Waking up in paradise each morning is a dream come true for University of Queensland graduate Guyan Weerasinghe.
Guyan Weerasinghe studied Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland, Australia
Guyan works as a veterinarian in the beautiful location of Golden Bay, New Zealand.
He is part of a team ensuring the wellbeing of all animals, both great and small.
Each day he is presented with a variety of cases, making no two working days ever the same.
“In one day I can treat a lame cow, examine a sick guinea pig and stitch up a wounded dog that has been in a terrible fight,” he said.
“The rural aspect of my job also requires me to look after the welfare, health and production of dairy cattle on farms in Golden Bay.”
He believes that his Bachelor of Veterinary Science from The University of Queensland (UQ) gave him the best possible advantage to succeed as a young veterinarian.
“I loved the veterinary science program and my employer also appreciates that I still maintain ties with the university,” he said.
“Our training required us to carry out practical in all aspects of animal health and I also travelled around Australia to work on some highly memorable projects.
“I particularly enjoyed the sense of collegiality amongst not only students, but the staff as well.”
During his five years program Guy made the most of every extracurricular activity and was the Valedictorian of the graduating class.
As a student, he attended multiple conferences, including the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Leadership Experience in Post Falls, Idaho.
“I believe that this support during and after university is the key towards having a fulfilling career in veterinary science,” he said.
Guy’s alma mater, The University of Queensland is ranked in the top 100 universities of the world’s 10,000 universities (UQ Veterinary Science ranked 22 in the QS world subject rankings).
If you are planning to study undergraduate or postgraduate veterinary science in Australia, UQ offers outstanding programs for local and international students.
At The University of Queensland, you will study in purpose-built facilities that are recognised as the best veterinary school facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are two veterinary teaching hospitals and $100 million invested in purpose built clinical, teaching and research facilities at the beautiful 1000 hectare Gatton campus, just an hour’s drive west of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland.
Our new veterinary hospitals include a Small Animal Hospital and an Equine Specialist Hospital, as well as a mixed practice hospital and clinic in the nearby rural township of Dayboro.
The School has a great mix of postgraduate and undergraduate students, with 80 Doctorate, Masters and Honours students, and 600 Undergraduate students who have 35 weeks hands-on clinical practice.
Our graduates work in over 50 different countries. Many work at the highest levels in clinical practice, in veterinary education and government.
One of our graduates has even won a Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology (Professor Peter Doherty).
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) program is globally accredited by three accrediting bodies. Your UQ veterinary degree has accreditation with:
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council which allows UQ veterinary graduates to practice in all Australian states and in New Zealand;
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, leading to registration of UQ veterinary graduates in United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and elsewhere; and
American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), making UQ veterinary graduates eligible to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (a pre-requisite for any veterinarian who seeks to practice in North America).
You will learn from dedicated, high-quality academic and clinical staff. We have a strong focus on animal handling and developing the clinical skills you will need to practice as a veterinarian.
Your final (fifth) year will be entirely “hands-on” in veterinary hospitals. You will be trained in medicine and surgery in commonly treated species, including dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, and gain skills in the treatment of wildlife and avian, and exotic pets. You will have opportunities to complete clinical placements at the School, throughout Australia and beyond.
You will be part of cohort of students who form a cohesive and supportive group through shared classes and social events organised by the Veterinary Students Association (UQVSA).
You can also join our student-led Special Interest Groups, including marine, wildlife, cattle, horses, one health (public health) and Vets Beyond Borders.
If you have any questions regarding our veterinary program, university or student life, you can access information in the following ways:
Go online for a comprehensive overview of the program, teaching, facilities and employment opportunities.
Read our FAQs (Frequently asked questions).
Currently in our programs there are a number of overseas undergraduate students from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, West Indies, India, UK, Canada, USA, Eire, Japan, Scandinavia and Africa.
Postgraduate options are also available.
Jump online and discover the diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate science programs available at UQ.
If you’re a prospective international student, and want to study at UQ, you should apply directly to the International Admissions Section of The University of Queensland.
Or you can download the International UQ Study Guide 2016 as an app to instantly access UQ information – plus additional photos and videos not available elsewhere. Tap the App Store/Google Play Store icon on your smartphone or tablet to access.
(Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) CRICOS Code 082631A)