Massey University to receive boost for domestic veterinary training

The New Zealand Government has announced an increase in funded domestic student places for Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme. Starting in July 2027, domestic enrolments will rise from 125 to 140 per year.

To accommodate this shift while maintaining the university's current total capacity of 175 students, the international student intake will be reduced from 50 to 35. Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds stated that the move aims to strengthen the domestic veterinarian workforce pipeline, which is vital for the nation’s biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, and export industries.

The Government will provide Massey University with a $6 million grant, phased over five years, to offset the temporary loss of international fee revenue during this transition. Funding for the additional places and the grant will be reprioritised from existing delivery funding within Vote Tertiary Education, with final investment decisions managed by the Tertiary Education Commission.