Veterinarians in Canada are in high demand as highly skilled professionals to indulge in healthcare services for animals. These experts are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, animal rescue groups, and many other services. Keeping this in mind, pursuing a veterinary course in Canada is extremely useful for candidates aiming to build a career in the medical industry.
The future prospects of a brilliant career in the medical sector depend on the reputation and academic excellence of the chosen educational institution. That being said, enrolment in veterinary courses in Canada for international students requires a thorough understanding of the admission process, fee structure and employment opportunities.
Here’s what all candidates must keep in mind before evaluating a career progression through a veterinary course in Canada.
Why Study Veterinary Medicine in Canada? (Top 5 Reasons Backed with Facts)
A range of factors contributes to such an escalation in demand for veterinary experts. According to the Job Bank of the Government of Canada, the prospects of Veterinarians are good in the upcoming three years.
As per the National Occupational Classification update for 2022-2024, some of the most important contributors are as follows:
Mushrooming of new positions across medical ventures
Rise in retirements in the previously employed employees
Increase in self-employment across the healthcare domain
Enhancement in consumer spending on pet population and animal treatments and therapists
The usage of telemedicine services for animal healthcare across the country
Top Colleges Offering Veterinary Courses in Canada
The veterinary courses in Canada are designed to provide comprehensive science education for extensive medical and surgical aid to the animals. The country offers diverse kinds of courses for both international and national students. Other than undergraduate and postgraduate programs, students can also enroll in veterinary diploma courses in Canada. The fee structure for veterinary courses in Canada is also dependent on the country of residence and type of program.
According to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 rankings of veterinary sciences, here’re the prestigious institutions to consider for enrolment in veterinary courses.
Sr. No.
University Name
QS Subject Rankings 2022
UG Course
Fees of UG course
PG Course
Fees of PG Course
1.
University of Guelph
5
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
CAD 34833.66
Masters of Veterinary Sciences
CAD 12216.8
2.
University of Montreal
35
Undergraduate Doctorate in Veterinary medicine
CAD 98169
Master in Veterinary Science
CAD 12023
3.
University of Calgary
37
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
CAD 16700
Master in Veterinary Science
CAD 5873
4.
University of Saskatchewan
51-60
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
CAD 18156
Master in Veterinary Science
CAD 12777
Source: Official University Website
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Veterinary Medicine in Canada at Undergraduate and Postgraduate Levels
Veterinary courses in Canada aim to hone the scientific education of a candidate through multiple programs. The eligibility criteria for admission to a course depend on the type of curriculum and level of the course set by the university.
The general eligibility criteria to secure an admission seat in a veterinarian course are:
Completion of 10+2 level of education with mathematics and biology as subjects for admission in bachelor’s program
Completion of bachelor’s degree with at least a B+ grade or 3.0 or 4.0 grade
Student permit to pursue education in Canada by IRCC
Proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL score of PBT 580, IBT of 97, 7.0 IELTS score or MELAB score in the range of 83
A score of 29 or above on the ACT, SAT marks of more than 1350, and a GRE score of 300 or more
Passing scores in prerequisite courses before entering the program
Official transcripts of previous education, letters of recommendation, financial documents and state of purposes
Average Salary for Vets in Canada
The salary of veterinary science students depends on the level of education and completion of the enrolled program. The average remuneration for a candidate pursuing a veterinary assistant course in Canada ranges around CAD 24.07 per hour. The annual base salary of the assistants falls around CAD 55715.
For Veterinary doctors in Canada, the general annual salary is CAD 142116. The entry-level professional can earn approximately CAD 106067. At the same time, experienced vet specialists can acquire a pay scale of CAD 151479. Additionally, the maximum remuneration also depends on the years of experience and the city of occupation of the professional. For instance, the average pay of a veterinarian from Hamilton is CAD 168518, which is approximately 20% higher than the typical national average salary offered.
Similarly, the base pay of a veterinary technician is CAD 56357 in Canada, with an hourly remuneration of CAD 31.28.
The veterinary courses in Canada are excellent in terms of excellent academic opportunities and future job prospects. Due to the increase in the demand for animal healthcare experts, the worldwide growth in the requirements is experiencing an upward trend. That’s to say, pursuing a veterinary degree can prove to be a brilliant career move with both the professional and academic opportunities lying ahead.
With that in mind, selecting the right course is crucial by considering the availability of specialties aligning with personal and educational objectives. The candidates must engage in in-depth research about the reputation, fee structure and eligibility of the shortlisted courses before initiating the admission process.
Collecting the essential documents after finalizing a program can help candidates save time and get ahead in the admission process.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.