This post conveys to you the, best veterinary schools in south africa, requirements to become a veterinarian in south africa, are there any online veterinary schools, how much does it cost to study to become a vet in south africa and how many years to study veterinary in south africa.
Lucky for you, South Africa is home to some of the best veterinary schools in the world. The best part? You can study veterinary medicine in South Africa for a fraction of the cost of studying abroad in countries like the United States and Canada.
If you’re ready to pursue your dream of becoming a veterinarian, check out our guide below:
What are the requirements to become a veterinarian in South Africa?
To become a veterinarian, you’ll need at least 5 years of study after high school. You’ll need to complete two years at an accredited university or college before applying for admission into a four-year degree program at one of South Africa’s universities. It’s also important that you pass 3 exams: 1) English proficiency test; 2) mathematics; and 3) biology/chemistry/physics. All graduates from these programs will then be eligible to apply for registration with the Veterinary Council of South Africa (VCSAD).
How much does it cost to study veterinary in South Africa?
If you want to study veterinary medicine in South Africa, expect to pay around R250 000 per year (including accommodation). This figure includes tuition fees and living costs such as food and transportation.
When you’re ready to become a veterinarian, South Africa is the place for you!
The country has some of the best veterinary schools in the world, and there are many great universities with programs that will prepare you for a career in animal health.
You’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree in science before applying to your chosen university. You can also choose to study at one of the country’s private colleges if you don’t want to study at a traditional university.
Once you’ve been accepted into your preferred program, it will take five years of study before you can complete your degree. During this time, you’ll learn about both animal health and human medicine—this way, when it comes time to specialize in either one, it won’t be so overwhelming or difficult!
After completing your studies at one of these top universities, South Africa offers many job opportunities for veterinarians. There are also many private clinics available where vets can work on their own schedules as well as enjoy flexible hours and work remotely from home if they wish!
best veterinary schools in south africa
We begin with best veterinary schools in south africa, requirements to become a veterinarian in south africa, are there any online veterinary schools, how much does it cost to study to become a vet in south africa and how many years to study veterinary in south africa.
The best veterinary schools in South Africa are all located in Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg. They all have different focuses that make them unique from one another, but they all have the same goal: to produce graduates who can help animals live longer and happier lives.
University of Pretoria (UP)
The University of Pretoria is a public institution that was founded in 1954. It has over 30 000 students enrolled in its programs, making it the largest university in South Africa. The school has a strong focus on research, with more than 80% of its faculty members conducting research for their own advancement or for that of their students.
The UCT School of Veterinary Sciences (SVS)
The UCT School of Veterinary Sciences is located at the University of Cape Town (UCT), which is also one of the best universities in South Africa and one of only four public universities in the country. The SVS was founded as an independent department on campus in 1962, but it became an official school within UCT’s structure only recently, when it merged with some other veterinary departments at UCT in 2013.
The following list of veterinary schools in South Africa is ranked by their ranking on the QS World University Rankings list.
- University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- University of Stellenbosch (South Africa)
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
- North-West University (South Africa)
- Tshwane University Of Technology (South Africa)
requirements to become a veterinarian in south africa
Next, we review the requirements to become a veterinarian in south africa, are there any online veterinary schools, how much does it cost to study to become a vet in south africa and how many years to study veterinary in south africa.
What subjects do you need to become a veterinarian in South Africa?
What subjects do vet students study in first year?
- Academic and Information Management.
- General Chemistry.
- Language and Study Skills.
- Mathematics.
- Medical Terminology.
- Molecular and Cell Biology.
- Physics for Biology Students.
What subject are needed to become a vet?
Most applicants to veterinary school have a bachelor’s degree. Veterinary medical colleges typically require applicants to have taken many science classes, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, zoology, microbiology, and animal science.
Becoming a vet is an extremely challenging prospect: you will need to be very strong academically speaking in order to be accepted to study the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree. There is a great deal of competition that you’ll be up against, so put your war face on!
The only institution in South Africa that offers the BVSc is the University of Pretoria, through their Faculty of Veterinary Science, one of just 46 in the whole of Africa. This means that you’ll be competing against everyone else in the country who wants to study Veterinary Science as well!
