Diploma in Veterinary Technology (Alternative) is a diploma in Animal Science programme taught at University of Guelph in Guelph, Canada. The programme runs for 3 years, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English.
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Animal Science
Duration: 3 years
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
We have no tuition fees on record for this programme yet — see the official programme page.
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Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Gain the technical skills needed to become a veterinary technician with hands-on training in caring for companion, food, and sport animals. At Ridgetown Campus, you'll benefit from a comprehensive program and a six-week industry placement, preparing you for a growing career in animal care and wellness. Graduates leave with the knowledge and experience to pursue certification through the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission is through Ontario Colleges (ontariocolleges.ca), assessed on academic grades alone, per Ridgetown Campus's admission-requirements page. Required: Grade 12 C or U English, Grade 12 C Math or any Grade 12 U Math, Grade 11 C or U Biology, and Grade 12 C or Grade 11 U Chemistry, each with a minimum final grade of 75% at the C level or 65% at the U level. The Conventional delivery method is oversubscribed; the Alternative delivery runs the same requirements. A career questionnaire is required during admissions, and students must provide proof of an adequate rabies antibody titre (following immunisation) by September of their first year to continue hands-on animal work. International applicants are assessed against the secondary-school credential that would admit them to a recognised university in their home country, per the University of Guelph's international admission requirements, and must meet Guelph's English-language requirement unless exempt: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6); TOEFL iBT 89 overall (no section below 21) for tests before 21 Jan 2026, or 4.5 overall from that date; Pearson PTE Academic 60 overall; Duolingo English Test 110 overall; or CAEL 70 overall.
Application Details
Application Deadline:Domestic (Canadian) applicants apply through OUAC; for Fall 2027 entry, current high-school applicants should submit by January 15, 2027, though Guelph continues to review applications received after that date, and April 15, 2027 is the deadline to amend program choices for equal consideration (except the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, which closed March 1, 2027). International applicants studying outside Canada must apply by May 15, 2027 for Fall 2027 entry, with supporting documents due May 22, 2027, or by February 1, 2027 for early-admission consideration. Admission is not described as fully rolling, but Guelph continues to accept late domestic applications where space allows. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
