Explore the rich cultural history and ecological diversity of South Africa during an immersive semester abroad.
Spanning the course of three months, students will have endless opportunities to gain hands-on experience learning clinical skills and providing care to South African animals in need. Gain valuable experience learning and implementing the important work conservation and zoo vets do while also enjoying free time visiting some of South Africa’s most popular sites, including going on safari!
This semester abroad would be ideal for students interested in pre-veterinary medicine, animal science, wildlife conservation, zoology, or similar fields.
No specific major or past experience working with wildlife is required. This program is limited to 12 students. Students must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25. One semester of Biology is required.
We know that spending a semester abroad can be daunting for students in the sciences. We’re available to answer all your questions about credit, financial aid, and coursework to make sure this semester abroad is the perfect fit for you! We are confident that you will find it to be an excellent investment in your academic and career goals, and that this field course experience will deeply enhance your undergraduate education.
currently not open for enrollment. Email [email protected] to be notified when applications are available!
The program includes six two-week courses for which everyone will travel together.
Interested in learning more?
The South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad is designed to enhance your pre-veterinary knowledge, skills, and experience.
If you plan to go to graduate school or look for a career in the areas of wildlife, zoos, or conservation, on-the-ground experience is incredibly beneficial to your application. This program will give you the chance to learn from experts in the field and get hands-on experience working in a variety of wildlife, zoo, and conservation settings, which will help to set you apart from other applicants and prepare you for your future career.
Many students find that they can use their federal, state, and institutional aid, loans, and scholarships to pay the semester fee. You may be able to use your current semester tuition toward your South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad and get credit at your school. We can help you with this process. Additionally, students can choose to receive a transcript from our university partner, a fully accredited US-based institution. Please contact us so we can help you figure out your options.
The AVMA says “If you have the opportunity to work… for veterinarians who work with different species, that’s a bonus that can make you more appealing to a veterinary school admissions committee.” We’re proud to offer you that opportunity!
Students will earn approximately 175 vet hours, 100 research hour, and 80 animal hours on this semester.
We’re always excited to share what we love about South Africa.
The semester takes place throughout South Africa, with some courses closer to Cape Town and others closer to Johannesburg. Loop Abroad began offering programming in South Africa in 2017, and our students have continued to ask for additional courses that explore more of the country. That’s how the Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad came to be.
South Africa offers a huge variety of unique opportunities to work with varied wildlife, from huge marine species to “The Big Five” in game reserves across the country. Your group will travel together to course locations and program sites. All housing and transport within South Africa is included in your tuition. Check out where our studies will take us!
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s three (yes, three!) capital cities. It has become one of our students’ favorite places to visit in South Africa for its beautiful coastline and beaches, amazing wildlife and views within a few hours’ drive, and the opportunities to interact with culture and history throughout the city.
Visiting Robben Island, Table Mountain, and the lighthouse at the point where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean meet at the southern point of Africa are just some of the special, iconic moments a visitor can have in Cape Town. On our first semester course, which exposes students to the history and culture of South Africa, we will also get opportunities to hear from South Africans about their experience and feelings on their culture, in everything from a township tour to a drum lesson to talking with local students.
Cape Town is more than just monuments and beaches. With excellent food, and lots of markets and public areas to explore, it is a cultural gateway to South Africa. And just a short drive away, one can find seals, whales, and all kinds of wildlife and wild areas to discover, as we’ll see on our trip to Cape Agulhas.
Midrand’s Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Lory Park is one of only six institutions in Africa to be accredited by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, which is indicative of their high standards of safety, veterinary care, animal diets and enrichment practices, and overall welfare of the animals in their care.
Additionally, the park is one of four African institutions granted membership to the International Zoological Educators.
Lory Park opened in the year 2000 as a bird park, but quickly began accepting injured and trapped animals and has grown to be a sanctuary that is home to the following animals:
White and tawny lions
CaracalAs you can see, cats, birds, primates, and reptiles make up the majority of the animals that you will work with at Lory Park. The park has a focus on education and conservation, and you will get the chance to visit two schools in the community to help teach about the importance of animals and conservation.
Lory Park is involved in researching and breeding black-footed cats, and will coordinate the research for our Wildlife Research course. Black-footed cats are difficult to breed in captivity, so their successful breeding pair is an important contribution to the survival of this vulnerable animal whose population is decreasing in the wild.
You will notice that other than cats and primates, the park does not have many of the large “zoo animals” you might expect, such as elephants, giraffes, hippos. Fortunately, you will have the opportunity to see these and many more African animals on your weekend safari.
We will have a two-day safari to Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest game park in South Africa and home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, lions, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippo, crocodiles, jackals, wild cats, various antelope species, and hundreds of bird species. Here, guided drives will give us a chance to see lots of African animals in the wild and explore a bit outside of the zoo complex.
The Ocean, Research, Conservation, Africa Foundation (“ORCA Foundation”) strives to raise awareness and interest in marine conservation issues facing Plettenberg Bay, including teaching young children about ocean conservation, building a sense of community with local conservation organizations, and supporting research that can inform management authorities with scientific advice on marine conservation.
The foundation’s conservation program opened in 2001 and depends on international volunteers to support their meaningful projects and grow conservation efforts in the area. Your participation in conservation and education projects will involve regular hikes and surveys on local beaches to perform marine debris clean-ups; alien plant eradication; river health assessments; assistance at the SANCCOB Seabird Rehabilitation Centre; assistance at the Knysna Animal Welfare Service (KAWS); and environmental education of children at the Siyakula Pre-School Crèche and Sterreweg Special Needs Pre-School.
