University of Pretoria - Faculty of Veterinary Science

University of Pretoria - Faculty of Veterinary Science

In 2020 the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria celebrated 100 years of veterinary education in South Africa. For the last few years, our Faculty has been ranked in the top 50 globally as a provider of veterinary science education.

Despite our international recognition, the Faculty strives to be locally relevant, and we are passionate in our endeavours to meet the needs of South Africa. This not only applies to commercial farming but also to primary animal healthcare, where veterinarians and veterinary nurses assist rural communities and smallholder farmers. By controlling animal diseases and promoting livestock production, veterinarians contribute to increasing the profitability of commercial and small-scale farming enterprises, thereby enhancing food security and economic development of livestock owners.

Our graduates and research programmes are vital for enhancing public and animal health, promoting biosecurity and welfare, and ensuring that our pets are safe and sound.

The quality of its training is such that graduates from this Faculty have no difficulty competing for and entering postgraduate programmes at universities in countries around the world. The Faculty, situated on a separate campus that compares favourably with the best in the world hosts five academic departments, three research centres and the state of the art Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH), through which we offer the majority of our training.

The Faculty is also in a unique position to provide clinical training in our surrounding communities and the Hluhvukani Clinic near the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, with services provided in production animal medicine, herd health, state veterinary medicine, wildlife medicine, community medicine and welfare practice.

While we promote an excellent study environment and boast some of the best pass rates in the country, the Faculty is a vibrant place where a wide variety of social and sports activities on and off campus is also offered. During your studies, you will develop into a balanced individual and be empowered to start an exciting career as a professional.