Insights
Australia vs. New Zealand: Where Should You Practice as a Veterinary Surgeon?
If you’re a vet weighing up your options, here’s a detailed comparison to help guide your decision.
For veterinary surgeons considering a move down under, two countries often rise to the top of the list: Australia and New Zealand. Both offer stunning natural beauty, relaxed lifestyles, and a growing demand for veterinary professionals. But while they share many similarities, the experience of practicing in each country differs in meaningful ways—from licensing and clinical scope to salary expectations and quality of life.
1. Licensing and Registration
Australia
To practice as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, you must register with the Veterinary Board of the state or territory in which you intend to work. While registration is not national, most boards have similar requirements:
To practice as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, you must register with the Veterinary Board of the state or territory in which you intend to work. While registration is not national, most boards have similar requirements:
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A recognised veterinary degree (e.g., UK, Ireland, South Africa, NZ, Canada, USA).
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Good standing with previous licensing bodies.
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English language proficiency (usually IELTS or OET if not from an English-speaking country).
Key note: Australia does not currently require additional examinations for most internationally recognised undergraduate degrees. If your degree is not recognised, you can also do the NAVLE, MRCVS stat exam or ‘AVE’ – Australian Veterinary Exam through the AVBC,
New Zealand
In New Zealand, registration is handled nationally by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ). The process is relatively streamlined for vets from countries like the UK, Australia, and South Africa, whose degrees are directly recognised.
In New Zealand, registration is handled nationally by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ). The process is relatively streamlined for vets from countries like the UK, Australia, and South Africa, whose degrees are directly recognised.
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Application typically includes proof of qualifications, good character, and references.
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No exam is required for vets from recognised vet schools.
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Annual practicing certificates are required to maintain registration.
Verdict: New Zealand offers a slightly simpler, centralised system, while Australia’s process varies by region.
2. Clinical Practice and Scope
Australia
Australia has a well-developed veterinary industry, particularly in urban centres. Referral hospitals are widespread, and the presence of multiple vet schools means access to continuing education is excellent.
Australia has a well-developed veterinary industry, particularly in urban centres. Referral hospitals are widespread, and the presence of multiple vet schools means access to continuing education is excellent.
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Companion animal practice dominates in cities.
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Rural areas see a high demand for mixed and production animal vets.
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Some states have higher levels of specialisation (e.g., NSW, Victoria).
New Zealand
New Zealand’s veterinary scene is more rural by nature, with a large portion of vets involved in mixed practice—particularly dairy and sheep farming on the North and South Islands, respectively.
New Zealand’s veterinary scene is more rural by nature, with a large portion of vets involved in mixed practice—particularly dairy and sheep farming on the North and South Islands, respectively.
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Clinics are often smaller and more generalist.
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Vets are expected to “do a bit of everything”—especially in regional towns.
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Referral services are available, but limited compared to Australia.
Verdict: Choose Australia for specialisation and urban practice; New Zealand for variety, autonomy, and rural exposure.
3. Workplace Culture and Lifestyle
Australia
Australia offers a diverse working culture with a focus on work-life balance, though this can vary by location and employer. Cities like Melbourne and Brisbane are known for their vibrant culture, excellent food scenes, and access to beaches, mountains, and national parks.
Australia offers a diverse working culture with a focus on work-life balance, though this can vary by location and employer. Cities like Melbourne and Brisbane are known for their vibrant culture, excellent food scenes, and access to beaches, mountains, and national parks.
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4-day work weeks are increasingly common in progressive practices.
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Practices are generally well-staffed, though rural shortages exist.
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Higher pressure environments exist in emergency and referral settings.
New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. Kiwis value simplicity, nature, and a sense of community.
New Zealand is famous for its laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. Kiwis value simplicity, nature, and a sense of community.
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Smaller clinics = tighter-knit teams.
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Strong emphasis on teamwork, resilience, and independence.
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Ideal for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, or rural living.
Verdict: Both countries offer excellent quality of life, but New Zealand edges ahead for nature-lovers and those craving a slower pace.
4. Salaries and Cost of Living
Australia
Veterinary salaries in Australia are gradually increasing, especially as workforce shortages push clinics to improve compensation.
Veterinary salaries in Australia are gradually increasing, especially as workforce shortages push clinics to improve compensation.
