Discipline · Agriculture, Veterinary & Animal Science
Study Animal Science abroad.
Compare animal science, animal nutrition and animal welfare degrees in the Netherlands, USA, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada, and see where graduates work across livestock, feed, genetics and animal health.
Updated October 2026 · Indicative data for international students
At a glance
Animal Science abroad: the quick answer.
Animal science is the study of the biology, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, behaviour and welfare of domestic animals, especially livestock, horses and companion animals. Students study animal science abroad to learn in leading agricultural systems such as the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Ireland, where livestock and feed industries hire graduates. Starting salaries are roughly USD 45–60K in the US and AUD 65–78K in Australia.
- Bachelor’s duration
- 3–4 years
- Master’s duration
- 1–2 years
- Top study destinations
- Netherlands, USA, Australia, NZ, UK
- Average graduate salary
- USD 45K–60K (US)
- Key bodies
- ASAS, ARPAS, BSAS, Royal Society of Biology
- Best for
- Science students who want to work with animals
About the programme
What is Animal Science?
When you study animal science abroad, you learn how to keep animals healthy, productive and well cared for, and how to produce meat, milk, eggs and fibre sustainably. Core subjects include animal nutrition, genetics and breeding, reproduction, physiology, behaviour and welfare, and livestock production systems, with practical work on university farms, labs and feed mills. It is different from veterinary science: animal scientists work on populations, feeding and breeding rather than diagnosing and treating individual animals.
Country choice matters because the industry is regional. The Netherlands and Ireland lead in dairy and feed innovation, New Zealand and Australia in pasture-based dairy, sheep and beef, and the USA and Canada in large-scale livestock, genetics and animal health companies. Choose a country whose livestock sector matches your career goals.
Animal science suits students who enjoy biology and chemistry, practical outdoor work and problem-solving. It can also serve as a pre-vet degree for graduate-entry DVM programmes in North America and Australia. Many universities value practical farm or animal-handling experience in applications.
What you will study
- Animal Nutrition & Feed Science
- Animal Genetics & Breeding
- Reproductive Physiology
- Animal Behaviour & Welfare
- Livestock Production Systems
- Animal Health & Disease Prevention
- Meat, Milk & Food Science
- Sustainable Livestock & Environment
Types of courses
Types of courses to study Animal Science abroad.
From short diplomas to doctoral research, here is how Animal Science qualifications are structured across major study destinations.
Diploma / Certificate
Diplomas in agriculture, animal care, equine studies or veterinary nursing support that lead to farm, kennel or stable roles and can articulate into a degree.
Bachelor’s degree
BSc Animal Science, BAgrSc Animal Science or Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, combining nutrition, genetics and welfare with farm practicals and placements.
Master’s degree
MSc Animal Science, Animal Nutrition or Animal Breeding and Genetics, with research projects linked to feed companies, breeding organisations and research institutes.
PhD / Research
Doctoral research in ruminant nutrition, genomics, methane reduction or welfare science, the main route to research scientist and senior industry roles.
Professional certifications
Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) via ARPAS, Registered Animal Nutritionist status, clinical animal behaviourist certification and artificial insemination or welfare auditing courses.
Accreditation & recognition
Animal Science accreditation and professional bodies.
Animal science is not a licensed profession, so accreditation is about credibility rather than permission to practise. When you study abroad, look for degrees accredited by the Royal Society of Biology or aligned with ASAS, and for graduate pathways to recognised credentials such as Professional Animal Scientist or Registered Animal Nutritionist, which employers in feed, genetics and welfare value.
| Body / accreditation | Where it counts | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) | USA and international | Leading professional society for animal scientists, publishing the Journal of Animal Science and shaping university animal science curricula in North America. |
| ARPAS | USA | American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Certifies Professional Animal Scientists and diplomates in nutrition, breeding and other specialisms. |
| British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) | UK and international | Professional society connecting researchers, industry and students in animal science, with conferences, journals and early-career support. |
| Royal Society of Biology (RSB) | UK and international | Accredits bioscience degrees, including animal science programmes, for academic quality and practical skills, and awards chartered biologist status. |
| Association for Nutrition (AfN) | United Kingdom | Maintains the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, including Registered Animal Nutritionists working in feed, pet food and livestock advisory roles. |
| ASAB | UK and Europe | Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Certifies Clinical Animal Behaviourists and accredits relevant postgraduate courses in animal behaviour. |
Current trends
What is shaping Animal Science right now.
