For 10 South African students, a career in veterinary medicine could soon offer an opportunity to play a much bigger role: helping to lay the foundations of Unisa's future School of Veterinary Science.

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has opened applications for a fully funded Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) programme in partnership with the University of Namibia (UNAM). The initiative will allow selected students to complete the six-year veterinary medicine degree at UNAM's School of Veterinary Medicine in Windhoek before returning to South Africa to contribute to the development of veterinary education, research and animal health.

For successful applicants, the scholarship will cover registration, tuition, accommodation, travel and living expenses for the duration of the programme.

It is an opportunity that goes beyond earning a qualification. Students selected for the programme will become part of a pioneering group expected to contribute to one of Unisa’s most ambitious academic developments: the establishment of its own School of Veterinary Science.

South Africa faces a shortage of veterinary professionals and limited capacity to train new veterinarians.

Prof Ashley Gunter, Deputy Executive Dean in Unisa's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), has previously highlighted the constraints facing veterinary training in the country and the need to expand capacity.

The partnership with UNAM is one way Unisa is responding to that challenge while laying the groundwork for its own veterinary school.

Rather than simply sponsoring students to study elsewhere, Unisa is investing in people who can eventually help develop its veterinary education and research capabilities.

For students, this means the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised professional qualification while contributing to Unisa’s longer-term vision for veterinary science.

The selected students will spend six years studying at UNAM's School of Veterinary Medicine in Windhoek. Once qualified, they will return to South Africa with the knowledge and practical experience needed to contribute to the country’s veterinary sector and, potentially, to the development of Unisa’s future School of Veterinary Science.

The BVM qualification is accredited by the Namibian Veterinary Council. Under an existing reciprocity agreement, graduates will be eligible to register with the South African Veterinary Council without having to write additional examinations, allowing them to practise as veterinarians in South Africa.

This makes the programme particularly significant for students who want to build their careers in South Africa while gaining their veterinary training in a regional institution with established veterinary education capacity.

The opportunity is open to South African citizens who meet the prescribed admission requirements.

Current Unisa students, graduates and alumni are encouraged to apply, while Grade 12 learners who have completed or are completing the National Senior Certificate can also be considered, provided they are not currently enrolled in further education or training.

Applicants may qualify through the prescribed academic route or through alternative admission pathways. These include applicants with relevant science degrees or a Unisa Diploma in Animal Health, subject to meeting the required academic performance standards.

Selection will be competitive and will take into account academic merit, interview performance, UNAM’s admission requirements and each applicant’s potential contribution to the future Unisa School of Veterinary Science.

For students considering veterinary medicine, the programme offers more than financial support. It offers a chance to become part of a new chapter in Unisa’s academic development.

The 10 students selected will be among the first beneficiaries of an initiative designed to address South Africa's veterinary skills needs while helping Unisa expand its footprint in animal health, veterinary research and education.

For Unisa staff, students and alumni, the initiative also demonstrates how the university is using strategic partnerships to create new opportunities while developing academic capacity that could have a lasting impact on the institution and the country.

Successful graduates will return with a professional veterinary qualification, experience gained at UNAM's School of Veterinary Medicine and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of veterinary science at Unisa.

Applicants must submit their applications as a single PDF containing:

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Certified copy of identity document
• Required academic records

Applications close on 15 August 2026 and should be emailed to daahapplications@unisa.ac.za.

For enquiries, contact Dr TN Ndobeni in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at endobetn@unisa.ac.za or 011 670 9052.

For the students who secure one of the 10 places, the journey will begin in Windhoek. But its destination could be much closer to home: helping Unisa build a School of Veterinary Science that could train generations of South African veterinarians.

* Article by Noxolo Miya, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

* Photography by Victor Malatji, Journalist Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement