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AVE Overview
What is the AVE?
The Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE) is administered by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) for overseas-trained veterinarians whose qualifications are not recognised by Australian state/territory boards or the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. The AVE Certificate entitles you to apply for full registration in any Australian state/territory or in New Zealand.
- Recognised across Australia and New Zealand
- Two parts: Preliminary (MCQ) and Final (Clinical)
- MCQ normally held once a year in April; Final (Clinical) usually held twice a year (mid-year and end of year)
- AVE eligibility assessment is valid for 3 years; the Final (Clinical) must be completed within 5 years of passing the MCQ
2027 Exam Dates & Important Notice
The next MCQ examination is on Friday, 16 April 2027. The AVBC portal accepts new eligibility applications and 2027 MCQ applications from Monday, 5 October 2026 (10.00am AEDT). Eligibility applications close Monday, 11 January 2027. For MCQ applications, AVBC's pages currently show two closing dates, Monday, 25 January 2027 and Monday, 1 February 2027, so plan to the earlier one: the date that binds you is the one on the MCQ application form AVBC sends you. AVBC notes the portal may close earlier, at short notice, so apply early. Always confirm current dates and fees on avbc.asn.au before planning around them.
- Next MCQ Exam: Friday, 16 April 2027
- Portal open from Monday, 5 October 2026 (10.00am AEDT) — eligibility closes Monday, 11 January 2027; MCQ applications close Monday, 25 January 2027 or Monday, 1 February 2027 (AVBC's pages differ, so plan to the earlier date)
- Final (Clinical) Examination: usually held twice yearly (mid-year and end of year), conducted in Australia (typically UQ Gatton)
- MCQ exam fee (AVBC fee schedule): A$3,620 by direct deposit or credit card (A$3,635 by direct deposit from overseas; credit card payments attract processing fees). Confirm at avbc.asn.au/schedule-of-fees/.
- Final (Clinical) full-exam fee: A$9,325 by direct deposit or credit card (credit card payments attract processing fees)
Exam Structure
The AVE consists of two main components, both of which must be passed to obtain the AVE Certificate:
- Preliminary (MCQ) Examination — two papers, one day, computer-delivered with Computerised Adaptive Testing (CAT) and Rasch scoring
- Final (Clinical) Examination — 9 sections (3 oral vivas + 6 practicals), conducted over 5 days at an Australasian veterinary school
- Final (Clinical) must be completed within 5 years of passing the MCQ — otherwise you must restart the AVE process
- MCQ: up to 3 attempts; failing all 3 requires missing the next 2 sittings before re-applying
- Final (Clinical): up to 3 full attempts (3rd needs AVEC approval), plus up to 2 supplementary attempts of any failed section(s)
English Requirements
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through:
- OET - B grade or higher in all sections
- IELTS Academic - Score of 7+ in all sections
- TOEFL-iBT - L:24, R:24, W:27, S:23
- PTE Academic - Score of 65+ in all sections
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