ORCA supports applied research by partnering with resident marine scientists based in Plettenberg Bay. Their projects are perfect for individuals who are interested in marine mammal research. By assisting them in the field or at sea you can gain valuable experience in boat-based and land-based field research methods involving some of Plettenberg Bay’s charismatic marine top predator species (eg. Southern right whale, humpback whale, Bryde’s whale, Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Cape fur seal and Great white shark). You may assist with humpback dolphin photo-ID research and record sightings of other marine animals during dedicated boat-based surveys. In addition, you might join Ocean Blue Adventures commercial whale and dolphin watching boat trips when there are opportunities to record opportunistic data. It’s possible that you will also participate in other research projects including marine mammal stranding response and necropsy; seal population monitoring; seal scat processing and preliminary identification of prey remains; seal-fisheries interaction and seal-shark interaction research in the Robberg Marine Protected Area. Sample processing, data entry and error checking forms an important component of research, and you may be expected to perform a large portion of this work. In other words, there’s a lot to do, but exact tasks vary based on what work is needed at the time.
You will be expected to work in challenging conditions, including moving around on the boat in choppy conditions, hiking to work sites, and performing some important work that can be both tedious and physically and mentally challenging. You will need to be both patient and flexible: work that is outdoors, especially that involving animals and the ocean, can change at the last minute due to weather or immediate need. There will be lots to learn and lots to do, but you’ll be expected to bring a positive attitude, patience, understanding, and commitment to the work, even when it is difficult or tedious. Not only will you be making a difference, but you will be building important work and educational experience that can help to open doors in your future career.
Founded by Petronel Nieuwoudt in 2001, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary is the largest orphan rhino orphanage and sanctuary in the world.
Their vision is to secure free-ranging African Rhinoceros in protected sanctuaries across Africa, to ensure the survival of the species for future generations.
Baby rhinos that are orphaned in the wild rarely survive. The mission of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary is to rescue every rhino that is orphaned, to heal them and to provide a totally secure environment where they can grow, roam free, and breed to ensure that there will always be rhinos in Africa.
The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary NPC was founded by Petronel Nieuwoudt fifteen years ago in the Limpopo province, with the goal of providing care and rehabilitation to a wide range of animals. Due to the limited level of poaching at the time, only a few rhinos were treated at the centre. In 2011 the centre was moved to Barberton, Mpumalanga. Subsequent to moving to its new property, there was a drastic increase in the number of rhino poaching incidents in the surrounding areas, and a need to care for and rehabilitate the injured and/or orphaned rhinos, whose mothers were killed during such incidents, became apparent. Petronel specializes in the care, hand-rearing, management and capture of infant, injured or orphaned rhinos.
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary NPC is developing the existing rehabilitation centre and additional land into a secure stronghold which will eventually accommodate 100 black and white rhinos in a viable secure breeding population. Ultimately, it is the goal of the sanctuary to aid in the process of re-maximizing the rhino population with the intention of preserving the species for future generations.
Despite intense counter poaching efforts, rhinos continue to be poached at unprecedented levels throughout South Africa. Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary NPC is developing a concise strategy to ensure the safety and security of the rhinos under the centres care, and is committed to maintaining the highest level of protection. Such security measures will include (but are not limited to) 24/7 monitoring of individual animal groups, highly trained armed game scouts, mobile response units, communications network, crime intelligence, intense surveillance and live video monitoring, trained counter poaching dogs and their respective handlers, watchtowers, electrified fencing, and aerial support.
Prince Harry serves as an ambassador for Care for Wild, saying, “These baby rhinos are at an orphanage because their mothers were killed by poachers. I can’t say where this is for obvious reasons. But I spent an afternoon with Petronel Nieuwoudt, who runs the orphanage. The youngest rhino was called Don. He was just two months old when he was found in Kruger National Park. Petronel has students and volunteers from all over the world come to look after these orphans. They pay for this experience and that money is used for milk, food, fencing and rangers for security.”
Mpumalanga is known for its beautiful scenery, from mountains and forests to waterfalls and rivers. The area is home to giraffes, zebras, black-backed jackals, blue wildebeest, kudu, warthogs, baboons, and many other magnificent wild mammals. Care for Wild itself may be home to African wildlife other than rhinos who are rescued, cared for, and given a home or prepared for a safe release when possible.
Want to fit a semester abroad in South Africa into your undergraduate studies? Whether you’re a pre-vet student or are interested in learning more about wildlife and conservation, here’s how it can work for you!
This page is a general overview of the process of South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad, from applying to attending. For more detailed information on any of these points or personalized assistance, contact us! We are happy to help.
The South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad is a full, academically rigorous college semester. It takes place in fall and spring, over the course of 12 weeks. The program has space for up to 12 students and takes place throughout South Africa. Students travel within South Africa together and take a set series of courses in a set order. Each student must take all the courses, which are worth a total of 18 credits. The program does not take place on a college campus, but instead in zoos, wildlife rescues, game reserves, marine conservation centers, and other similar locations throughout South Africa.
Loop Abroad is not a college. Participants in the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad will receive their credits and transcript from University of Findlay, our school of record in the US. For students who are currently in college, we can help you work with your school to transfer these credits. For participants not currently in school, you will receive a transcript from University of Findlay.
The tuition for the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad is $21,950. It includes tuition, housing, meals, transport to class each day, transport within South Africa, books, and lab fees. It does not include airfare to South Africa or health insurance. No visa is required (for citizens of the US or Canada).
Financial aid options are available, including up to $5,000 in need-based aid from Loop Abroad and outside scholarships of up to $5,000. If you are currently a college student, your semester in South Africa would replace your semester tuition on your home campus. We can assist you in using federal financial aid toward your Loop Abroad tuition.
This program is open to applicants age 18 and over. You can be a citizen or resident of any country. You do not need to currently be in school. All courses are taught in English.
Competitive applicants plan to apply to vet school or otherwise work in a career with animals, have a 3.0 GPA or greater, and have a demonstrated interest in working in animal science. No specific skills or experiences are required. We do require one course of college-level biology as a prerequisite (AP Bio or IB Bio would meet this requirement, and there are affordable online alternatives available.)