The BVSc is a 6 year degree:
- First year includes modules such as Animal Nutrition, Introductory Animal Production and Veterinary Professional Life
- Second year deals exclusively with basic veterinary disciplines such as Anatomy, Histology, Microbiology and Physiology as well as modules in Animal Science, Pasture Science and Professional Life
- Third year is devoted to the causes and effects of disease and will include modules on Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Organ Pathology and Professional Life
- Fourth year sees students introduced to modules aimed at diagnostics and therapeutics
- Fifth year includes modules on community interaction and electives
- The final year is spent focusing on experiential training in the core and elective components in the academic hospital as well as in satellite and other approved facilities
Admission Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the following subjects and levels of achievement:
- English at Home or First Additional level: 60-69%
- Mathematics: 60-69%
- Physical Science: 60-69%
After completing your studies, you will want to register with the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), which helps veterinarians fulfil their role in communities and provides assistance with career-related queries.
And there you have it: How to Become a Vet. Did this answer your questions? Still confused? Let us know in the comments below!
What subjects do you need to become a veterinarian in South Africa?
To attain a degree in veterinary sciences, you must register for BSc 1 with Chemistry 117, Mathematics 134, Molecular and Cell Biology 111 and Physics 131. Be ready for initial disappointment: very few school-leavers are accepted.
How many years does it take to be a vet in South Africa?
Since 2011, students who are already enrolled in the programme will need 3 years to complete the BSc (Veterinary Biology) degree and another 4 years for the 4-year BVSc degree; a total of 7 years.
are there any online veterinary schools
Now we find out if there are any online veterinary schools, how much does it cost to study to become a vet in south africa and how many years to study veterinary in south africa.
Can you become a vet online? Due to the clinical, field and laboratory requirements, it is impossible for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program to be offered totally online. Some schools offer bachelor’s degree programs in veterinary science that combine online and on-campus studies.
Some people get their start in the veterinary field as veterinary assistants. There are veterinary assistant training courses available online. Those who work as veterinary assistants can find associate’s degree programs in veterinary technology that offer coursework completely online. Students looking into these programs should find a distance education program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
There are also dual DVM/master’s degree programs that combine training as a veterinarian with a master’s degree program in public health or food safety. These programs require extensive clinical research and lab experiences, as well as an internship, but do offer some courses online. These online courses often require students to have access to headsets or webcams. DVM/master’s degree programs usually take about five years to complete.
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Online Veterinary Assistants Programs
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has created a designation of Approved Veterinary Assistant for those who want to work in the veterinary field. Assistants can be responsible for office work, animal care, and client communication. To earn the AVA designation, candidates must complete an approved training program and take an accreditation exam.
Program Information and Requirements
AVA programs are designed to give students a background in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, and the unique roles and responsibilities of a veterinary assistant. Online AVA programs can have flexible schedule requirements, and average about 52 weeks to complete. An online AVA program will likely require an in-person externship before the course is completed.
Course Topics
Course topics include office etiquette and hospital procedures, laboratory procedures, examination room procedures, small animal nursing, animal restraint, surgical preparation and assisting, pharmacy and pharmacology, and radiology and ultrasound.
Online Veterinarian Associate Programs
There are online veterinary programs that allow a student to get an associate’s degree as a veterinary technician. A veterinary technician’s degree can be earned with two years of online course and two externships – in-person training at an approved veterinary office or hospital.
Program Information and Requirements
Interested students can enroll in an online associate’s veterinary technician program and complete an average of four semesters of online coursework. Generally, students will be expected to complete two field experiences – one after the first two semesters, and one after the final semester of online coursework. Some schools will allow you to find your own externship placement and complete the appropriate paperwork to have the placement approved.
Course Topics
A veterinary technician program will explore numerous facets of veterinary science online. Course topics will include veterinary technology, biology, animal anatomy and physiology, medical mathematics, pharmacology, radiography, surgical nursing, anesthesia, animal nutrition, psychology, and small and large animal medicine.
