Livestock, pig and poultry production is one of the major sectors in South African agriculture and contributes substantially to the economy of the country. Animal Science is the science of livestock production, with a focus on animal breeding and genetics, animal nutrition, and production animal physiology (growth and reproduction physiology). Animal science covers all aspects of animal production and animal welfare in intensive and extensive production systems. This includes the husbandry of several livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, ostriches and horses), and the products derived from them (meat, milk and dairy products, wool, mohair, eggs, skins, leather and feathers). It also includes the nutrition and breeding of companion animals.

The ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for science and working with livestock, game and companion animals, as well as those interested in sustainable animal production for food and profit.

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science graduates can register as professional animal scientists and make a meaningful contribution to improve animal husbandry practices and sustainable food production for profit.

Depending on the level of specialisation in animal science, employment opportunities may be found in the following fields:

• Agricultural development institutions (eg NGOs, Department of Agriculture)
• Animal husbandry industry (eg feed companies, small or large livestock production systems ranging from small farms to large systems like feedlots or abattoirs, and animal breeding companies, animal breed societies, or in the corporate sector)
• Animal products industry (eg dairy and poultry products)
• Breeding organisations (eg breeders’ societies, SA Studbook)
• Consultancy and advisory services (eg private consultant, agricultural co-operations)
• Educational institutions (eg universities, technical colleges)
• Feed industry (eg animal feed production companies)
• Legislative/regulative institutions (eg Department of Agriculture)
• Nature conservation institutions (eg nature reserves, game farms)
• Pharmaceutical industry (eg pharmaceutical companies)
• Research institutions (eg the Agricultural Research Council)
• Semen and embryo collection and artificial insemination companies

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Animal science is focused on the application of the scientific aspects of animal production and the quality control of products to ensure consumer satisfaction. Careers in this field make an essential contribution to food (protein) production in South Africa. Based on the most recent research and the needs of both animals and humans, animal science focuses on the entire livestock production value chain, from conception to consumption.

There are numerous career opportunities for animal scientists in research, commercial farming and the public sector, and for professionals in the livestock and feed industry. Animal scientists can work on different levels in these sectors, eg as researchers or consultants on animal nutrition or breeding, technical representatives, managers of intensive and extensive animal production systems and policymakers.

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science degree is acknowledged as a professional qualification by SACNSP in terms of Act 106 of 1993. It is internationally recognised, which means that graduates can register as professional animal scientists.

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.

In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.