South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF) Bursary for Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a deep passion for animal health, veterinary science, and the wellbeing of livestock and companion animals? The South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF) Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering vital financial support to deserving students pursuing studies in veterinary science and related disciplines. The South African Veterinary Foundation is a respected non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing veterinary education, research, and animal welfare across South Africa.
The SAVF Bursary aims to support academically capable students who face financial constraints while studying towards a recognised veterinary qualification. By investing in future veterinarians and animal health professionals, the Foundation plays a critical role in strengthening South Africa’s veterinary sector, improving animal welfare standards, and supporting food security through healthy livestock management.
Successful applicants may receive financial assistance that contributes towards tuition fees and other essential study-related expenses, easing the financial burden associated with demanding veterinary studies. Beyond funding, the bursary reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing skilled, ethical, and compassionate veterinary professionals who will serve both rural and urban communities.
By applying for the South African Veterinary Foundation Bursary 2026/2027, students take an important step toward achieving their academic and career goals in veterinary science while contributing to the long-term health of animals and communities in South Africa.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study supported, application process, and closing date for the South African Veterinary Foundation Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
About South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF)
The South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF) is a registered non-profit organisation established in 1984. The Foundation was created to raise funds for animal welfare, promote veterinary education, and support research that advances animal and biological sciences in South Africa.
SAVF’s core mission is to improve the quality of life of both humans and animals by supporting veterinary research, funding veterinary studies through bursaries and loans, and managing financial investments that contribute to sustainable animal health initiatives. The Foundation also runs various programmes that allow organisations and members of the public to actively support animal wellbeing.
Since 1999, the SAVF has been providing financial assistance to 4th and 5th year veterinary students, having funded over 40 students to date, with total funding amounting to approximately R250,000.
Each year, the SAVF bursary programme is made possible through generous contributions from Lakato Veterinary Wholesalers, the SAVF Pet Memorial Fund, and a private donor.
About the SAVF Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
The SAVF Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year is offered in partnership with Lakato Veterinary Wholesalers.
The bursary is available to students pursuing the following qualification:
-
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Institution Covered:
-
University of Pretoria
SAVF Bursary Value and Benefits
For the 2026 academic year, the South African Veterinary Foundation will award bursaries to four (4) students.
Bursary Allocation:
- 2 bursaries for 4th year BVSc students
- 2 bursaries for 5th year BVSc students
Bursary Value:
-
R12,000 per student
Importantly, the SAVF bursary does not carry a service contract or work-back obligation, allowing recipients to focus fully on completing their studies.
Eligibility Requirements for SAVF Bursary for Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum criteria to be considered:
- Must be studying towards a BVSc (Veterinary Science) degree
- Must be registered within the Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Must be enrolled at the University of Pretoria
- Must be in 4th or 5th year of study in 2026
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have achieved a minimum academic average of 60%
- Must be actively involved in student life, including sports, cultural activities, or other student organisations
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in automatic disqualification.
How to Apply for SAVF Bursary 2026/2027
Applications for the SAVF bursary must be submitted online via the official application portal: SAVF Bursary Application 2026
Application Process:
Applicants will be required to:
- Complete an online application form with personal and academic details, including:
- Full name
- Email address and contact numbers
- Student number
- Current year of study
- Answer 10 multiple-choice questions about the South African Veterinary Foundation, based on information available on the SAVF website.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear copies of the following documents:
- Brief Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Full 2024 academic record (PDF format)
- Breakdown of current student debt
Important Notes:
- All documents are compulsory
- Missing documents may lead to disqualification
- Each attachment must not exceed 25MB
- Multiple file formats are accepted
Closing Date for SAVF Bursary for Application 2026/2027
Closing Date: 2 June (midnight)
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Contact Details of South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF)
For bursary-related queries, applicants should contact the University of Pretoria directly:
- Contact Person: Dr. Quixi Sonntag
- Email: drquixi@gmail.com