Bachelor’s Veterinary Degree with Online Classes
Bachelor’s degree programs investigate veterinary medicine and technology by exploring one or more specialized areas of study, such as clinical medicine, laboratory animal medicine and pre-veterinary studies. Many bachelor’s degree programs combine online classroom assignments and discussions with on-campus laboratory projects. These programs provide a foundation for careers in veterinary medicine or veterinary research.
Program Information and Requirements
Some institutions require bachelor’s candidates to complete prerequisite coursework in animal biology, animal anatomy and veterinary medical terminology. Students usually are required to participate in an internship or field experience in a veterinary hospital or other type of animal clinical setting. Online courses are presented utilizing online course management systems and communication tools.
Online learners need a computer with high-speed Internet access. Some online courses require students to have headphones and speakers, a webcam and word processing software.
Course Topics
Bachelor’s students explore veterinary technology with particular focus in areas such as emergency medicine and critical care, clinical laboratory technology and laboratory animal medicine. They also learn how to work in medical and pharmacological research.
Clinical Animal Behavior
In this course, students examine animal behavior such as communication, development and maternal instinct. Discussion is centered on how these factors affect medical problems in animals.
Veterinary Pharmacology
Students learn the scientific fundamentals and the practical applications of pharmacology, as well as explore the most commonly used classes of drugs. Record keeping practices with relation to handling and prescribing medications are also explored.
Hematology and Small Animal Disease
This course covers the variations in blood cells and serum components among various species of animals, as well as the differences in disease states within a single species. Students examine the immune system and the effects of immune stimulation on blood test results.
Dual DVM/MPH Degree
Dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)/Master’s of Public Health (MPH) degree programs provide students with advanced clinical and theoretical knowledge needed for work in diseases and public safety. Through clinical research and data analysis, students examine prevention and control strategies for in addressing animal-associated human health risks. This program allows graduates to advance the scope of their veterinary career to include positions in agriculture and food, public health and infectious diseases, in addition to private veterinary practice.
Program Information and Requirements
Students generally must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many DVM/MPH programs require applicants to have completed a program in veterinary science. Degree programs of this type generally consist of on-campus lectures and clinical research; however, online theoretical classes are available. Students are expected to complete a rotation or internship in a clinical setting, as well as a master’s project.
Online courses in the DVM/MPH program are accessed through online course management systems; requiring a computer with an Internet connection. Word processing software is recommended for the completion of assignments. Lectures presented using real-time web conferencing software may require the use of a headset or webcam.
Course Topics
DVM/MPH students examine the correlation between human wellness and animal health. They explore public health issues through the examination of microbial and non-microbial hazards.
Public Health
This online course explores the philosophies and theories that define public health. Major areas of study include an examination of ethical, legal and political issues in animal-related health risks.
Principles of Epidemiology
In this course, students are introduced to the concept of epidemiology and the study of factors that affect the health and illness of populations. Students explore topics such as determinants of health and disease in human and animal populations, as well as the application of epidemiologic methods in controlling disease.
Statistical Methods in Health Science
This course covers the use of data summarization of basic statistical methods in analyzing animal-associated diseases. Students are introduced to best practices in leveraging ANOVA (analysis of variance), along with regression methods for continuous, binary, and survival data in public health research.
Career Information
Careers in veterinary science include veterinary assistants, veterinary technologists, veterinary technicians, and veterinarians. In addition to working directly with animals, some research veterinarians address diseases that can be spread from animals to humans and the effect of these diseases on public health. The following table gives information on veterinary science careers, including salary and job outlook taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Career | Degree Required | Salary (based on 2019 median salary data) | Projected Outlook (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Assistant | High School, certification course | $28,590 | 16% growth |
| Veterinary Technician | 2-year Associate’s | $35,320 | 16% growth |
| Veterinary Technologist | 4-year Bachelor’s | $35,320 | 16% growth |
| Veterinarian | DVM | $95,460 | 16% growth |
You may be able to pursue your interest in veterinary medicine online or in a hybrid education format. Online veterinary college may still require in-person coursework, lab work, or fieldwork.
