Frequently Asked Questions

 What is veterinary science?

Veterinary science is a biomedical science, which serves the health interests of farm animals, companion animals, wildlife and humans alike. As such, it deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, the production of safe food and, through the control of diseases transmitted from animals to humans, the health of human beings.

Where is the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria situated?

The Faculty of Veterinary Science is situated at Onderstepoort in the north of Pretoria. Onderstepoort is a generic name for a hub of three institutions in the vicinity, namely the Faculty, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI). All three institutions are independent. The Faculty is part of the University of Pretoria; the OBP is a fully corporative entity and the OVI falls under the auspices of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). (See map and directions to Faculty).

Is the Faculty the only institution in South Africa that provides training in Veterinary Science?

Yes, the Faculty is the only Veterinary Science faculty in South Africa. It is the second oldest of 46 Faculties of Veterinary Science in Africa and was founded in 1920. The Faculty offers the BVSc (Veterinary Science) degree programme as well as a University Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVetNurs) as well as various postgraduate degree programmes.

In order to study Veterinary Science (BVSc), do I first have to complete another degree?

As from 2011, this will not be necessary. Students who are currently registered for the BSc (Veterinary Biology) degree (second and third year) will have to complete this degree before they will be able to continue with the veterinary science (BVSc) degree programme. All prospective students who aim to obtain a qualification in veterinary science (BVSc degree) should in future apply for admission to the first year of the BVSc programme. Selection will precede admission, as places in the programme are limited.

What is the duration of study for the BVSc (Veterinary Science) degree programme?

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. Students who will be admitted to the new degree programme from 2011 onwards will need only 6 years to complete the programme. It should be noted, however, that the first 2 – 3 cohorts of students in the new programme will also take 7 years to complete the programme due to transitional arrangements.

Is the BVSc (Veterinary Science) degree accepted and acknowledged abroad?

Yes the BVSc degree is formally accepted in the UK, Australasia, and Malaysia for registration purposes to practice in those countries. The quality of training is such that graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Science have no difficulty to compete for and enter postgraduate programmes in universities in most countries in the world. Graduates of the Faculty are partners in or principles of private practices, and occupy managerial positions in industry and public service across the world.

The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the following subjects and minimum performance levels:

APS	Group A		Group B
30	Two languages	Mathematics	Physical Sci	Two additional subjects
	4; one must be English	4; provided Phys Sci is at level 5	4: provided Maths is at level 5	4

An Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 30 will be required (the sum of the 6 highest performance levels excluding Life Orientation). The selection procedure will make provision for various categories and will be reviewed on an annual basis for approval by Faculty Board and Senate.

Competence in Mathematics and Physical Science at school-leaving level is a requirement for registration as a veterinarian with the South African Veterinary Council.

Provision will be made for the following categories, each with its own specific criteria:

Category	Description
Category 1	School leavers – open category
Category 8	School leavers – designated groups
Category 2	Completed first semester
Category 3	Completed second semester
Category 4	Completed 3rd semester of the Extended programme
Category 5	International students
Category 6	Graduates

The Faculty of Veterinary Science views student selection as a key component of its endeavours to meet the veterinary needs of the country and the specific requirements of higher education legislation. To this end the Faculty of Veterinary Science once again states its intent to actively recruit and select students to ensure that the student body will ultimately reflect national demographics. It may also consider market needs in allocating specific positions for e.g. state veterinary service (national and provinces), the defence force and the needs of neighbouring countries who do not have a faculty of veterinary science, etc.

Can I complete my first year of study at another University?

Although it is preferable to complete the first year of study at the University of Pretoria, candidates may elect to complete the first year elsewhere. In this instance, the onus will be on the candidate to submit proof of the equivalence of modules (courses) completed in relation to content and scope.

Are there any alternative routes to take when failing to meet the admission requirements for BVSc?

Students who are unable to obtain admission due to an APS score below 30 may still obtain admission to the four-year BSc programme offered at the Mamelodi campus of the University of Pretoria provided they have the necessary subject combination and an APS of 22 or more. These students may be able to transfer to the mainstream programme at the end of the third semester provided they have passed all their modules (category 4 above).

How many students are admitted to the BVSc (Veterinary Science) degree programme?

A total number of 140 students will be admitted to the programme from the second year of study onwards. The Faculty endeavours to meet the veterinary needs of the country and the specific requirements of higher education legislation through selection of applicants. The recruitment and selection process is therefore structured in such a way that it will reflect national demographics and Government policy.

Are foreign students admitted to the BVSc (Veterinary Science) degree programme?

A limited number of foreign students (category 5 above) may be admitted to the programme. Equivalency of academic credits will be taken into account. Priority will be given to students from neighbouring countries without a faculty of veterinary science, then other SADC countries and then other countries further afield.

What are the admission requirements for Veterinary Nursing (DipVetNurs)?

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the following subjects and levels of achievement

The M-score is replaced with an Admission Point Score (APS), which will be calculated from the achievement score of the subjects listed above; the minimum APS will be 22. School leavers will be provisionally selected on the basis of their Grade 11 results and selection confirmed on the basis of their Grade 12 results provided the APS has not fallen by more than 2 points and is still above the minimum of 22.

Selection forms part of the admission procedure as places in the programme are limited. New students are admitted in the following categories:

- school leavers without completed tertiary education,

- students in the process of completing a first year of tertiary education,

- students with one or more completed years of tertiary education,

- foreign students, and

- repeating students.

Selection is based on academic merit and the result of a personal interview as required

A limited number of foreign students may be admitted to the programme. Academic credits and equivalency of course content will be taken into consideration. A valid study permit must be obtained for the duration of the intended study period. Details on study permits can be obtained from any of the staff members of the Client Service Centre. Contact the CSC at  012 420 3111 

Please also note that foreign students are subject to certain levies and differential study fees, details of which can also be obtained from the staff members of the Client Service Centre

Transformation in accordance with the policy of the University of Pretoria is taken into consideration during the selection process.

What is the language of tuition in the Faculty of Veterinary Science?

The language of tuition in this Faculty is English. Tests and examinations may also be done in Afrikaans in accordance with the language policy of the University of Pretoria.

What are the closing dates for applications?

The closing date for applications for all undergraduate programmes offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Science is 31 May.

Where can I get application forms?

Application forms are available from the Client Service Centre of the University at (0... or e-mail: csc@up.ac.za. Electronic application forms can be obtained on the web at www.up.ac.za/apply

Does the Faculty have its own residence and who can apply for accommodation there?

Yes, the Faculty has its own residence known as Huis Onderstepoort. Currently registered BSc (Veterinary Biology) students in the third year of the BSc (Veterinary Biology) degree as well as Veterinary Science students and Veterinary Nursing students may apply for accommodation in the Onderstepoort residence. Allocation of a room is subject to selection and admission, and the availability of rooms. It is recommended that students who are selected for the first year of the new veterinary science programme should seek accommodation in the residences around the Hatfield campus of the University as all their lectures in the first year of study will be offered on that campus.