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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 opens for new eligibility applications and 2027 MCQ applications on Monday, 5 October 2026 (10.00am AEDT). Eligibility applications close Monday, 11 January 2027 and MCQ applications close Monday, 25 January 2027 — 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
- Applications open Monday, 5 October 2026 (10.00am AEDT) — eligibility closes Monday, 11 January 2027, MCQ applications close Monday, 25 January 2027
- 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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