Step 1: Talk to your advisor. We suggest that you meet with your advisor about a semester abroad and the credits you would be transferring into your degree program. Usually, your advisor will want to see syllabi for all the courses. For a copy of all the syllabi, please send an email to [email protected]. Ask your advisor to approve the credits so that you may approach your study abroad office with your plans to participate in a Loop Abroad semester. Note that the course load of 18 credits is a complete semester, and you are expected to participate in all courses and class meetings during the semester.
Step 2: Apply for admission. You can apply for admission at any time, but it is best to apply at least a few months in advance so you have time to meet with the various offices on your campus and make arrangements for your study abroad. In your application, you can indicate if you are applying for financial aid from Loop Abroad, which can award need-based funds of up to $5,000 per student. You would get notice of any financial aid award with notice of admission.
Step 3: Secure funding for your semester. Once you are admitted and have your credits and study abroad experience confirmed, it is sometimes possible to use your federal financial aid if you are currently enrolled in a US college or university. Your financial aid office can help you with this process, and we will also assist you. In some cases, your school will require specific documentation from Loop Abroad and we are able to work with them to make this semester financially feasible for you. Note that the semester tuition includes housing, meals, and even books, some students actually find it costs them less to go abroad than to stay on their home campus for the semester.
Step 4: Pay deposit and submit necessary paperwork. Before you can be confirmed as a participating student, you must pay the deposit to hold your spot in the upcoming semester. There are only 12 spots available in order to keep the class sizes small. You will also have to complete enrollment paperwork that includes a medical form.
Step 5: Plan for travel to South Africa. The Director of Admissions will send you an email with logistical information about travel flights, the required rabies vaccine, international phone plans, etc. You will also receive a calendar with the dates for your in-country orientation, and course schedule. We can help you with everything from selecting flights to deciding what to pack!
Step 6: Arrival in South Africa. You will be met by Loop staff when you arrive and taken to your group housing. You will have an in-country orientation and chance to get to know your group before you start your veterinary courses.
During your semester abroad in South Africa, staff is available 24/7 to support you. You will live with your fellow students and your travel between course locations will be arranged as a group by Loop Abroad, with staff traveling with you. The semester is a busy, packed schedule with lots of places to go and lots of work to do, and we’ll do it all as a group. If you have questions about the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad, from applications to safety and everything in between, reach out to us!
Hands-on wildlife and conservation experiences from big cats to marine life.
The semester is divided into blocks that will you take in a set sequence so that you can focus on one course at a time immersed in a zoo, reserve, sanctuary, or city setting. With each block, you will build and practice new knowledge and skills. The coursework is demanding, but you will go home with memories of a lifetime and key experiences that will prepare you for your career working with animals or in conservation.
The semester in South Africa is comparable to a full semester of courses including labs at your home institution.
Please note: we have listed credits based on the number of hours of instruction, homework, and fieldwork in each course. But the number of credits you receive at your school will vary depending on how you apply for credit and how your school grants it. Through our university partner (School of Record), we can offer all students a full transcript.
Here are the courses offered each semester. Each course is two weeks in length – sometimes there are free days or rest days on the weekends in-between courses, and sometimes one or both of these weekend days is used for group travel. Please note that though the sequence may be different for different groups and different semesters, all of the following courses are included in your semester abroad. You and everyone in your cohort will take all the courses together in sequence.
Course topics and itineraries are subject to change based on the discretion of instructors.
This course will give you a chance to explore some of the areas in and around Cape Town and to learn more about the culture and history of South Africa. Part of studying abroad is learning to look through the eyes of the local culture, and this course will give you opportunities to discover the art, music, food, architecture, language, and other aspects of South African culture.
The history portion of the course will focus on recent South African history from Apartheid until now, and its effects on everything from economics to education within the country. You will have opportunities to hear from and talk with South African people about their lived experiences, in addition to exploring history through visits to locations such as Robben Island, the townships, and museums throughout Cape Town.
This course will be split between two locations: the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary and the Ocean Research Conservation Africa marine conservation center. By spending time learning in these diverse locations, students will have a chance to learn about wildlife conservation and management from varied perspectives.
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary is one of the largest rhino sanctuaries in the world (and the only rhino rehabilitation center accredited by the National Parks Board of South Africa), and as it does not admit paying tourist guests or safari tours, taking a course on-site gives you a unique opportunity to live and work inside this renowned wildlife conservation project. The sanctuary is home to other African animals, including hippos and meerkats, and will provide opportunities to learn from leading conservationists.
At Ocean Research Conservation Africa (“ORCA”), you’ll have opportunities to study marine conservation issues facing Plettenberg Bay and to help support important conservation research and education projects. Hands-on projects to supplement lecture learning may include hikes and surveys to clean and maintain beaches, river health assessments, assistance at the SANCCOB Seabird Rehabilitation Centre, assistance at the Knysna Animal Welfare Service, environmental education projects with local schools, or time at shore or sea helping to research species including the southern right whale, humpback whale, bottlenose dolphin, Cape fur seal, and great white shark.
This course is based at Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary in South Africa. Lory Park is one of only six zoos in Africa accredited by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, with a focus on education and conservation. Your program will focus on understanding the anatomy, handling, medical needs in captivity, behavior, and conservation of six main groups of animals at the park: birds of prey, reptiles, big cats, small cats, cubs, and primates.
Your work with and coursework about these animals will be supplemented by veterinary labs such as necropsies and lectures from veterinarians and expert guests. In addition, we will spend a weekend on safari in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, one of the largest in South Africa and home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, lions, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of other species.
According to the World Health Organization, “’One Health’ is an approach to designing and implementing programs, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes.” This course will give students the chance to interact with and study One Health concepts both in the classroom and in the field.
Our time in the field includes game drives and exploration of wild areas, necropsies and other laboratory work, visits to research stations and labs, discovering anti-poaching tactics, working in a wildlife clinic, a medical community visit including both human and animal clinics, and practice bushwalking and tracking.
