If you dream of working with animals, protecting animal health, and contributing to food security and public health, Veterinary Sciences / Animal Health is one of the most respected and impactful career paths in South Africa. Notably, this field is anchored at University of Pretoria, the only university in South Africa offering the full professional veterinary qualification.
Why Veterinary Sciences Matter in South Africa
Veterinary professionals play a critical role in:
- Animal health and welfare (pets, livestock, wildlife)
- Food safety and security
- Control of animal diseases (including zoonotic diseases)
- Wildlife conservation and biodiversity
- Public health and biosecurity
With South Africa’s strong agricultural sector and world-renowned wildlife industry, veterinarians and veterinary nurses are in constant demand.
Veterinary Programmes Offered at the University of Pretoria
UP’s Faculty of Veterinary Science (Onderstepoort) is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research, and clinical training.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
- Duration: 6 years
- Focus: Comprehensive professional training as a veterinarian
- What you’ll study:
- Animal anatomy & physiology
- Veterinary pathology & microbiology
- Clinical veterinary medicine & surgery
- Diagnostics, pharmacology & disease control
- Herd health, food safety & public health
- Outcome: Graduates qualify as veterinarians, eligible to register with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
Career paths include:
- Private veterinary practice
- State veterinarian (government)
- Wildlife & conservation veterinary medicine
- Research & academia
- Pharmaceutical & animal health industries
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)
- Duration: 4 years
- Focus: Professional veterinary nursing and animal care
- What you’ll study:
- Animal nursing & clinical care
- Anaesthesia and theatre practice
- Laboratory diagnostics
- Animal welfare & ethics
- Practice management
- Outcome: Graduates qualify as veterinary nurses, also registering with the SAVC.
Career paths include:
- Veterinary clinics & hospitals
- Animal welfare organisations
- Wildlife rehabilitation centres
- Research facilities
- Veterinary pharmaceutical support
Why Study Veterinary Sciences at UP?
✔ Only BVSc programme in South Africa
✔ World-class Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital
✔ Strong emphasis on hands-on practical training
✔ Internationally recognised qualification
✔ High graduate employability locally and abroad
Admission Requirements (General Overview)
While requirements may change yearly, competitive applicants usually need:
- Strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences
- High APS score
- Good academic performance across Grade 11 & 12
- Early application is strongly recommended due to limited spaces
Final Thoughts
Veterinary Sciences and Animal Health are more than careers — they are callings. Whether you want to treat pets, protect livestock, conserve wildlife, or contribute to public health, studying BVSc or BVetNurs at the University of Pretoria opens doors to a respected, meaningful, and globally relevant profession.