While cautioning the plan was in its infancy, Deakin's pro vice chancellor for rural and regional operations, Professor Sue Kilpatrick, said Deakin wanted to introduce a veterinary science faculty at its Warrnambool campus and attract students from across the globe.

If approved by federal and state governments and veterinary authorities, the venture would potentially intake 60 students a year for a five-year degree and employ as many as 100 staff.

It could also become a major research centre.

The proposed new faculty came after Deakin secured a bachelor of medicine course for its campuses at Warrnambool and Waurn Ponds.

The vision was outlined on Thursday to State Agriculture Minister Joe Helper, along with Warrnambool City Council representatives and MP Denis Napthine.

It would be Australia's eighth veterinary science faculty and would significantly raise Warrnambool's status as an academic centre.

Mr Helper, Mayor Michael Neoh and Dr Napthine all said the proposal would be well suited to south-west Victoria's strong agriculture, equine and seafood industries.

"It's an exciting opportunity for the region, the agriculture sector and the veterinary profession as a whole," Mr Helper said.

"I appreciate the heads-up that Deakin provided to us on this. Their planning was very thorough and well thought-out.

"Of course there are a number of approval steps to go through."

Dr Napthine, who worked as a veterinary surgeon for 15 years before entering parliament, said he was involved in preliminary planning for two years.

"It's an extremely exciting proposal built on logic," he said.

"Deakin is well placed to put forward a very strong case for a full five-year veterinary science degree course on the Warrnambool campus.

"It could attract 50 to 60 students a year, employ about 100 staff and trigger a significant investment in infrastructure.