Veterinary science has an unusual feature in South Africa: the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, based at Onderstepoort, is the country’s only veterinary school. Every South African-trained veterinarian qualifies there.
One faculty for the whole country makes this among the most competitive programmes in South African higher education. Meeting the minimum requirements does not secure a place; selection operates well above the minimum.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry requires a strong science-track school record.
- A National Senior Certificate with admission to bachelor’s degree study requires at least 40% in your home language, at least 50% in four subjects from the designated subject list, and at least 30% in two further subjects.
- Mathematics — Mathematical Literacy is not accepted
- Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- English at the level required by the faculty
- An APS at or above the faculty minimum, which is high and revised annually
- A South African ID, or passport and study visa for international applicants
- Application by the university’s closing date, which falls well before the end of the school year
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The published minimum is the entry ticket, not the standard at which places are awarded. In a programme with one national provider and limited seats, successful applicants generally sit well above the minimum APS and subject levels.
Confirm the current APS requirement, the required achievement levels in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, and the closing date directly with the University of Pretoria for your intake year. These are revised and published annually, and applying on last year’s figures is a common mistake.
The faculty also operates selection criteria beyond marks. Confirm with the university what applies for your intake — selection processes for competitive health science programmes commonly include additional assessment and may take other factors into account.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Most South African universities calculate an Admission Point Score (APS) from your best six 20-credit NSC subjects, scored on a seven-point scale, giving a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is excluded at most institutions, and level 1 subjects generally do not count. Each university publishes its own APS table and programme minimums, and these are revised, so confirm the figure for your intake year with the institution itself.
For veterinary science the individual subject levels carry particular weight. Meeting the overall APS while falling short on Physical Sciences or Life Sciences will not succeed.
Plan alternatives deliberately. Because there is one faculty and demand far exceeds capacity, applicants with strong results are turned away every year. Related programmes worth applying for in parallel include a BSc in animal science, veterinary nursing qualifications, zoology, animal health diplomas, and agricultural science degrees. Some applicants complete another science degree and reapply.
Practical animal experience matters. Applicants are commonly expected to have spent time in veterinary practices, on farms, or at animal facilities. Start accumulating and documenting that experience in Grade 10 or 11 rather than in the year you apply.
Qualified veterinarians must register with the South African Veterinary Council before practising. Foreign-qualified veterinarians face separate requirements — confirm these with the Council directly.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications run through the University of Pretoria’s own system, and the closing date is earlier than for many programmes.
- Certified copy of your South African ID, or passport for international applicants
- Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 mid-year results
- Final National Senior Certificate once available
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- A record of practical animal or veterinary experience, where required
- Any additional documentation the faculty specifies for its selection process
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Apply early, apply to alternatives in parallel, and treat the practical experience requirement as seriously as the marks.
If you are not admitted, the route is not closed. Completing a relevant science degree and reapplying is a recognised path, and related animal health careers are substantial fields in their own right.
- Confirm the current APS, subject levels and closing date with the University of Pretoria for your intake year
- Apply for animal science, veterinary nursing or related programmes in parallel
- Accumulate and document practical animal experience from Grade 10 or 11
- Aim well above the published minimum, not at it
- Speak to practising veterinarians about the realities of the profession before committing
- Confirm registration requirements with the South African Veterinary Council
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I study veterinary science in South Africa?
At the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, based at Onderstepoort. It is the country’s only veterinary school.
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?
No. Mathematics is required, alongside Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
Does meeting the minimum APS get me in?
No. With one national faculty and limited places, successful applicants generally sit well above the published minimum. Treat it as a threshold, not a target.
What are the alternatives if I am not accepted?
Animal science, veterinary nursing, animal health, zoology and agricultural science are substantial fields. Completing a science degree and reapplying is also a recognised route.
APS requirements, subject levels, selection criteria and closing dates are set by the University of Pretoria and revised annually. Confirm current requirements directly with the faculty, and registration requirements with the South African Veterinary Council.