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7 top scholarships for veterinary students
You could be eligible for a scholarship based on need, area of study and experience with animals.
If you have the grades, passion and need help paying for your veterinary degree, a scholarship can be a great start to fund your education. This is money you don’t have to repay, but many won’t cover the full cost of tuition so you may need to look elsewhere to fill in the financial gaps.
How we picked these scholarships
We selected veterinary school scholarships that vary in eligibility requirements, and the full range of need- and merit-based scholarships. We also paid attention to amounts and how many scholarships are awarded each year, and if a scholarship was specific to a particular field or area of study.
Simmons Educational Fund Scholarship
- Amount: $35,000
- Deadline: Unlisted
Administered by Simmons Veterinary Sales and Appraisals, this scholarship caters to veterinary students who are also interested in starting a business. It awards one student $35,000 scholarships given out each year, along with a trip to VMX conference in Orlando, FL. Students must complete a business case study to be considered.
AABP Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: April 17th
This scholarship is best suited for veterinary students interested in working with horses, and it’s open to students attending school in the US, Canada, the Caribbean or Europe. If you have been having a hard time finding a scholarship available outside the US consider looking into this one.
Morris Animal Foundation Scholar Program
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: February 12th
This scholarship is a little different from most. You’re not only receiving funds to help you attend school, you’re receiving a grant stipend to allow you to conduct research in the area of your choice.
The only stipulation is that the project you choose must advance the science of canine, feline, equine, llama, alpaca or wildlife health. The stipend should be used to support your work on the project.
Oxbow Animal Health Academic Scholarship Program
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: March 2nd
If you’re interested in exotic animal medicine to treat parrots, snakes and rodents, consider applying for this scholarship. The eligibility requirements are not extensive, although the selection criteria are. You’ll need to submit a resume describing your activities and job history, provide two letters of reference, proof of your full-time enrollment and submit a 300- to 500-word essay.
Dr. Pedro Rivera Vet Classics Grant
- Amount: $1,500
- Deadline: March 15th
Holistic medicine is a growing part of veterinary medicine. To apply, submit the application and write a one- to two- page essay. The essay should include how you plan to use the grant to further your education, courses you hope to take and any additional courses you’d like to see offered.
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
- Amount: Varies depending on program
- Deadline: Rolling
The Health Professional Scholarship Program is an entire program that pays for full tuition, books, fees, a $2300 a month stipend and a $20,000 signing bonus. While this sounds amazing, the scholarship program does come with a military service agreement. Recipients must agree to serve a minimum three-year commitment as an active duty physician, or one year for each year of scholarship participation, whichever is greater.
The service commitment begins after you complete your veterinary training. Time spent in a military residency or fellowship program doesn’t count towards the service obligation.
How else can I pay for school?
If you aren’t able to cover your costs with scholarships alone, check out these other ways to pay for school.
- Check out paid internships. Some scholarship programs for law students offer paid internships while attending school. When applying for a scholarship, ask if there is an opportunity to work in an area related to your major. You’ll gain experience and lower your overall costs.
- Get a federal grant. The federal government, states and many colleges offer grants that don’t have to be paid back. Most grants are awarded based on financial need like the Federal Pell Grant. To apply, submit the FAFSA. Or, ask someone in your school’s financial aid office for information on available college grants.
- Work-study programs. Federal work-study programs allow you to earn as you learn. Work-study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students that show financial need.
Work-study helps students pay for education-related expenses without missing classes. The FAFSA4caster gives you an estimate of your eligible federal student aid amount.
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Bottom line
Applying for a scholarship is a good way to avoid digging deep in debt to complete veterinary school. If you still need help paying for school, check out our guide to student loans for additional information on funding options.
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