This course will take place at one of our big cat partners. The course is designed to help students learn about the anatomy, behavior, and conservation of African big cats through a combination of lectures, lab activities, observation, and husbandry and enrichment.
Students may help monitor camera traps, maintain the grounds, prepare food, observe behavior, and assist with veterinary care. Please note that this course does not guarantee hands-on work with any of the big cats (the Zoo Husbandry and Management course does provide interaction with some of the cats).
Wildlife research skills are an important asset to the portfolio of anyone interested in working in wildlife conservation. This course will also be led by the team at Lory Park Zoo, but will give us the opportunity to spend a good amount of the course off-site from the zoo and in the field.
This course will focus on understanding aspects of wildlife research such as designing research questions and collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. Students will participate in field research on the black-footed cat, a vulnerable species with a decreasing population, as a way of practicing and implementing the skills they are learning in the classroom.
We understand pre-vets. You can’t let a semester pass without making progress towards a competitive vet school application. Join us for animal experiences you can’t get anywhere else on the planet all while developing hands-on veterinary skills, building your resume, and having an amazing adventure around the world. You won’t waste a moment.
When you apply to vet school, you have to describe and record hours for three kinds of experiences: research experiences, veterinary experiences, and animal experiences.
In our South Africa semester, you’ll log 175 hours working with a veterinarian, 100 research hours, and 80 additional animal hours.
Studying abroad in South Africa means you’ll get to experience a ton of different areas of veterinary medicine, which can be an advantage for admission to vet school. North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says:
“… [S]upervised experiences in three or more different areas are highly recommended for a competitive application…. small animal, large animal, research, food animal production, exotic, aquatic, wildlife, zoological medicine”
This semester offers veterinarian-supervised experiences in four of these areas!
Referring to who gets into vet school, the AVMA says…
“If you have the opportunity to work …for veterinarians who work with different species, that’s a bonus that can make you more appealing to a veterinary school admissions committee. Get as much experience as you can while you have the opportunity.”
This semester is organized into block courses. You’ll have one course at a time so you can focus on learning the material and skills most relevant to each host organization. You can also plan to really get to know your vet instructors because of the small class size and hands-on nature of your coursework. That means you get to learn about their experience in the veterinary profession and they get to know you well enough to write a good recommendation letter.
We offer faculty-led workshops and advising to help you with every aspect of applying to Veterinary School and advancing your career. Covered topics include:
We know studying abroad is a big investment. If you are currently in college or university, we can help you to work with your school to get credit for your Loop Abroad courses and be able to access federal financial aid to use toward your Loop Abroad tuition. You may even be able to apply some or even all of your home institution semester tuition toward your South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad tuition, which can mean that studying abroad costs the same or even less than spending your semester on your home campus.
If you are considering applying, let us know! We can walk you through each step from talking with your school advisors to making the program affordable for you.
The Gilman Scholarship could fund $5000 of your tuition plus there is an additional STEM Supplemental Award of $1000 you an apply for. The next round of applications opens mid-August and the deadline is March 5, 2026, at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
If you are a US citizen receiving a Pell Grant and currently enrolled in college or university, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the official website for the latest details and read about Loop Abroad students who have received this scholarship.
The South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad comprehensive fee of $21,950 covers much more than just tuition:
That means that you do not pay any additional fees for labs, books, housing, meals, or in-country transport for courses during your program.
Note: International airfare to and from South Africa are not included. There are two books you are asked to purchase and read before the semester begins (approximately $30). You are required to be rabies vaccinated in order to begin the program.
Many students studying abroad use financial aid such as grants, scholarships, and/or loans to help pay their tuition and program fees.
Because we offer transcripts through our US university partner (School of Record), you may be able to use your state, federal, and/or institutional aid and loans towards the semester tuition. For students who are currently in college or university, you may find that you can use some or even all of your home institution semester tuition toward your South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad tuition. Generally, the first step is to get your credits approved by your current school – and we are happy to help!
There are also several outside scholarships designed for students studying abroad. The Gilman Scholarship (for up to $5,000) is an excellent alternative for US citizens currently enrolled in college and receiving a Pell Grant. We suggest that you talk to your financial aid office for recommendations. We will support your application!
Loop Abroad also offers a limited number of awards for semester students ranging from $500 to $5,000 based on qualifications and financial need.
If you aren’t sure where to start, please contact us! The sooner you start the process, the easier it is to communicate with your school about credits and financial aid.
The South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad is open to students from all academic backgrounds, not just pre-vet students.
We welcome students to study with us as a gap year after high school to decide if they want to pursue a veterinary education. We also welcome students who have completed an undergraduate degree but want to enhance their vet school application.
We are proud to often host students on their first trip abroad as well as students who are seasoned international travelers. You do not need to be a US citizen to apply.
We understand studying abroad is a big decision — we’ll walk you through every step. We can help you figure out if it’s a good fit and how research, internship, and course credit as well as financial aid would work for you.
In order to enroll in the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad, applicants must meet the following requirements by the time the semester begins.
Each course in the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad is a group of up to 12 students, who work closely with one another and with their veterinarians and instructors. For this reason, the #1 skill we look for in an application is the ability to work as part of a team.
We’re looking for students who understand what the South Africa Wildlife pre-vet Semester Abroad entails and are eager to work hard, support their classmates, and get their hands dirty.
We don’t require any specific animal experience, but a demonstrated interest in working with animals or in veterinary medicine will strengthen your application. We don’t require a certain GPA, but strong applicants generally have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. Your application is more than just your GPA. We do not consider standardized test scores in our admissions decisions.
Once you’re ready to apply, you can click on the “apply now” link below and get started.
The application for the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad has a $50 application fee, and will require your transcript, resume, 2 academic or professional references, and includes an essay component. Please note that upon acceptance to the program, your spot is not guaranteed until the non-refundable deposit of $5,000 is paid.
