Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing at University of Pretoria

Programme overview

The only Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing in South Africa, combining didactic teaching and practical skills training in the first two years with work-integrated clinical training in the final year, mainly at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. Accredited by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), registration with which is compulsory.

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Science | Duration: 3 years, full-time | Intake: Closing dates 31 May 2026 (South Africa and international); only 50 students admitted annually. | Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Veterinary nursing theory and practical skills in years one and two; clinical training in year three at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital and community clinics, with exposure to private practice.

Career pathways

Employment at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, pharmaceutical and animal feed industries, zoos, game parks, laboratory animal units, rehabilitation and research centres, private veterinary practice, and state veterinary services and animal welfare societies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 28. NSC/IEB: English Home/First Additional Language level 4, Mathematics level 4, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences level 4; APS of at least 28. Highly competitive; only 50 places annually, selection based on academic merit.

Domestic applicants: ZAR 70,000 a year (2026). Estimated average 2026 tuition for the 1st year of study for SA and SADC citizens (table row 'B Vet Nurse'); the source states a range of R70,000 to R76,000 for 1st year, the lower figure is shown, and 2nd to later years have separate ranges. Excludes boo Source

Intake: Closing dates 31 May 2026 (South Africa and international); only 50 students admitted annually.

Duration: 3 years, full-time

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