BVSc at University of Pretoria

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc or BVSC; Latin Baccalaureus Veterinarian Scientiae), “Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine” (BVetMed), or “Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery” (“BVM&S” or “BVMS”) is a degree for studies in veterinary medicine in South Africa.

Admission requirements

The Faculty offers the following undergraduate programs:

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)

Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)

Both undergraduate programs in this Faculty include selection procedures, which are based on merit within different categories.

The following persons may be considered for admission:

applicants who are currently in their final school year and have applied with their final results of the preceding year of schooling (Grade 11 or equivalent);

applicants who have completed their final school-year, but have not yet commenced further studies;

applicants who are in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement. This certificate must be certified by Universities South Africa (USAF);

applicants who are currently enrolled for tertiary education;

applicants who are graduates from another tertiary institution, or have been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; and

applicants who are graduates of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.

In order to retain conditional admission applicants need to comply with the minimum subject requirements based on their final school-year examination results.

South African school-leaving applicants enrolled for the NSC or IEB who have forfeited their placement and who still comply with the minimum requirements will automatically be considered in the second round of selection in January.

Selection categories

School-leavers

A valid NSC/IEB or equivalent qualification with admission for degree purposes.

Subject requirements and the required Admission Point Score (APS) are indicated in the table below. The APS is calculated from the achievement levels obtained in the six 20-credit subjects of the NSC.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

Conditional admission is based on Grade 11 final examination results, or equivalent, is the final results of the year preceding the last year of schooling, final admission on NSC/IEB or equivalent performance in Mathematics, English, and Physical Sciences, as well as the Veterinary Science Value Added Form (VSVAF).

Additional admission criteria may be used including an interview and additional selection tests.

Applicants with previous higher education exposure

There is an opportunity for students with previous higher education experience to also apply for the BVSc program. Placement in either the first or second year of the BVSc program will depend on, among others, merit and subject choices.

International students

A small number of international students are admitted to the program, including those from neighboring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

Applicants who are accepted receive a letter of confirmation from the University, which will facilitate their application for a study permit.

A valid study permit, obtained in the country of origin, is a prerequisite for registration.

International applicants must comply with all ups and the Department of Home Affairs’ regulations related to international students.

Please consult the International Cooperation Division’s Newcomer’s Guide for more information: click here

Conditional admission

  • Conditionally admitted applicants will forfeit their placement if they do not comply with the relevant conditions.
Minimum requirements
Achievement level
English Home Language or English First Additional LanguageMathematicsPhysical Sciences APS
NSC/IEBAS LevelNSC/IEBAS LevelNSC/IEBAS Level
5C5C5C35

Cambridge A-level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with a performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.

International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with a performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.

Additional requirements

Refer to the undergraduate admission regulation of the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Minimum duration of study: 6 years