Students interested in careers as veterinarian technologists, technicians or research veterinarians may not be able to pursue fully online training due to hands-on requirements, but hybrid bachelor’s degrees, DVM programs and dual DVM/MPH degree programs allow students to take some veterinary classes online. These courses cover topics such as clinical animal behavior, pharmacology, hematology, epidemiology, public health and statistics. There are options for veterinary assistants to complete one year of online vet school and one externship; as well as opportunities for veterinary technicians to complete a two-year’s associate’s degree with online courses and two in-person externships.
how much does it cost to study to become a vet in south africa
Now, we find out how much does it cost to study to become a vet in south africa and how many years to study veterinary in south africa.
It’s a common question among students, but the answer is not always clear. What are the costs involved in studying to become a vet in South Africa?
In this article we’ll explain the different costs and fees you can expect to pay when studying to become a vet.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for studying veterinary medicine at UCT are R108 000 per year for International Students. The fees for domestic students vary depending on whether you’re from Gauteng or another province. The exact tuition fee for domestic students can be found on the UCAS website.
If you’re studying at UCT as an international student, there are additional costs that need to be taken into account:
Registration Fee: R5 000 (per trimester)
Accommodation: R11 000 per month (for international students only)
how many years to study veterinary in south africa
Veterinary studies in South Africa are divided into three levels: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at an accredited university; Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) at an accredited university; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science program lasts from 3 to 4 years. To enter this program, you need a National Senior Certificate with at least 5 subjects, including English and Mathematics. For postgraduate studies, you need a BVSc degree or equivalent qualification recognized by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
The Master of Veterinary Science program lasts from 1 to 2 years after obtaining a BVSc degree. It is necessary to have completed all the requirements for registration as a practicing veterinarian. The MVSc degree is considered equivalent to registration as a practicing veterinarian. To register as a registered veterinarian, you must also pass examinations set by SAVC and be registered by SAVC or its affiliated bodies.
The Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is awarded only after obtaining both the MVSc and DVM degrees.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester is from January until the end of June and the second semester is from July until the end of November. Some subjects are only studied for one semester while others are studied for the entire year.
What subjects do vet students study in first year?
First Semester Subjects:
- Academic and Information Management
- General Chemistry
- Language and Study Skills
- Mathematics
- Medical Terminology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Physics for Biology Students
Second Semester Subjects:
- Biometry
- General and Organic Chemistry
- Genetics
- Introduction to Animal Nutrition
- Introduction to Animal Science
- Veterinary Professional Life
What subjects do vet students study in second year?
Year Subjects:
- Veterinary Comparative Anatomy
- Veterinary Histology and Physiology
- Veterinary Ethology and Genetics
- Veterinary Professional Life
First Semester Subjects:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Science
- Pasture Science
Second Semester Subjects:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Animal Ecology
What subjects do vet students study in third year?
Year Subjects:
- Introductory Veterinary Diagnostics (includes Applied Physiology)
- General and Organ Pathology
- Veterinary Infectious Diseases
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Veterinary Professional Life
- Veterinary Toxicology
Second Semester Subjects:
- General Surgery
What is Veterinary Professional Life?
Veterinary Professional Life is a subject studied from first year until final year. This course aims at improving skills that are important to being a successful professional veterinarian once you have graduated. Topics studied in this subject include welfare, community engagement, law and ethics, emotional intelligence, communication skills, information literacy, financial skills, study skills and other topics that are important to your well being as a vet student and vet.
Do vet students have to do a year of practical work similar to the Medical Students?
The sixth (final) year of the Veterinary Science course is spent working in a veterinary academic hospital doing clinical rotations.
Are veterinary students in South Africa required to do a compulsory year of community service after graduating?
Yes. New graduate veterinarians are required to do a compulsory year of community service before being able to register and practice as a veterinarian in South Africa.
The sooner you start thinking about applying for a South African veterinary school, the better your chances of being accepted. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Thinking about it now gives you time to look through the available programs and find one that will be suited to your particular interest and desire to serve animals in such a way that there will not be an undue delay in taking the steps necessary to begin your studies. For prospective future veterinarian students, we advise that you contact a veterinarian school in South Africa near you by email or phone before making any final decision about attending a South African veterinary school versus having to travel abroad to continue your studies in veterinary medicine.
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