Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Prepare for your future career as a veterinarian.
Why choose this program?
The Pre-Veterinary Medicine Studies program equips students with all the necessary courses to apply to any Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program in Canada.
With hands-on experience in animal care, including sheep, dairy cattle, and aquaculture species, students also fit from active participation in the Pre-Vet club. The program’s flexible course offerings and advising support help students meet the specific requirements for veterinary schools, ensuring a strong foundation for future DVM applications.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 75%
Academic English 12
Pre-calculus Math 12*
Three additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
The Pre-Veterinary Medicine program at Dalhousie University offers flexible course options through the Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) with majors in Animal Science, Aquaculture, or Bioveterinary Science. Courses are available in various formats, including lectures, labs, and tutorials, and can be completed in 2 years.
The following Pre-Veterinary Medicine program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
- Bachelor of Science (Agriculture)
What you will learn
In Pre-Veterinary Medicine, you’ll gain a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, calculus and English, essential for applying to DVM programs in Canada. You’ll also explore electives like agricultural ecosystems and animal health sciences. This knowledge prepares you for advanced studies in veterinary medicine and equips you with skills applicable in animal care, nutrition and agricultural management.
Sample courses may include:
- Agricultural Ecosystems
- Overview of the Animal Health Sciences
The course curriculum provides a solid foundation in sciences and diverse electives, preparing you for DVM programs and careers in animal care, nutrition and agriculture. The hands-on learning and flexibility offer long-term value in various animal-related fields.
Careers
This program prepares you for a future in industries such as animal nutrition, animal care and keeping, zookeeping, aquaculture management, and animal training.
Future studies could include:
- Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) with a major in Animal Science or Aquaculture
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