- Methane reduction is a priority. Feed additives, breeding for low-emission cattle and grazing management are central to climate targets in New Zealand, Ireland and the Netherlands, creating research and advisory roles.
- Genomics transforms breeding. Genomic selection is now standard in dairy and expanding to beef, sheep, pigs and aquaculture, so graduates who study animal science abroad with genetics and data skills are highly employable.
- Precision livestock farming grows. Sensors, automated milking, wearable collars and AI-driven health alerts are spreading on farms, increasing demand for animal scientists who understand technology as well as biology.
- Welfare standards are rising. Retailer standards, EU legislation and consumer pressure are expanding jobs in welfare auditing, housing design and behaviour research across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America.
- Alternative proteins create new roles. Cultivated meat, insect protein and precision fermentation, led by hubs such as Singapore and the Netherlands, are hiring scientists with animal biology and nutrition backgrounds.
Programme options
Best Animal Science courses to study abroad.
The most widely offered and highly ranked bachelor’s and master’s specialisations in Animal Science, with a short note on what each one focuses on.
Top bachelor’s degrees
BSc Animal Science
Nutrition, genetics and production systems
BAgrSc Animal Science
Irish agricultural science specialisation
Bachelor of Animal & Veterinary Bioscience
Australian science route near vet
BSc Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Behaviour science and welfare assessment
BSc Equine Science
Horse nutrition, performance and management
BSc Agriculture (Livestock)
Farm management with animal focus
BSc Zoology
Broader animal biology and ecology
BSc Animal Biology
Physiology and research-led study
BSc Bioveterinary Science
Lab science for animal health
BSc Pre-Veterinary Science
Prerequisite route to DVM
Top master’s degrees
MSc Animal Science
Advanced production and research skills
MSc Animal Nutrition
Feed formulation and ruminant nutrition
MSc Animal Breeding & Genetics
Genomic selection and breeding programmes
MSc Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Welfare science and policy
MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour
Route to certified behaviourist status
MSc Equine Science
Performance horse science and management
MSc Aquaculture
Fish farming and aquatic animal health
MSc Sustainable Livestock Systems
Low-emission and efficient farming
MSc One Health
Animal, human and environmental health
MSc Animal Biotechnology
Reproduction technology and molecular tools
Where to study
Best countries to study Animal Science abroad.
North America, the UK and Ireland, Schengen Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and the GCC each offer a different mix of programme strength, cost, work rights and industry access for Animal Science students.
United States
Land-grant universities such as UC Davis, Cornell, Texas A&M, Iowa State, Wisconsin–Madison and Purdue run large animal science departments with university farms and strong links to feed, genetics and meat industries.
Best for: Large-scale livestock and pre-vet pathways
United Kingdom
Edinburgh, Nottingham, Reading, Harper Adams, SRUC and Aberystwyth offer animal science, nutrition and welfare degrees, with Edinburgh and the Roslin Institute leading in genetics, and Harper Adams and SRUC offering strong practical farm training.
Best for: Animal welfare and genetics research
Canada
Guelph, Saskatchewan, Alberta, UBC and McGill’s Macdonald Campus offer animal science with dairy, beef and poultry research and co-op placements, followed by up to three years of PGWP work rights.
Best for: Dairy and poultry science with PR prospects
Australia
UQ Gatton, Sydney, Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus, New England and Charles Sturt offer animal science with extensive farm facilities and strong beef, sheep and wool industries that offer practical placements and graduate jobs.
Best for: Extensive livestock and pre-vet study
Germany
Göttingen, Hohenheim, Kiel, Bonn and TUM offer agricultural and animal sciences, with several English-taught master’s programmes and low tuition at public universities, close to Europe’s large pig, poultry and dairy sectors.
Best for: Low-cost research master’s in Europe
Ireland
UCD’s BAgrSc Animal Science and research links with Teagasc Moorepark make Ireland a leader in grass-based dairy and beef, with post-study work on Stamp 1G for one to two years after graduation.
Best for: Grass-based dairy and beef systems
New Zealand
Massey and Lincoln universities offer animal science in one of the world’s most efficient pasture-based dairy, sheep and deer industries, with links to LIC, DairyNZ and AgResearch for student research projects.
Best for: Pasture-based dairy and sheep science
Singapore
Singapore has limited animal science degrees, but Temasek Polytechnic’s veterinary technology diploma and a fast-growing alternative protein and food tech sector offer niche opportunities, supported by the world’s first regulatory approval of cultivated meat in 2020.
