Meet Roy: The Murdoch University Student Hoping to Become Tonga’s First Local Veterinarian

Growing up in Tonga, Roy was surrounded by animals. Dogs roamed village backyards, chickens wandered freely, and livestock were a part of everyday life. Today, that childhood connection has taken him thousands of kilometres from home to Murdoch University in Perth, where he is studying to become a veterinarian.

His goal is bigger than earning a degree. Roy hopes to return home and become the first locally raised veterinarian practising in Tonga, helping improve animal welfare, animal health and livestock production across the island nation.

“If I made it through vet school, I'm going to be the first local vet back home,” he says.

What Is It Like Studying Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University?

Roy's dream of working with animals began at a young age.

“When you go into primary school and they introduce you to different career paths and they ask you what you want to become in the future, that's when I discovered this love for animals,” he says. “Since that day, that's what I wanted to do.”

Murdoch University's veterinary programme gave him the opportunity to turn that dream into reality. Since arriving in Australia, he has immersed himself in practical learning experiences and worked alongside students who share the same passion.

“Being in the class with these smart, incredible students having the same purpose, like trying to become a vet,” he says, has been one of the highlights of his studies.

Placements and Hands-On Learning at Murdoch University

For Roy, one of the most exciting parts of studying veterinary medicine has been the opportunity to gain practical experience.

His favourite subject from last year involved dissections and learning directly from real specimens.

“Cutting into, learning on real species, looking at organs and stuff like that,” he says. “That would be my highlight from last year.”

Murdoch's placement opportunities have also taken him beyond Australia. During a placement in New Zealand, Roy worked alongside a friend in a rural community and gained valuable experience in a real-world veterinary setting.

Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital Experience

Coming from Tonga, Roy was amazed by the facilities available at Murdoch University's veterinary hospital.

“The hospital back home is just a small room with two tables,” he explains.

Being able to learn in a modern veterinary hospital has been an inspiring experience, even while still training.

“To be inside the room only just makes me so happy,” he says. “Even though I'm still a student.”

The experience has reinforced his desire to one day bring more veterinary expertise and services back to Tonga.

Studying in Australia on a Fully Funded Scholarship

Murdoch is the only university in Western Australia to offer a veterinary science degree.

Roy's journey to Murdoch University has been made possible through a scholarship that covers all of his study-related expenses.

“The scholarship covers everything,” he says. “Flights, transportation, food, tuition, accommodation.”

The support has allowed him to focus fully on his studies while gaining experiences that would otherwise have been difficult to access.

“I’m very happy and grateful for the scholarship committee,” he says.

Making Friends and Finding a Community at Murdoch University

Moving far away from home can be challenging, but Roy quickly found a supportive community in Perth.

The people he met on his first day at Murdoch University are still among his closest friends today. He has also built friendships through his local church and wider community.

“I'm very away from home,” he says. “So these people make Perth feel like home.”

Those friendships have helped him adjust to life in Australia while staying focused on his studies.

Returning to Tonga as a Veterinarian

Roy (left), pictured in Tonga.

For Roy, becoming a veterinarian is about much more than personal success.

“I feel like it's not just a personal individual goal,” he says. “It's also a family and a community achievement.”

Growing up, he saw firsthand the challenges caused by limited access to veterinary care. After graduation, he hopes to return to Tonga and make a lasting difference.

“People can just come to me and I can help their animals,” he says.

His ambition is simple: to serve the country he loves while helping improve animal health and welfare for future generations.

Advice for Students Who Want to Study Abroad

Cottesloe Beach in Perth is a favourite destination for many students.

Roy encourages students to trust the process and stay committed to their goals, even when the journey feels difficult.

“Just be patient with your journey,” he says. “Your time will come. Just keep studying hard and working hard towards what goal you have in mind. Don't give up yet.”

His own story is proof that determination can take you further than you ever imagined.

“I didn't have the money to come this far,” he says. “I prayed to God, put in the work and we made it here.”