Parents often ask whether a student who completes a GED can pursue a career working with animals. The short answer is yes, but the pathway depends very much on which animal-related career your child has in mind and where they want to study.
Veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation and animal care are related fields, yet they have very different training routes and admission requirements. Understanding these distinctions early helps families make realistic, informed decisions rather than being caught off guard later.
Studying Veterinary Science in South Africa
In South Africa, there is only one institution that offers a full professional veterinary degree:
University of Pretoria – Faculty of Veterinary Science (Onderstepoort)
This faculty offers the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), which is the qualification required to register as a veterinarian with the South African Veterinary Council.
Admission into this programme is extremely competitive. It typically requires:
- A National Senior Certificate (matric) with a Bachelor’s pass
- Very strong results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- A high APS (Admission Point Score)
- Selection processes that may include additional forms or assessments
Important for GED holders
The University of Pretoria’s prospectus clearly states that GED and other non-standard school-leaving qualifications are not accepted for entry into the BVSc undergraduate programme. In practice, even students with a South African matric must be among the very top academic performers to be considered.
This means that a GED on its own is not a pathway to becoming a veterinarian in South Africa.
For students set on a veterinary career specifically, this reality needs to be weighed carefully before choosing an exam route.
Alternative Pathways in the Animal and Veterinary Field
While the BVSc route is closed to GED students locally, this does not mean that a love for animals must end at that point. There are many meaningful and rewarding careers that support animal health, welfare and conservation, and several of these pathways are more accessible to GED graduates.
Wildlife Conservation and Nature Management
One well-known option is the Southern African Wildlife College, which focuses on practical, field-based conservation training.
Courses include:
- Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management (3 years)
A blend of academic study and hands-on fieldwork - Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation
A shorter, focused qualification for conservation work
Admission generally requires a matric or equivalent, but GED holders may be considered if they provide:
- A SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (Instructions at After the GED)
- Supporting evidence such as relevant field experience or related training
This makes wildlife conservation a realistic and respected pathway for GED students who enjoy outdoor, hands-on work with animals and ecosystems.
Animal Care, Vet Nursing and Para-Veterinary Careers
South Africa also has TVET colleges and private institutions offering training in animal-related support roles, such as:
- Veterinary nursing
- Animal care and management
- Para-veterinary technician courses
- Equine studies
Typical entry requirements include:
- A National Senior Certificate with Life Sciences or Biology and Mathematics
or - An equivalent qualification, supported by a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation
In many cases, a GED can be accepted once it has been formally evaluated, but you should always confirm requirements directly with each institution.
Private colleges may be more flexible with admissions, although it is important to check:
- Whether the qualification is recognised
- What career pathways it realistically opens
- Whether further study or registration is required
An example of a private South African option is PetSense College, which offers various animal-related courses, including a diploma in Zoology, outside the traditional university system.
Online and Overseas Veterinary Pathways Using a GED
Some South African GED graduates have successfully pursued online veterinary-related qualifications through accredited overseas institutions, particularly in the United States.
Two examples that accept the GED are:
Penn Foster College (USA)
Penn Foster is a long-established private online college offering:
- Veterinary Assistant Career Diplomas
- Associate Degrees in Veterinary Technology
- Bachelor’s degrees in Applied Science
Its veterinary programmes hold relevant industry accreditations, including recognition by:
- The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for certain programmes
- The National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA)
One South African GED graduate shared:
“I have been accepted at Penn Foster College to complete an associate degree in Veterinary Technology. I only needed my GED.”
Ashworth College (USA)
Ashworth College is another accredited online institution offering:
- Career certificates
- Diplomas
- Associate degrees in veterinary-related fields
Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, recognised by the US Department of Education and CHEA.
The same South African GED graduate reported acceptance at Ashworth with a GED alone.
These overseas options can be attractive for families seeking:
- Flexibility
- Distance learning
- Alternative routes into animal health support careers
However, students should always investigate how international qualifications align with South African registration or employment expectations.
Making the Right Decision
Choosing the GED does not close the door on working with animals, but it does shape the routes that are realistically available.
- Becoming a veterinarian in South Africa: Not possible with a GED alone
- Wildlife conservation and nature management: Strong alternative pathways exist
- Animal care, vet nursing and para-veterinary roles: Often accessible with GED plus SAQA evaluation
- Overseas and online study: Viable for some veterinary-related careers
A student should decide early whether their goal is a specific professional title or a broader career working with animals, wildlife or conservation.
At Go Prep, we believe informed choices lead to confident futures. When students understand their options clearly, they can choose a pathway that aligns with both their passions and the realities of higher education entry requirements.
If you would like help understanding how the GED fits into your child’s long-term study plans, we are always happy to guide you through the options. Read more on our University page.
Where Do GED Graduates Study?
Click on the link above to see our handy list of institutions where our GED graduates pursue further studies and career training.