University of South Africa campus

STEM

Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare at University of South Africa

University of South Africa, South Africa

Programme overview

Qualifying learners will acquire the knowledge and skills specified by the South African Veterinary Council for the Para-Veterinary profession of Veterinary Welfare Assistant. More specifically, they will be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, behaviour and husbandry, standards for ethical behaviour in relation to animals, and a range of other knowledge and skills related to animal care and well-being. The qualification will equip learners with the core knowledge and skills specified by the SAVC for the profession of VWA. (NQF level 5, 120 credits, qualification code 90098.)

Faculty: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences  |  Duration: Maximum time to complete: 3 years  |  Study mode: distance  |  Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 15. Minimum APS 15. A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and in Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences or equivalent, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning and in Biology or Agricultural Sciences or equivalent, or a National Certificate (Vocational) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and in Agriculture or Nature Conservation.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Offers are made for a specific registration period, for example semester 1; applicants must register for the semester for which they were granted admission or re-apply in the next application period.

The non-refundable online application fee is R160. International applicants with foreign qualifications may apply without a SAQA evaluation certificate but must submit it by 15 December 2027 if accepted for 2027.

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