors
Please contact us
For a confidential discussion about supporting the Faculty please contact our Advancement staff:
Peter Moran
Senior Development Manager
Tel: +61 3 8001 2420
Email: pgmoran@unimelb.edu.au
Donations of $2 or more to the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, including the University Veterinary Hospital, initiatives in Australia are tax deductible to Australian tax payers.