2026 FACULTY AT A GLANCE
MAKE TODAY MATTER
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. We produce relevant, socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. We believe that in every moment lies the potential to make a positive impact on the future and, in doing so, change the world for the better.
We have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online and in communities. We have support in place for our students to graduate on time as well-rounded, responsible citizens - fully prepared for the world beyond university. Our degrees are locally accredited and internationally recognised. We have agreements in place with the relevant legal accreditation bodies around the world to ensure the recognition of our academic programmes.
Guided by a vision for global research leadership, our mission is to excel in our core functions of research, teaching and learning — integrating engagement with society and the communities we serve. The University uses the following elements as its navigational markers:
QUALITY RELEVANCE DIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY
PROMOTING RESEARCH WITH REAL-WORLD IMPACT
UP’s research and collaborative efforts with its partners are key to transforming the lives of people by providing African solutions to global concerns. UP is rated among the top 1% of universities globally in 14 of the 22 Essential Science Indicator (ESI) fields. Our theme-based approach leverages knowledge fields and research platforms for the greatest impact. Transdisciplinary research projects with the potential to make a real-life difference are strongly encouraged.
FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Our educational approach has a strong focus on inclusivity and equitable access to education, but ultimately on equity of outcomes. Our committed academics have multiple approaches to teaching to ensure that students with a variety of learning strengths succeed. UP believes that a vibrant student experience encompasses more than successful grades. The University therefore offers a wide range of support services to foster resilient students. We believe our multi-layered support systems play a significant role in student success.
We produce graduates who understand the world of work and can make a valuable contribution to their communities. Our ready-for-work courses help our students to prepare for the workplace, and our entrepreneurship programmes foster the entrepreneurial spirit to encourage innovation.
FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
Following on the work of its founder, Prof Sir Arnold Theiler, veterinary education has been at the forefront of animal production, health and wellbeing in the country. The Faculty is now recognised internationally for its quality of training, research, services and community engagement. The Faculty is locally relevant and passionate about meeting the needs of South Africa. This not only applies to commercial farming but also to primary animal healthcare, where veterinarians as well as veterinary nurses can assist rural communities and smallholder farmers.
ACADEMIC OFFERING
2
Specialised undergraduate degree programmes
+ Various postgraduate degree programmes, including specialist veterinary training Veterinary Science students Dedicated specialised campus
Undergraduate student pass rate 1 98%
JOIN OUR WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTION
TOP 51–100
in the QS World University
Subject Rankings for 2025
RANKED #91
in the world for veterinary sciences in the 2024-2025 URAP Rankings
ONLY SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTION FOR TRAINING VETERINARIANS AND VETERINARY NURSES
Undergraduate BVSc degree programme recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (United Kingdom) Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania)
Responsible for 100% of all South African veterinary science degrees – training highly skilled and specialised graduates
Host to the world’s leading laboratory in DNA typing of rhinoceros – contributing significantly to conservation efforts
Skills and research activities in all veterinary components and animals, ranging from companion and production animals to wildlife of all sizes
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Mobile clinics in surrounding communities
Hluvukani animal clinic Mamelodi community clinic Vetsco student orientated programme
51%
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILE
35
Academic staff members with a doctorate NRF-rated researchers
RESEARCH CHAIRS AND CENTRES
• SARChI Research Chair in Poultry Health and Production
• World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Training in Integrated Livestock and Wildlife Health and Management
• Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research
• Equine Research Centre
• African Centre for Biosecurity and Disease Risk Assessment
• Onderstepoort Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
1 2 3 4
Translational Medicine African Wildlife Health and Management Pathobiology of Disease Sustainable Livelihoods and Wellbeing
Vaccine development research
Development of new diagnostic tests
Wildlife research projects, ranging from disease epidemiology to advanced wildlife immobilisation
Research into high impact infectious diseases
One Health and zoonotic diseases
Clinical diagnostics and advanced patient care
Ethnoveterinary medicine, toxicology and pharmacology
ONDERSTEPOORT VETERINARY ACADEMIC HOSPITAL (OVAH)
1 2 3
Fully integrated student training and diagnostic laboratories Specialist clinics for various species On-site clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging and pathology services
Student administration and enrolment: 012 529 8132/8202
General enquiries: pearl.mmako@up.ac.za