Career guide

Veterinary Nurse

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Nurses animals through treatment and surgery - monitoring anaesthetic, running lab tests, wound care and supporting owners. Works alongside a veterinarian, not independently.

This career needs Core Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for it at South African universities. This choice is made in Grade 9, for Grade 10 — and it is very difficult to reverse later. If this career is on your list, take Core Mathematics.

School subjects

Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy), Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

How you qualify

The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs), and note carefully that the University of Pretoria's Onderstepoort campus is currently the ONLY institution in South Africa offering this training - the older National Diploma was phased out in 2019. Places are therefore very limited and entry highly competitive. Registration with the South African Veterinary Council is compulsory to practise. Entry requirements change yearly - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort) only; registration with the SAVC required to practise

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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