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New graduate salaries: AUD $60,000–$75,000/year.
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Experienced vets: AUD $90,000–$130,000+, with more in emergency or specialist roles.
- Specialists – AUD $185k – $350k+ p/a –
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Higher salaries are typically found in metro areas or high-demand roles/ER/Specialist and night work roles.
Cost of living varies—Sydney is notably expensive, while cities like Adelaide or regional towns are more affordable.
New Zealand
Salaries in New Zealand are generally lower than in Australia, though the cost of living can also be slightly lower in rural areas.
Salaries in New Zealand are generally lower than in Australia, though the cost of living can also be slightly lower in rural areas.
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New graduate salaries: NZD $50,000–$75,000/year.
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Experienced vets: NZD $100,000–$150,000+, with more in leadership or referral roles.
The biggest downside in NZ is housing affordability in cities like Auckland and Queenstown, which can be high relative to local salaries.
Verdict: Australia wins on salary, though both countries struggle with cost-of-living pressures in major cities.
5. Career Progression and CPD
Australia
Veterinary CPD is well-established and widely supported. Most employers offer paid CPD leave and funding.
Veterinary CPD is well-established and widely supported. Most employers offer paid CPD leave and funding.
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Access to conferences (e.g., AVA, UPAV, ECC symposiums).
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Strong referral networks offer mentorship for aspiring specialists.
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Opportunities exist for teaching, research, and management roles.
New Zealand
While CPD is also mandatory and supported in NZ, the options are slightly more limited due to the country’s size.
While CPD is also mandatory and supported in NZ, the options are slightly more limited due to the country’s size.
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VCNZ requires annual CPD documentation.
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Some vets choose to travel to Australia for larger conferences.
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Opportunities exist for leadership in rural or mixed practice.
Verdict: Australia provides a broader platform for career development, especially for specialists or those wanting to diversify.
6. Visa and Immigration Pathways
Australia
Australia actively seeks veterinarians through its Skilled Occupation List. Visa options include:
Australia actively seeks veterinarians through its Skilled Occupation List. Visa options include:
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS)
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Permanent Residency through Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
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Working Holiday Visas for eligible countries (up to age 35)
Processing can be bureaucratic, but the pathway to PR is clear.
New Zealand
Veterinarians are on NZ’s Green List of Tier 1 roles, meaning fast-tracked residency is available.
Veterinarians are on NZ’s Green List of Tier 1 roles, meaning fast-tracked residency is available.
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Straightforward visa process.
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“Straight to Residence” visa available to qualified vets.
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Lower visa fees and faster processing than Australia in many cases.
Verdict: New Zealand currently offers a more efficient and attractive visa pathway for vets.
7. The People Factor
Australia
Australians are friendly, direct, and value humour and professionalism. Urban clinics can be fast-paced, while rural communities are deeply loyal.
Australians are friendly, direct, and value humour and professionalism. Urban clinics can be fast-paced, while rural communities are deeply loyal.
New Zealand
Kiwis are famously humble and easy-going. Clinics often have a “family feel,” and clients are loyal and appreciative. Māori culture adds depth and richness to community life.
Kiwis are famously humble and easy-going. Clinics often have a “family feel,” and clients are loyal and appreciative. Māori culture adds depth and richness to community life.
Verdict: Both countries are welcoming, but NZ may feel more personal and less hierarchical, especially in smaller communities.
Final Thoughts: Which Country Should You Choose?
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Factor
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Winner
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Licensing Simplicity
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New Zealand
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Salary & Earning Potential
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Australia
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Specialist Opportunities
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Australia
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Rural & Mixed Practice Variety
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New Zealand
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Work-Life Balance
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Draw
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Visa Pathway
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New Zealand
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Cost of Living
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Draw (depends on location)
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In Summary:
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Choose Australia if you’re looking for higher earning potential, access to specialist hospitals, and urban convenience.
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Choose New Zealand if you’re seeking a generalist role, more autonomy, a tight-knit team, and a nature-infused lifestyle with a streamlined visa pathway.
Whichever you choose, both countries offer career-defining opportunities for vets ready to combine top-tier medicine with a life less ordinary.
For more information and to book a no obligation exploratory call.
e: paddy@brontegroup.co.uk
uk: 01423 809 090
usa: +1 646 7412 122
mobile: +447469878177