South African Veterinary Foundation

About the South African Veterinary Foundation

The South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1984. It operates from VetHouse in Monument Park, Pretoria, and is a registered public benefit organisation. Its purpose is to raise money for veterinary research and animal welfare, and to build public awareness. It also works to advance veterinary and biological science in Southern Africa.

The Foundation's work is broad. It lists community veterinary clinics, a rhino and conservation fund, disease risk assessment training and a partnership with the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre. It also keeps a Student Book Fund to help learners afford costly textbooks.

How SAVF supports students

Qualified veterinarians deliver the animal healthcare and research that the Foundation exists to promote. That is why it has funded veterinary bursaries since 1999, when it began assisting fourth- and fifth-year students. These are the years when costs and pressure peak. Since 2002, the bursary fund has also received yearly support from Lakato through the Pet Memorial Fund.

Bursaries are awarded for the BVSc degree at the University of Pretoria. Recent listings show four awards a year of R12,000 each. Two go to fourth-year students and two to fifth-year students. The Foundation also mentions special awards, such as the Da Vinci Bursary for fourth-year students and a Pet Memorial Fund prize for top performers.

Selection looks at academic merit, with an average above 60% in examinations. It also values an active role in student life, whether in sport, culture or another area. Applicants have been asked to complete a short quiz based on the information on the SAVF website. As a result, it pays to read the site properly before you apply.

What to know before applying

There is no service contract or work-back obligation. You do not have to work for any particular employer after you graduate. The money is a gift to help you finish your veterinary degree.

The programme is small and aimed only at students already studying veterinary science at Onderstepoort. If you are still in school, the SAVF bursary will not help yet. Instead, look at university funding and other veterinary bursaries.

Amounts, award numbers and dates may change from year to year. Check the SAVF website for the current call. For queries, the Foundation's office in Pretoria can be reached on +27 12 346 1150. Keep your academic record and a short note on your student activities ready.

Veterinary science is among the most demanding degrees in the country. Final-year students face long clinical rotations and little time for part-time work. A R12,000 award does not cover the full cost of study, but it can ease pressure on books, travel and living expenses at a critical point. Many students pair it with other awards from the university or private donors, so ask the faculty office about extra funding as well.