VMCAS Applicants
Applying for an International Veterinary Student position

There are two methods of entry for International students, Group 1 and Group 2. There are a total of 24 places available for international vet students to apply for each year. The exact distribution of these places between the two groups will be determined annually but will be between 10-14 places per group. .

Group 1 – Competitive Selection into BVSc via Semester One
Group 1 students come to New Zealand to complete a semester of study to compete for entry to the BVSc. Selection is based on their GPA and results of the Special Tertiary Admission Test F (STAT-F) at the end of Semester 1.

There are 10-14 places reserved for this method of entry. For this group the duration of study if successful in being selected is 5 years (10 semesters). Group 1 applicants should apply directly to Massey University (i.e. NOT via VMCAS).

Group 2 – Competitive Selection directly into BVSc Semester Two
Group 2 students are selected directly into semester 2 based on their GPA from overseas university study, and GRE score.

There are 10-14 places reserved for this method of entry. For this group the duration of the programme is 4.5 years (9 semesters). Group 2 applicants who completed their university study in the USA or Canada may apply via VMCAS. Students who completed their university study in a country other than the USA or Canada should apply directly to Massey University (i.e. NOT via VMCAS).

There are 3 criteria for eligibility to apply for a Group 2 Position.

1. A minimum science Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00
2. Achievement of the minimum Graduate Record Exam General Test (GRE) score.
• For tests taken after 1 Oct 2002 the analytical score out of 6 will be converted to a score out of 800 and the minimum combined GRE score for all 3 parts (verbal, quantitative and analytical) is 1600 out of 2400.
3. Successful completion of classes equivalent to the 4 pre-requisite classes at Massey University:
• 123.101 Chemistry and Living Systems
• 124.111 Physics for Life Sciences
• 162.101 Cell Biology
• 199.101 Animal Biology

Application Deadlines

The VMCAS online application deadline is 12 midnight EST October 1. You must complete and submit your online VMCAS application by or before midnight as their system does not allow applications to be submitted after this time. For more information about the VMCAS application see https://www.vmcas.org/ or http://www.aavmc.org/.

The supplemental application and associated documents must be received by Massey University by October 15.

Please note – there is no fee for the supplemental application for VMCAS applicants to Massey University.

The Application Process

There are essentially two major steps in gaining entry to the Massey University Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc).

1. Application for Admission to Massey University (via the International Office)

2. Selection to enter the BVSc Program (by the Vet School Selection Committee).

Application Checklist for VMCAS Applicants

1. Complete your VMCAS application online by or before midnight October 1.

2. Complete an application for admission to Massey University form.

• Download the supplemental application form for VMCAS applicants
• Here is a guide to filling in the application form


3. Have original transcripts from all the institutions where you have done post secondary study sent directly to the International office at Massey University, or attach SEALED original academic transcripts or certified copies of original transcripts to your application.
   
   
4. Attach copies of the course syllabus or course content descriptions for any biology, general or organic chemistry or physics classes you have completed that might either partially or wholly be credited for any of the pre-requisite classes shown below. Click on each class to see the course descriptions for these classes at Massey University.
   
• 123.101 Chemistry and Living Systems
• 124.111 Physics for Life Sciences
• 162.101 Cell Biology
• 199.101 Animal Biology


5. Request ETS to provide your GRE score directly to Massey University.
   The Institution code for Massey University is 3194 and the department code is 0622.
   
   
6. Attach a certified copy of either your passport or birth certificate.
   
   
7. Request your English language proficiency scores (either IELTS or TOEFL) be sent to Massey University. For applicants from countries where English is the recognized first language this requirement is waived (i.e. USA, Canada, UK etc).
   
   
8. Complete and attach a declaration that you do not have any criminal convictions witnessed by a notary public, justice of the peace, a solicitor or a commissioner of oaths. The witnesser must use an official stamp (in English) on the front of the document and sign and date the document. The Criminal Conviction statement should be as follows:
   
   "I, (NAME), solemnly and sincerely declare that I have not been convicted of any criminal offence which might prejudice my future registration as a Veterinarian."
   
   To certify copies of documents(i.e. birth certificate, passport, transcripts) : photocopy both sides of all pages and take both the originals and the copies to a notary public, justice of the peace, a solicitor or a commissioner of oaths and get them to verify that the copy is a true copy of the original. The certifier must use an official stamp (in English) on the front of each page, sign and date the document. Agent certification is not generally acceptable. The certified copies should be posted to the International Students Office as faxed or emailed documents will not be accepted.
   
   
9. Evidence of at least ten (10) days work experience in a veterinary clinic is required. Most VMCAS applicants meet this requirement through their VMCAS evaluation forms (aka eLOR’s). If you do not believe that any of your eLOR’s sufficiently covers this requirement you should submit a signed letter from a veterinarian (on their clinic letterhead) stating you have completed at least ten (10) days work experience at their clinic.

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Sending in Your Application

Your application for admission to Massey University as well as transcripts, GRE score, criminal declaration and copy of your passport/birth certificate should be sent to the International Office by October 15. The International Office manages all aspects of the process for admission to Massey University. Their postal and physical addresses are:

Postal Address
International Office
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North 4442

New Zealand Physical Address (for courier)
International Office
Massey University
Tennent Drive
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand

Questions Regarding Your VMCAS Application

Please email any questions regarding your VMCAS application to Massey University to the International Student Liaison for the vet school. If you are enquiring after the close off date for VMCAS applications please email the International Student Liaison.