collageWhen you search the internet for “how much does vet school cost in Ontario”, you will be reading various articles that will give you an approximated amount and an idea of how much it will cost. The truth is, it’s hard to tell exactly how much vet school will cost depending on how long you plan on being in school. In this article I’m going to give you the overall average as well as a table with specific amounts for each year.
There are many things to discuss when it comes to expenses and financial assistance for students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
Tuition and fees for Canadian and International DVM students are listed by semester, and there are two semesters per year. The DVM program is four years.
To help you understand the expenses involved, we have put together a list of what you can expect during DVM schooling. You can also download the entire document here: DVM Expenses.
Phase 1 Expenses
All supplies can be purchased through OVC except steel-toed boots.
Coveralls and Lab Coats: It is recommended that each first year student have three pairs of coveralls and three lab coats. Sizing and purchasing of these items will take place during orientation. It is recommended that you purchase the coveralls and lab coats through OVC, as the colour and labeling of the clothing are very specific to OVC. You will also receive one lab coat as a gift during the Professional Welcoming Ceremony from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
Steel-Toed Boots or Shoes: Each first year student MUST have a pair of CSA-approved steel-toed boots or shoes to wear when required at OVC. There are a couple of different options one can consider when purchasing boots. Steel-toed rubber boots are inexpensive and easy to clean. Steel-toed leather boots are comfortable for day to day use. Rubber overshoes called obstetric boots can be purchased to cover your steel-toed leather boots. Students may purchase whichever combination best suits their needs.
Stethoscope: You will receive a stethoscope as a gift during the Professional Welcome Ceremony from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).
Penlight: It is recommended that each first year student have a penlight. Penlights can be purchased during orientation
Digital Thermometer: It is recommended that each first year student have a digital thermometer. Digital Thermometers can be purchased during orientation
Disposable Gloves: It is recommended that each first year student have a box of disposable gloves for Anatomy labs. Gloves can be either latex or vinyl. Disposable Gloves can be purchased during orientation.
Safety Spectacles: Some laboratories require students to wear safety spectacles. You will be informed of which laboratories by your instructors. Safety spectacles can be purchased at the Univesity of Guelph Bookstore.
Nametags: It is recommended that each first year student have three nametags. Your class council merchandising representative will organize the class order. You must wear your nametag for identification in the hospital, on farms, and during labs.
Textbooks: Please see the Textbook section under the First Month portion of the Orientation Website for details.
Semester Fees and Payments
The University of Guelph has three semesters per year (fall, winter and summer). This is helpful for students because fees are spread out throughout the year and are payable at the beginning of the semester. DVM students will only attend school in the fall and winter semesters.
Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries
DVM students are eligible to apply or nominate others for awards listed in the undergraduate calendar. A notice by email will be sent out in September advising of the application/nomination process. Awards that do not have financial need as a criteria are presented at the In-Course Awards Ceremony in late November. Following are some points to keep in mind when looking through the online listing of potential awards, scholarships and bursaries:
ACCESS Awards are only available to Canadians who are Ontario residents.
Bursaries (financial need awards) listed on the DVM awards website are only available to Canadian students. You will need to fill out an Undergraduate Financial Need Assessment Form to be returned to Student Financial Services by early October. Some scholarships are based on academic achievement and are automatically awarded (i.e. no application is required).
Bus Pass
Each semester, your student fees go into the bus pass program, and you get unlimited access to Guelph Transit for the school year. It’s the most affordable mass transit program offered to university students anywhere in Canada, thanks to the efforts of the CSA.
Meal Plan
Hospitality Services offers an off-campus meal plan to those students living off campus. The card (your student id card) allows students to pay for meals at certain on and off campus locations. Every time you choose a food item, the cashier will swipe your student card and the appropriate number of food dollars will be deducted from your meal plan.
Tuition
$4,173
Books and Supply Costs
$3,285
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