The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science is the only institution in South Africa where people can study to become a veterinarian or veterinary nurse.

It offers Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs) degrees.

The BVSc programme consists of a combination of lectures, electronic learning opportunities, discussions, demonstrations, seminars, assignments, group work, practicals and clinical work, which are offered mainly in the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital and its satellite community clinics. The practical component includes exposure to private practices, state veterinary services, commercial and small-scale farms, abattoirs and various other related industries.

Because there are no other places of study for future vets in South Africa, the competition to be accepted for the course is fierce, and meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee applicants a spot.

However, the lack of veterinarians in the country makes it a great career choice, because graduates have an excellent chance of finding employment.

The minimum entry requirement is a National Senior Certificate with the following subjects and levels of achievement:

• English home language for first additional language: 60-69% (level 5)
• Mathematics: 60-69% (level 5)
• Physical science: 60-69% (level 5).

The programme is accredited by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council.

Registered students must apply to the Registrar of the SAVC for registration as a student in veterinary science. Registration is compulsory and must be renewed annually for the duration of the study.

After the degree has been conferred, graduates are required to register with the SAVC as veterinarians before they may practise in South Africa.

After completing the degree, graduates must do a compulsory community service year with the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. 

For more information on the veterinary science and veterinary nursing degrees, visit www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-veterinary-science.

World Veterinary Day falls on April 30 this year. The theme, set by the World Veterinary Association, is ‘Strengthening veterinary resilience’. This is an apt topic in South Africa, where a shortage of vets places strain on those in the profession. The upside is that veterinary science is a great career choice for youngsters, who will have an excellent chance of securing employment.