If you’d like our help before applying to make sure that your credits will transfer to your current college or university and that you’ll be able to successfully fit the South Africa Wildlife Pre-vet Semester Abroad into your academic schedule, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
Rolling admissions; applications open now!
There are lots of ways to help fund your online and travel programs with Loop Abroad, and we are here to help!
Scholarships are a terrific way to cover some or all of your tuition for a Loop Abroad program. When you look for scholarships for pre-vet programs, you need to look at all your options!
The first thing you should know is that St Matthews University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) is now offering a $10,000 scholarship to SMUSVM to 2025 alumni of Loop Abroad travel programs!
There are also many, many scholarships that can be used to help cover your Loop Abroad tuition directly:
University Scholarships
The Gilman Scholarship could fund $5000 of your tuition plus there is an additional STEM Supplemental Award of $1000 you an apply for. The next round of applications opens mid-August and the deadline is March 5, 2026, at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
If you are a US citizen receiving a Pell Grant and currently enrolled in college or university, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the official website for the latest details and read about Loop Abroad students who have received this scholarship.
Nearly a third of applicants are awarded this scholarship! This is a great opportunity to help cover your tuition.
The scholarship can be applied to any of our online programs, to our semester programs, or one of our 2-week programs.
Along with their application, students must submit two essays, the Statement of Purpose Essay, and the Community Impact Essay. Students must also upload their transcripts (unofficial or official). For more information on the application guidelines, please click here.
Loop Abroad has committed $10,000 in annual funding to program participants joining us from a military background. If you are active duty military or are a veteran, and are considering a career in veterinary medicine, we hope you’ll consider applying to join a Loop Abroad program.
Scholarships of $500 – $1,000 are available for in-person programs. Scholarships of $1,000 – $3,000 are available for select self-paced virtual programs, which can cover the full cost of a virtual program.
Please find more details here.
Loop Abroad is offering one FULL TUITION scholarship to cover tuition for one one-week program in the US, one two-week program in Thailand, or a virtual course, excluding private groups and faculty-led groups. We’re proud to add this to the list of scholarships for pre-vet programs.
Who can apply: This scholarship is open to all students age 18 and over. You do not have to be a US Citizen. You do not have to be currently in school.
You do not have to complete an application to Loop Abroad in order to be selected for the scholarship. The scholarship winner must be able to complete the Loop Abroad enrollment paperwork, requiring a doctor’s signature, and must meet all safety requirements of program enrollment.
Note: if you have already applied to Loop Abroad and been accepted, you can still apply for this scholarship. If you have made any payments toward tuition and later receive the scholarship, your payments will be refunded.
Criteria for selecting the scholarship recipient:
We will consider financial need, commitment to conservation and/or animal science, academic performance, and ability to be a positive team member as factors in our decision. We are not looking for the applicant with the highest grades or the most animal hours. We are not looking for the applicant with the saddest story. We are looking for a student who embodies Loop Abroad’s values of teamwork, commitment to a cause, and hard work, and for a student who would not be able to otherwise afford Loop Abroad tuition (whether because of household income or recent change in circumstances).
Scholarship details:
This scholarship covers tuition to one one-week Loop Abroad program taking place in the USA, one two-week Loop Abroad program taking place in Thailand, or one virtual Loop Abroad program, excluding private groups or faculty-led groups. It is not transferable to other individuals or future semesters. It does not include airfare, travel or medical insurance, passport, college credit fees (optional), visa (if required), or any optional incidentals during your program. Some programs may be full and may not have space available. Please understand that a full tuition scholarship does not make travel completely free: passport, airfare, and other expenses depend on the program location.
Once a scholarship winner is chosen, the winner will need to complete full application paperwork for Loop Abroad. The winner must then also complete the enrollment paperwork, which includes waiver forms and a medical form signed by a doctor indicating that you are able to safely participate in a travel program.
The scholarship winner agrees that Loop Abroad may publicize the awarding of the scholarship, including the recipient’s information such as name and current university. The scholarship winner will be subject to all regular rules of participating in a Loop Abroad program.
How to apply:
To apply, you must complete the following three steps:
Why is it called the Erica Ward Scholarship? Dr. Erica Ward is our Academic Director. We believe that she embodies the values we are seeking in our scholarship applicants: she is passionate, dedicated, hard-working, and driven to make the world a better place. Dr. Ward consistently strives to find ways that Loop Abroad can support projects in need and help its students and alumni have fulfilling academic opportunities. We have decided to name this scholarship after her to honor her continued commitment to her values and purpose. (PS – She isn’t dead. Please don’t write your essay about honoring her legacy. She is very much alive and still working here. If you are a finalist for the scholarship, she will read your essay.)
Details:
The scholarship will be credited toward tuition for the winning student toward one of the specified Loop Abroad programs.
The scholarship is non-transferable. If the student cannot attend, the scholarship will be void – it is not a cash prize and cannot be paid as such. Applicants must be over the age of 18. Citizens and residents of any country may apply.
Loop Abroad reserves the right not to grant a travel scholarship if there are no qualified applicants who have applied by the deadline.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late Senator John S. McCain from Arizona.
This scholarship is open to US citizen undergraduate students who are child dependents of active duty service members and receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid. Students can receive awards of up to $5,000 for 2+ weeks of international travel or online programs. The scholarship can be applied to any of our online programs, semester programs, or 2-week travel programs.
Deadlines and details can be found here.
The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. This scholarship is open to both US citizens and permanent residents who are undergraduate students at a two-year or four-year college or university.
Recipients can receive up to $3,000 in awards for summer programs. This scholarship can be applied to our Thailand programs for 2+ weeks.
In order to apply, students must fill out an online application. Read the scholarship instructions here and the eligibility requirements here.
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) invests in promising students with financial needs who wish to study abroad. Potential applicants who meet our eligibility requirements may participate in any international education program that meets their academic objectives.
This scholarship is open to US citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the US. Scholarships range from $1,250 – $10,000.