Best for: Alternative protein and food tech careers
UAE
UAE University in Al Ain offers agricultural and animal sciences, with research on camels, dairy production in arid climates and food security priorities supported by the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Best for: Arid-zone livestock and food security
Netherlands
Wageningen University is ranked among the world’s best for agriculture, offering an English-taught MSc Animal Sciences with specialisations in nutrition, genetics, welfare and global livestock systems, taught on a campus surrounded by agri-food companies in Food Valley.
Best for: World-leading animal sciences master’s
Jobs after graduation
Best countries to get a Animal Science job after your course.
Ranked on graduate demand, salary, post-study work rights and long-term residency options for international students.
- 1
Australia
Beef, sheep, dairy and live export industries, feedlots, genetics companies and research agencies such as CSIRO hire animal scientists, especially in regional Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, where rural roles often pay well.
Pathway: 485 visa; regional 491 and employer sponsorship options
- 2
New Zealand
Dairy cooperatives, breeding companies, farm consultancies and AgResearch recruit graduates to improve productivity, animal welfare and emissions in pasture-based systems, with many roles based in Waikato, Canterbury and Manawatū farming regions.
Pathway: Post-study work visa, then Skilled Migrant Category
- 3
USA
Animal health, feed and genetics companies, integrated poultry and pork producers and universities make the US the largest animal science job market, with higher pay for nutrition and genetics specialists.
Pathway: OPT, STEM OPT for some animal science degrees, then H-1B
- 4
Canada
Dairy, poultry and beef sectors, feed manufacturers and provincial agriculture ministries hire animal scientists, with strong demand in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec, where livestock and dairy sectors face labour shortages.
Pathway: PGWP, then Express Entry or agri-food pilot routes
- 5
Netherlands
Global feed, genetics and animal health companies, plus Wageningen research institutes, hire international graduates in nutrition, breeding and sustainable livestock, often in English-speaking international teams based around Wageningen, Utrecht and Boxmeer.
Pathway: Orientation year, then Highly Skilled Migrant permit
- 6
Ireland
Dairy processors, Teagasc, feed companies and agri-tech firms hire animal science graduates, supported by Ireland’s large grass-based dairy and beef export sector, which is investing heavily in sustainability, genetics and innovation.
Pathway: Stamp 1G, then Critical Skills or General Employment Permit
Average pay scale
Animal Science salary by country.
Indicative annual gross salaries for Animal Science graduates in local currency (K = thousand, M = million), with the post-study work rights available to international students.
| Country | Currency | Entry level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-career (3–7 yrs) | Senior (8+ yrs) | Post-study work rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USD | 45–60K | 60–85K | 90–130K | OPT 12 months (+24 months for STEM degrees) |
| Canada | CAD | 48–60K | 62–85K | 90–120K | PGWP up to 3 years |
| United Kingdom | GBP | 24–30K | 32–45K | 50–75K | Graduate Route 2 years (18 months for applications from 2027) |
| Ireland | EUR | 32–40K | 42–58K | 62–90K | Stamp 1G: 1 year (bachelor’s) / 2 years (master’s) |
| Germany | EUR | 40–48K | 50–62K | 65–90K | 18-month job-seeker residence permit |
| Netherlands | EUR | 36–45K | 48–62K | 65–90K | Orientation year (zoekjaar) 12 months |
| France | EUR | 30–36K | 38–50K | 55–80K | 1-year post-study residence permit (master’s) |
| Australia | AUD | 65–78K | 80–100K | 110–150K | Temporary Graduate visa (485) 2–3 years |
| New Zealand | NZD | 55–68K | 70–90K | 95–130K | Post-study work visa up to 3 years |
| Singapore | SGD | 42–54K | 60–85K | 95–140K | 1-year job-search pass, then Employment Pass |
| Japan | JPY | 3.5–4.5M | 5.0–7.0M | 7.5–11.0M | Up to 1 year job-seeking status, then work visa |
| Malaysia | MYR | 30–42K | 48–75K | 84–150K | Employer-sponsored Employment Pass |
| UAE | AED | 84–132K | 144–240K | 264–420K | Employer-sponsored visa; Golden Visa for top graduates |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR | 84–132K | 144–228K | 252–408K | Employer-sponsored work visa (iqama) |
Salary ranges are indicative for 2025–26 and vary by employer, city, qualification and experience. UAE and Saudi Arabia salaries are generally tax-free. Visa rules change often, so always confirm with official government sources.
Official post-study work information: USA (Study in the States) · UK Graduate visa · Canada PGWP · Australia subclass 485 · Ireland Stamp 1G · Germany (Make it in Germany) · New Zealand Immigration
Careers & salaries
Top jobs after a Animal Science degree.
