Bachelor of Veterinary Science at University of Pretoria

Programme overview

The only Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme in South Africa, offered at Onderstepoort Campus after a biological-science foundation year at Hatfield. It is accredited by SAVC, the Veterinary Council of Namibia, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK) and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, letting graduates register as veterinarians in these countries without further exams.

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Science | Duration: 6 years, full-time (4.5 years core curriculum plus 18 months work-integrated training and a research project) | Intake: Closing dates 31 May 2026 (South Africa and international); 190 students admitted annually. | Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

A core curriculum over nine semesters followed by 18 months of work-integrated training and a research project, combining lectures, seminars, practicals and clinical work mainly at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, with exposure to private practice, state veterinary services, farms and abattoirs.

Career pathways

State veterinary services, private practice (production, companion-animal or mixed), research, academia, diagnostic laboratories, veterinary public health, commerce (pharmaceutical/feed industries), consultancy, laboratory animal science, wildlife management, poultry production, animal welfare, and international practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 35. NSC/IEB: English Home/First Additional Language level 5, Mathematics level 5, Physical Sciences level 5; APS of at least 35. All South African BVSc graduates must complete 12 months of Compulsory Community Service via DALRRD before practising for any other employer.

Domestic applicants: ZAR 65,000 a year (2026). Estimated average 2026 tuition for the 1st year of study for SA and SADC citizens (table row 'BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science - new curriculum)'); the source states a range of R65,000 to R72,000 for 1st year, the lower figure is shown, and 2nd to lat Source

Intake: Closing dates 31 May 2026 (South Africa and international); 190 students admitted annually.

Duration: 6 years, full-time (4.5 years core curriculum plus 18 months work-integrated training and a research

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