Along with their application, students must submit a financial aid form (filled out by the financial aid office at their school), one recommendation letter, and a copy of their unofficial transcript.
Students may review the eligibility and application instructions here.
Scholarships of note that you can apply for through the Fund for Education Abroad include:
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) seeks to improve the treatment of animals everywhere—in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild. The 2026-27 scholarship cycle will open for applications on November 24. Recipients will be announced by May 1, 2026. There are up to 12 awards of $3,000 available. For future scholarship cycles, please be sure to visit the Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship page for the latest information.
SeniorCare.com continues to bring more awareness to the key issues we face as an aging population. They award an annual college scholarship to an individual that best demonstrates why “Aging Matters” to them. A $1500 scholarship is given annually to a selected college student that currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elder population. Any existing student (or incoming freshman), in good academic standing, at a 2- or 4-year accredited college can apply for this scholarship. The recipient must demonstrate a unique and admirable understanding and desire to show why “Aging Matters” to them.
All applicants can get more information and apply online here.
FirstTrip.org offers scholarships for students who are studying abroad for the first time. At the time of writing, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Belize programs would be eligible for these $1,500 scholarships. The application process for these scholarships does not involve writing an essay or meeting a GPA requirement. Only applies to travel to countries ranked lower than very high on the Human Development Index (this applies to Loop Abroad programs in South Africa, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Belize). Recipients are requested to provide concise testimonials about their initial international experiences. Previous awardees have often shared remarkable photos and videos.
Find out more and apply at FirstTrip.org. Applications are rolling and suggested to be submitted at least 3 months before the departure date. They also have funding available for passports ($130) as well as some other supplemental awards.
$2,000 will be given to one winner at the end of every month of the year. Open to all enrolled students (parents of students can apply on their behalf!). Please find more details here.
Sallie Mae also has a lot of scholarship resources on their website, which you can find here.
Open only to undergraduate students who identify as LGBTQ+ and are currently enrolled in university. Applicants must be receiving credit for the program.
Please find more details here.
Open to any citizen and/or resident of the US enrolled full-time at an accredited college/university. A $1500 scholarship is offered twice a year.
Please find more details here.
Open to all high school seniors or current full-time college freshmen. $5,000 offered twice a year (during the Spring and Fall semesters)
Application Deadline: Applications accepted year-round
Please find more details here.
Open to students in their final year of high school with a minimum of 3.0 GPA who are planning to pursue a degree at an accredited US institution
Please find more details here.
The opportunity is available to individuals all around the globe. To be eligible for entry, you need to be at least 18 years old and not fall under the purview of 18 U.S.C. § 1033. 3 individuals will be granted $1,000 each.
Please find more details here.
This $1,000 scholarship is for First Generation College Students and is open to registered Cappex users who are 13 years old or older, living in the U.S., and either currently enrolled or planning to attend a college, university, or trade school in the U.S. within four years. If you’re under 18, you need your parent’s permission.
Please find more details here.
This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, 18 years or older, who are enrolled in any accredited college or university in the United States, as well as high school seniors taking classes. This scholarship offers a single payment of $1000 that can be used for tuition and other educational expenses. To enter the scholarship competition, submit a 1000-word essay on a meaningful event that changed your life.
Please find more details here.
Scholarships valued at $10,000 each, are eligible for high school students in the US who have encountered and successfully conquered significant challenges during their early years. Applicants must show a strong dedication to pursuing and successfully obtaining a bachelor’s degree at a recognized non-profit public or private educational institution within the US and demonstrate a significant financial need with an adjusted gross family income of $55,000 or less. Active involvement in co-curricular and community service activities, along with the display of integrity and resilience when overcoming challenges, are also crucial attributes.
Please find more details here.
This initiative aims to grant $500 scholarships to essay participants who are either entering college or are presently enrolled in higher education. The theme of the 750-word essay should revolve around the concept of promoting safer driving practices.
Please find more details here.
(High school grade 11-12) To be eligible for this $20,000 opportunity, students should be engaged in a college readiness program and be on track to successfully complete their studies at an accredited high school within the current academic year. They should also demonstrate a financial need, be receiving a federal Pell Grant during their first year of college and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.4.
Please find more details here.
Candidates must qualify as a lineal descendant of a Korean War veteran who actively served in Korea from June 25, 1950, to January 31, 1955, as officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They must attend an educational institution situated within the KASF Northeastern Region, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Please find more details here.
£500 will be awarded to students of a study abroad program. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students in the UK enrolled at an institution affiliated with BUTEX (full list here)
Please find more details here.
BeGlobalii offers $500 stipends to successful applicants of their Global Ambassador program. This funding supports volunteering or studying abroad during Spring or Fall semesters. Ambassadors are required to share their experiences through blogging to inspire others within the Diversity Abroad community to travel. Eligible candidates are full-time students or recent graduates from U.S. universities with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong interest in international engagement are essential traits for applicants.
Please find more details here.
Receive $2,000 awards for international travel to engage in cross-cultural experiences. Eligible candidates must be aged 18-30, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate financial need, and live or study in one of the 13 metropolitan areas where HI USA is active.
Please find more details here.
The $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to high school and college students, and those planning to attend college or graduate school within the next year. It’s a straightforward scholarship without an essay requirement. The prize money can be used for tuition, housing, books, or any educational costs. Applications are accepted monthly, and a new winner is chosen each month.
Application Deadline: At the end of every month.
Please find more details here.
The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay award granted to the applicant with the most daring profile. Instead of focusing on being the “best” or “most accomplished,” the scholarship values qualities like earnestness, determination, and drive. The scholarship recipient will be the student whose profile best embodies these bold characteristics. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Please find more details here.
This scholarship is open to high school seniors who are descendants of veterans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces within specified dates. Membership in The American Legion Family is not obligatory. Applicants must have completed 50 hours of verified community service during their high school years. The scholarship supports attendance at accredited higher education institutions. Applications due by March 1 of each year.
