Top Veterinary Scholarships to Apply for in 2025

If you're passionate about animals and dream of becoming a veterinarian, you're probably aware of the significant financial investment required to pursue this career. The cost of veterinary school can be daunting, but don't let it deter you—veterinary scholarships and other grants can give you a boost.

Veterinary scholarship awards exist to help aspiring veterinarians fulfill their dreams without the overwhelming burden of student debt. As a leading platform for scholarships and financial aid, we're dedicated to helping veterinary students access scholarships that are right for them. This means making it easy to find relevant scholarships and resources on financial aid. In this guide, we will explore:

1. List of the best veterinary scholarships to apply for
2. How scholarships can help
3. Different types of scholarships
4. How to apply for veterinary scholarships

Keep reading to find out which financial aid opportunities you're eligible to apply for!

At Bold.org, we have a database of hundreds of exclusive scholarships for all types of students. Create a profile and apply for scholarships today!

Best Scholarships for Veterinary Students

1. Biology Scholarships

A basic background in biology is necessary for most veterinary students. Anatomy, microbiology, and genetics can all contribute to a good foundation for veterinary school, so go ahead and give this list a try.

2. Equestrian Scholarships

If you have a soft spot for horses in particular, this list could be a good place to start. Some of these scholarships are for those competing in equestrian sports, while others are for animal lovers in general.

3. Health Professions Scholarship Program for Veterinary School

This scholarship is funded by the U.S. military and provides 100% tuition paid. Students must be active members of the American Veterinary Medical Association and will need to commit to certain military training programs to be eligible.

4. Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture sets up loan repayment programs with veterinarians who agree to assist during vet shortages for certain periods of time. If you agree to provide veterinary care in a designated veterinary shortage area for at least three years, NIFA may repay up to $40,000 of your student loan debt per year.

Best Merit Scholarships for Veterinary Students

1. Essay Scholarships

Essay scholarships provide a unique opportunity for students to express their ambitions and passions. If you're especially interested in animal medicine, this could be a great place for you to explain why and show why you're different from the rest.

2. Merit Scholarships

Get good grades, and you'll go far. High marks on standardized tests or a high GPA could help you land one of these merit scholarships. Each scholarship has different requirements for what stats you need to have to apply, so be sure to check carefully.

3. Full-Tuition Scholarships

These scholarships could help you pay for school in one fell swoop. However, they're exceedingly competitive. Browse this list to see if you have what it takes to win a full ride.

Why Scholarships Matter for Veterinary School

The financial benefits of college scholarships are undeniable. In 2022, the average student loan debt for graduate veterinary students was $147,258. This staggering figure can be a significant barrier for aspiring veterinarians, particularly those who envision working in public or charitable veterinary care.

A scholarship program can help an aspiring veterinary student go to vet school with reduced student loan debt. Since most of the students enrolled in a veterinary medical program have a bachelor's degree, veterinary school adds additional costs as it means more years of school for graduate students.

Moreover, vet scholarships provide students with the opportunity to pursue additional educational experiences that can enhance their skills and knowledge. Some scholarships can fund participation in specialized workshops, conferences, or research projects that expose students to cutting-edge advancements in veterinary medicine.

Furthermore, vet scholarships foster a sense of community and collaboration that a veterinary student needs. Many scholarship programs require students to engage in mentorship or volunteer activities with local groups, allowing them to connect with experienced professionals and give back to their communities.

These interactions not only provide veterinary students with valuable networking opportunities but also instill a sense of responsibility and compassion in future veterinarians.

Types of Vet Scholarships

When it comes to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, there are several types of scholarships available to students. Understanding the different categories can help you navigate the application process and find scholarships that align with your circumstances and aspirations.

One category of scholarships offered that stands out is merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement. They recognize exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout their academic careers.

Another category of scholarships that plays a crucial role in supporting students is need-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on the financial situation of applicants and assist college students with demonstrated financial need.

Major-based scholarships can also be a huge help in securing funds. Aside from those already listed above, look for scholarships associated with your academic interests to earn money and continue your veterinary profession journey

Organization-funded scholarships can also be of great help to veterinary students. When looking for scholarships, you should also explore various professional avenues, such as pursuing veterinary clinical research or joining professional veterinary organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (different from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation).

Take the time to research and apply for scholarships that align with your goals, as they can provide not only financial relief but also valuable opportunities for growth and development in the field of veterinary medicine.

View the full list of scholarships Bold.org offers and apply for any you're qualified for!

How to Apply for Vet Scholarships

Once you have identified scholarship opportunities that align with your goals and meet the eligibility criteria, it's time to prepare your application. For most vet scholarships, you must be a student enrolled in an accredited veterinary school.

1. Preparing Documents

Start by gathering all the necessary documents and information required for the application. This may include your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and financial information. Take the time to read through the application instructions to ensure you don't miss any requirements.

When gathering your academic transcripts, make sure to include any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that highlight your dedication to veterinary medicine. These can include:

1. volunteering at animal shelters
2. participating in research projects
3. student clubs
4. attending veterinary conferences

By showcasing your involvement and commitment, you demonstrate to the scholarship committee that you are a deserving candidate.

2. Writing a Compelling Scholarship Essay

Many scholarship applications require an essay where you can showcase your passion for veterinary medicine, your career goals, and why you believe you deserve the scholarship.

Take this opportunity to reflect on your journey, your unique experiences, and the impact you hope to make as a veterinarian. Be authentic, concise, and specific in your essay, capturing the attention of the scholarship committee.

In your essay, you can also discuss any challenges you have faced along the way and how you have overcome them. This demonstrates your resilience and shows the scholarship committee that you have the determination and drive to succeed in the field of veterinary medicine.

Need more help with your essay? No worries, we've got you covered. Take a look at our guide on how to write a personal statement for a scholarship to improve your application.

Tips for Applying to Veterinary Medicine Scholarships

If you submit your application late, it doesn't matter how qualified you are. So don't fall behind—use a calendar, sticky notes, smartphone reminders, or whatever works for you to stay on top of deadlines. Applying to multiple scholarships and federal student aid programs throughout the year can compound this issue with overlapping deadlines.

Some scholarships may include an interview as part of the selection process. If invited for an interview, make sure to prepare by researching the scholarship organization and practicing potential interview questions. Dress professionally, maintain eye contact, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for veterinary medicine. Use the interview as an opportunity to highlight your strengths and convey why you would be a worthy recipient of the scholarship.

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your long-term goals and how receiving the scholarship would contribute to your success. Show the scholarship committee that you have a clear vision for your future in veterinary medicine and that their support would make a significant difference in achieving your goals.

Additional Resources for Veterinary Students

1. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

This organization supports students enrolled in veterinary school with various resources and programs. You can compare schools, attend conferences for graduate students, and find a loan repayment program that you're eligible for. In addition, they connect students to opportunities in certain veterinary clinical research fields, depending on what programs are available at what times.

2. Penn State Guide: How to Become a Vet

If you're still wondering what it will take to become a veterinarian or whether this profession is right for you, take a look at this guide. There are some specific requirements you'll need to meet if you want to apply for vet school in the future, such as taking certain science classes in your undergraduate program.

3. American Veterinary Medical Association

This association—which is different from the Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges—focuses more on supporting older students, like third-year veterinary students and those who have graduated. You can find internships and externships on their site, along with other resources, like job postings and career development webinars.

Explore the Bold.org Scholarship Blog to learn more about veterinary school and scholarship opportunities!