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AVE Comprehensive Study Guide

Your complete guide to passing the Australasian Veterinary Examination

Guide Sections

Quick Facts

6-12 months preparation
MCQ Fee: A$3,460 (DD)
Next MCQ: Apr 2026
9 clinical sections

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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

2026 Exam Dates & Important Notice

The next MCQ examination is scheduled for Friday 17 April 2026. AVBC has paused new eligibility applications because the 2026 MCQ places have already been allocated. Always confirm current dates and fees on avbc.asn.au before planning around them.

  • Next MCQ Exam: Friday, 17 April 2026
  • 2026 MCQ places fully allocated — new eligibility applications paused
  • 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$3,460 by direct deposit (~A$3,519 domestic / ~A$3,581 international by credit card). Confirm at avbc.asn.au/schedule-of-fees/.
  • Final (Clinical) full-exam fee: A$9,325 by direct deposit (credit-card surcharges apply)

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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