Please find more details here.
UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. Find out more about their scholarship opportunities here.
The Vince’s Pre-Veterinary Student Scholarship extends two annual $500 awards to aid undergraduate students pursuing pre-veterinary or animal science programs in the U.S. with their educational expenses. You must be a current undergraduate college student with a minimum GPA of 3.3, focusing on academic interests encompassing healthcare, as well as animal/veterinary sciences. To enter, you will need to write a 500 word poem.
Please find more details here.
Applicants for this scholarship must be a current full-time enrollment at a U.S. college/university and a minimum GPA of 3.5 supported by an unofficial college transcript. This scholarship is for those pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields. A total of twelve $2,500 scholarships are awarded each year.
Please find more details here.
Sweepstakes of $2,500 are given monthly to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as parents or sponsors of students at these levels. To be eligible, students should intend to attend college or must currently be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate post-secondary institution.
Please find more details here.
This $1,500 scholarship opportunity is available to students who are currently enrolled in a United States veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Additionally, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria: they should be graduate students and have an academic focus on Animal/Veterinary Sciences.
Please find more details here.
$2,000 is awarded to Black African-American high school seniors, current college students, or returning college students. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit an official sealed transcript, an essay and provide two professional references from professors attesting to the candidate’s experience in Veterinary Medicine or Technology, including one from a STEM professor.
Please find more details here.
$2,000 will be given to a student who is actively pursuing a degree within the realm of STEM. Female students who are currently enrolled (or have received acceptance) in an accredited college or university, and are intending to continue their studies in the following year, are eligible. Graduating high school seniors who fulfill the aforementioned criteria are also invited to apply.
Please find more details here.
Individuals planning to enroll in college in the upcoming year are eligible to submit their applications. A sum of $3,000 is granted annually to female students who are in pursuit of an undergraduate or master’s degree and have chosen to major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Please find more details here.
HW Part Store Scholarship gives a one-time grant of $1,000 to one deserving student to help pay for books, tuition, or other educational expenses so they can be a step closer to achieving their goals.
This program is designed to provide financial assistance to students enrolled or planning to enroll in agricultural sciences at accredited colleges or universities in the United States.
Please find more details here.
The Barton Watch Bands scholarship provides a one-time award of $1,000 to pay for tuition, books, computers, room and board, or any education-related expense. There’s no GPA requirement and no application forms. This scholarship will be open to both undergraduate and graduate students attending any accredited college university within the United States, as well as high school seniors who will be attending classes.
Please find more details here.
The Mann Lake Scholarship offers a one-time award of $1,000 to undergraduate students enrolled at any accredited college or university in the United States to cover educational-related costs, including tuition, books, computers, room and board, and other educational expenses. Students must be enrolled or about to be enrolled in an apiology program, major in agriculture & environmental sciences, or related studies.
Please find more details here.
The scholarship is for full-time students pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree. A first and runner-up prize is available through an essay contest, highlighting a subject that is common amongst students, binge drinking on college campuses.
Please find more details here.
High school seniors and college or university undergraduates have the chance for a $1,000-worth scholarship from Wrist-band.com. This financial assistance can help alleviate the burden of tuition costs, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
Please find more details here.
The Select Saunas Scholarship is a one-time grant of $500. The fund aims to alleviate some financial burdens associated with pursuing further education, such as tuition, books, needed technology, and other academic-related expenses.
Please find more details here.
Toxin Rid offers a $1000 scholarship to one outstanding university student based on a 300-word essay.
Please find more details here.
Dirwin Bike offers a $1000 scholarship to one outstanding university student based on a 300-word essay on one of the following topics.
Please find more details here.
Manhattan Home Design offers a one-time scholarship reward of $500 to one outstanding university student based on a dorm room design using Manhattan Home Design products (excluding beds) in a 250-square-foot space. The design should showcase creativity, functionality, and style, and can be submitted as a drawing, digital layout, or created using a design platform like Canva.
Please find more details here.
VidaBox is offering a $500 scholarship to motivated undergraduates currently studying at accredited universities within the United States, as well as high school seniors who have secured admission into a university program for the upcoming fall semester based on a 300-word essay on one of the following topics:
Please find more details here.
LOOVFOOD is offering a one-time $500 scholarship to an outstanding university student. A 300-word essay is required. Find more details here.
Modern Blaze is offering two $500 scholarships (for Fall and Spring) based on a 300-word essay submission. Find more details here.
Sensa offers a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student who shares their passion for innovation, creativity, and making a positive impact. To apply, students simply need to submit a short essay (500–800 words) on how beauty, wellness, or self-care influences innovation and empowerment in today’s world.
Full scholarship details here.
JerkyGent offers a $250 scholarship to the winner of a 300-word essay contest. Essays are about passion, drive, and small business opportunities. More details here.
Custom Sock Lab offers a $250 scholarship to an original sock design reflecting personal creativity and sales potential. More details here.
Alina Mae offers a $500 scholarship to the winner of a 300-word essay on inspiring resilience through thoughtful design. More details here.
Thread & Maple offers a $500 scholarship to the winner of a 300-word essay on one of several design topics. More details here.
NTX Powersports offers a $250 scholarship to the winner of a 300-word essay on one of several powersports topics. More details here.
Weston Store offers a $500 scholarship to the winner of a 300-word essay on one of several topics. More details here.
CarCoversFactory.com offers a $1000 scholarship to the winner of a 500-word essay on one of several topics. More details here.
Signs Inc will provide a $1000 scholarship to the winner of a 300-word essay on one of several topics. More details here.
This scholarship is designed for dedicated students committed to building careers as Licensed Massage Therapists or Practice Managers. More details here.
This scholarship requires a 300-word essay. More details here.
This scholarship is for students studying topics that intersect women’s health and requires a 300-word essay. More details here.
This scholarship requires a 300-word essay. More details here.
