To become a veterinarian in South Africa, you must complete a 6-year undergraduate program. The first four and half years of this program are spent studying at the institution’s veterinary school.
After that, many students continue their education by engaging in a work-integrated training and research project for the remaining one and half years. Here are some important facts about veterinary medicine in South Africa.
How Many Years To Study Veterinary In South Africa
The necessary time it takes to study veterinary in South Africa is six years. In the United States, it takes five years to complete a degree in veterinary medicine and three years for those who want to pursue a career in veterinary science.
Veterinary Medicine In South Africa
Veterinary medicine is a broad discipline that includes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases and injuries. Veterinary medicine is a branch of science that involves the study of animal health and disease.
Veterinary medical practitioners are often referred to as veterinarians (or more formally in North America as “veterinarians”). Veterinarians must have a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM or DVMs) or equivalent degree.
Veterinary Medicine Vs. Veterinary Science
Veterinary medicine is a branch of science, while veterinary science is a branch of biology. The two fields are separate and distinct but related. Veterinary medicine can be thought of as an applied form of veterinary science, while veterinary science can be thought of as the foundation upon which veterinary medicine is built.
To give you a better understanding of these fields, consider this: if you wanted to become a medical doctor (MD), it would not make sense for you to train in engineering or chemistry. Similarly, if you wanted to become an environmental scientist (PhD), it wouldn’t make sense for you to study psychology or physiology; instead, your studies would focus on your particular area of interest within biology or ecology.
Veterinary Universities In South Africa
There are several veterinary offering universities in South Africa, some of which are:
- University of Pretoria
- University of Stellenbosch (Stellenbosch)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of South Africa
- North-West University Potchefstroom Campus
In South Africa, students must complete a 6-year undergraduate program to obtain a degree in veterinarian medicine. Students may also apply to study abroad or do a 4-year program and then apply to study abroad. The fourth year is known as the internship year and is where students gain experience under the supervision of veterinarians by working with animals at clinics, farms or laboratories.
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Closing
A veterinary degree in South Africa requires students to complete a 6-year program, which includes four and half years of veterinary study at the university level.
These university years are followed by a year and a half of clinical training and research projects. The total length of study is 6 years from high school graduation until certification as a veterinarian.
