Additional domestic student places for veterinary science at Massey University

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Penny Simmonds, announced an increase in funded domestic places in Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme from 125 to 140 per year, effective from 2027. The decision aims to address future demand for veterinarians across biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, and export industries. Simmonds highlighted the government’s focus on training more New Zealanders for skilled roles domestically.

Massey University is currently the only institution in New Zealand offering the Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme. The additional 15 domestic places per year will expand training capacity, though the university’s total annual intake cap remains at 175 students, including international learners.

To accommodate the increase in domestic places, Massey University will reduce its international student intake from 50 to 35 annually. This adjustment ensures the programme remains within its accredited total enrolment limit while prioritising domestic learners.

The government will provide Massey University with a $6 million grant over five years to offset the temporary loss of international fee revenue. Funding will be sourced from existing Vote Tertiary Education allocations, with final decisions made by the Tertiary Education Commission.