This scholarship requires a 300-word essay. More details here.
Undergraduate students can apply for over 4,000 internal scholarships in one application.
Please find more details here.
Undergraduate students enrolled at CSU can apply for more 27 internal scholarships through a single application.
Please find more details here.
Scholarships are given annually to veterinary students at Texas A&M. They consider factors like merit, financial need, location, and clinical interests.
Please find more details here.
Every year, continuing UC Davis undergraduates need to submit a fresh application for UC Davis Scholarships. The online application for Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships is accessible annually, starting from October and concluding in early January. To qualify, you are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher at UC Davis and provide a letter of recommendation.
Please find more details here.
Over $4 million in scholarships are accessible to support UC Davis students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, varying in amount, ranging from $100 to $14,000 per academic year. Eligibility criteria are engagement in extracurricular activities, specific college or major, career aspirations, merit, geographical origin, previous educational institutions, parentage, determination, and various personal traits.
Please find more details here.
Several scholarships are available to enrolled students of Tuskegee. Each scholarship has defined criteria that must be fulfilled for students to become eligible.
Please find more details here.
Offers a search engine which you can enter your search filters to find scholarships suited to you.
Please find more details here.
A number of scholarships are offered to NCAT students who are either incoming Freshmen Students, Current Students, Transfer Students, Graduate Students, and International Students.
Please find more details here.
A number of scholarships are offered to University of New Hampshire first year, continuing, and transfer students.
Please find more details here.
Applicants for this scholarships should be a current OSU student who is applying for an approved study abroad initiative with credit-bearing status.
Please find more details here.
SUNY offers a variety of scholarships to recognise and reward student excellence. The Scholarships that you are eligible for depends on the campus you are based at and other demographics.
Please find more details here.
Rutgers students can apply for several scholarships through the Rutgers Application Portal. Scholarships and their eligibility are individual to each campus.
Please find more details here.
Alma scholarships come in different forms: merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. Merit-based scholarships recognize exceptional academic performance, including high grades and impressive test scores. Need-based scholarships are granted to students facing financial hardship.
Please find more details here.
Auburn offer a ‘Scholarship Opportunity Manager’ service where students can access scholarships that match their eligibility, submit scholarship applications, accept granted awards, and perform additional actions. Students need to fill out the AUSOM application just once per academic year.
Please find more details here.
Bellarmine University offers merit awards to recognize academic, service, and leadership achievements of individual students. Award amounts are determined individually. Notably, The STEM Career Pathways Scholarship program will grant annual scholarships of $7,200 to two sets of 11 highly accomplished students for a duration of four years.
Please find more details here.
The National Scholars Program provides Clemson University’s premier academic recruitment scholarship, which encompasses tuition, fees, housing, food, and additional costs. Additional educational expenditures may comprise study abroad opportunities, specialized coursework, and personalized mentorship. Candidates are selected through a comprehensive evaluation of top applications submitted to the Clemson University Honors College, followed by a rigorous interview assessment.
Please find more details here.
Findlay students are eligible to apply for several scholarships, including Citizen Bank scholarships, all of which pay the full college tuition. To apply students must send their transcripts, fill in a FAFSA form, and complete Findlay’s Net Price Calculator.
Please find more details here.
K-State provides a unified platform for both new and continuing students to explore and apply for scholarships: the K-State Scholarship Network (KSN). Through this system, you can submit applications for scholarships offered by your academic college or department, as well as scholarships that have specific eligibility criteria and additional university scholarships.
Please find more details here.
Accepted and ongoing students must complete the general scholarship application to be considered for institutional scholarship support. The eligibility requirements and award sums for each scholarship depends on the specific scholarship itself.
Please find more details here.
New and current OSU students can apply for scholarships offered by their respective colleges and departments through the OSU’s online scholarship search and application platform.
Please find more details here.
Miami University offers scholarships for current students, transfer students, and international students. In order to qualify for a scholarship, students are required to finish their application, which includes transcripts and recommendations, by the priority deadline and fulfill the minimum academic requirements. There is no need for a separate scholarship application to be eligible for the awards detailed in the table.
Please find more details here.
MSU students should ensure they meet the minimum academic criteria and submit their application (inclusive of transcripts and recommendations) before the priority deadline.
Please find more details here.
Students at all academic levels, including freshmen, transfer, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students can use the The NDSU Scholarship Application platform. Scholarships are awarded based on academic records and application responses. Need-based scholarships require the submission of the FAFSA, while merit-based scholarships do not require a FAFSA.
Please find more details here.
Saginaw Valley State University offers a range of scholarships for currently enrolled students, out of state students, and transfer students. There are also private scholarships available.
Please find more details here.
Eligibility for the URI scholarships is primarily determined by high school academic performance, including GPA and course selection. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is necessary for merit scholarships. Strong letters of recommendation and active involvement in school and the community are considered in the scholarship review process. First-year applicants for the fall term who complete their applications by December 1 receive priority consideration for URI scholarship awards.
Please find more details here.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville scholarships are available to incoming first-year students and offer programs like the Volunteer Scholarship program. First-year students who apply for admission by December 15 of their senior year in high school will automatically be considered for these institutional scholarships.
Please find more details here.
The University of Georgia offers various financial need, merit-based, needs-based and academic Scholarships. They have an advanced scholarship matching platform designed to optimize scholarship opportunities for UGA students where students can establish an academic profile that facilitates their connection to numerous external scholarship opportunities.
Please find more details here.
Current and accepted students at any USU campus, including incoming, certificate-seeking, undergraduate, and graduate students, are eligible to apply for USU Institutional Scholarships, Scholarships from Private, Community, and Corporate sources
Scholarships offered by specific Colleges, Departments, Majors, and Campuses.
Please find more details here.
UW-Whitewater scholarships are available to new freshman, current and non-resident students. By submitting your admissions application, you become eligible for various scholarships, including several that are automatically considered based on your GPA.
Please find more details here.