The most common career paths, what each role involves, indicative USD-equivalent pay in strong markets, and where demand is highest.
| Role | What you do | Salary (USD equiv.) | Top hiring countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Nutritionist | Formulates diets for livestock, poultry, aquaculture or pets | 55–130K | USA, Netherlands, Australia |
| Livestock / Farm Consultant | Advises farmers on herd performance, feeding and profitability | 50–110K | New Zealand, Ireland, Australia |
| Animal Geneticist / Breeding Specialist | Designs genomic breeding programmes for herds and flocks | 60–130K | USA, Netherlands, New Zealand |
| Animal Welfare Officer / Auditor | Assesses welfare on farms, abattoirs and supply chains | 45–90K | UK, Australia, Netherlands |
| Animal Health Sales / Technical Advisor | Supports vets and farmers with vaccines and feed products | 50–120K | USA, Canada, Australia |
| Research Scientist | Leads studies on nutrition, emissions, reproduction or welfare | 60–130K | Netherlands, New Zealand, USA |
| Dairy / Herd Manager | Runs daily operations on large dairy or livestock enterprises | 50–100K | New Zealand, Australia, Saudi Arabia |
| Clinical Animal Behaviourist | Treats behaviour problems in pets and horses | 40–90K | UK, USA, Australia |
USD figures are approximate conversions for comparison only. Always check current market rates before making career decisions.
The next decade
Scope of Animal Science over the next 10 years.
What the structural shifts in the field mean for graduates entering it now.
- Food security keeps demand steady. Global demand for animal protein is still rising in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, so graduates who study animal science abroad will find steady roles in feed, genetics and production over the next decade.
- Sustainability reshapes the industry. Emissions rules, nitrogen limits and deforestation-free supply chains will create advisory, research and compliance jobs for animal scientists who understand environmental impact as well as productivity and animal welfare.
- Data and technology skills pay more. Precision livestock tools, genomic data and farm analytics are raising salaries for graduates who combine animal biology with statistics and digital skills such as R, Python and GIS.
- The Gulf invests in local production. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expanding dairy, poultry and aquaculture to reduce import dependence, creating technical and management roles for experienced animal scientists and farm managers.
Frequently asked
FAQs: study Animal Science abroad.
Which country is best to study animal science abroad?
The Netherlands, through Wageningen University, is the leading choice for a master’s. The USA offers excellent bachelor’s degrees at land-grant universities like UC Davis and Cornell, and is ideal for pre-vet students. New Zealand, Australia and Ireland are best for pasture-based dairy and livestock systems, while the UK leads in welfare and genetics.
Which country has the best animal science jobs and PR prospects?
Australia, New Zealand and Canada offer the best mix of agricultural jobs and permanent residency routes, especially for graduates willing to work in regional areas. The USA has the largest job market but harder long-term visas, while the Netherlands and Ireland offer strong industry roles through skilled-worker permits.
Is animal science a good career and worth studying abroad?
Yes, for students who want a science career working with animals and food production. Pay is moderate at entry but rises with specialisation in nutrition, genetics or management. Studying abroad is most worthwhile in countries with strong livestock industries and when you build practical farm experience alongside your degree.
What salary can animal science graduates expect abroad?
Indicative 2025–26 starting salaries are USD 45–60K in the US, AUD 65–78K in Australia, NZD 55–68K in New Zealand, CAD 48–60K in Canada and GBP 24–30K in the UK. Animal nutritionists, geneticists and senior research scientists can earn USD 90–130K in strong markets after several years.
What are the entry requirements to study animal science abroad?
Bachelor’s programmes usually require Year 12 with biology and chemistry, sometimes maths, and IELTS 6.0–6.5. Master’s degrees need a related bachelor’s in animal, agricultural, veterinary or life sciences, with some programmes such as Wageningen’s checking specific prerequisite courses in statistics, chemistry and biology before admission.
Will AI replace animal science jobs?
No. AI is improving herd monitoring, early disease detection and feed optimisation, but farms and companies still need animal scientists to design systems, interpret data and make welfare and nutrition decisions. Graduates who understand precision livestock technology will benefit most from these changes over the next decade.
Is animal science the same as veterinary science?
No. Veterinary science is a licensed profession that qualifies you to diagnose and treat animals. Animal science focuses on nutrition, genetics, reproduction, welfare and production at herd or population level. However, an animal science bachelor’s is a common pre-vet degree for graduate-entry DVM programmes in the USA, Canada and Australia.
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