Let’s face it—vet school is expensive. Like, “sell your kidney on the black market” expensive. But before you resort to any drastic measures, let me share some good news: there’s actually money out there waiting for you.
Navigating the financial maze of veterinary school can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there—staring at tuition bills that made my eyes water while simultaneously trying to memorize the krebs cycle. But here’s what I wish someone had told me: there are more scholarship opportunities than you might think. You just need to know where to look.
Since it’s June 2025, I’ve organized this guide to show you what’s available RIGHT NOW (seriously, some deadlines are coming up fast!) and what you should mark on your calendar for the 2026 cycle. I’ve included direct links where available and guidance on where to find applications for each scholarship.
CURRENTLY OPEN – Apply Now! (June-August 2025 Deadlines)
1. HSVMA Compassionate Care Veterinary Student Scholarship Deadline: June 30, 2025
This is the big one that’s still open! A whopping $10,000 for students passionate about humane veterinary medicine. Perfect if you’re interested in shelter medicine or animal welfare.
Eligibility: First, second, or third-year students at AVMA-accredited schools in US, Canada, UK, or Caribbean. You’ll need to get a free HSVMA student membership first.
Awards announced: By August 31, 2025
How to Apply:
First, join HumaneVMA as a student member (free): HumaneVMA Membership
Once logged in, access the scholarship application through the member portal
Direct Info: HSVMA Scholarship Page
2. Nola Cook Scholarship Deadline: June 27, 2025
Important Note: This is actually for STEM undergrads in Kentucky, not specifically veterinary students. If you’re a pre-vet student in Kentucky, this could help!
Amount: $750
Apply at: Scholarships.com Nola Cook Page
3. Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) Scholarship Deadline: June 30, 2025
Cat lovers, this one’s calling your name! If feline medicine is your passion, don’t miss this opportunity.
More info: FelineVMA Scholarship Announcement
4. Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Student Scholar Program Deadline: July 2, 2025
Perfect for the research-minded student! This program offers a $5,500 stipend to support a mentor-guided research project. Projects would start within six months of the September 2025 notification.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled vet students in good standing. Each school can nominate up to two projects.
How to Apply: Create an account in their Fluxx online system (allow 2 business days for validation)
Direct Links:
5. Vermont Veterinary Medical Association Foundation Scholarship Deadline: July 15, 2025
Vermont students or those planning to practice in Vermont—this $1,000 is for you! Preference given to students entering their final year.
How to Apply:
Download application form: VVMAF Application PDF
Submit paper application by June 30, online by July 15
Email questions to: linda@vtvets.org
Info Page: VVMAF Scholarship
6. Dr. Gregory D. Bossart Memorial One Health Scholarship Deadline: July 31, 2025
A substantial $5,000 award for graduate students researching wildlife biology, epidemiology, or veterinary fields with a One Health focus.
Where to Find Info: Listed on Cornell’s External Scholarships Page
Contact: Vermont VMA for application details
7. Teddy Sarna Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Program Deadline: August 31, 2025
Awards $1,500 to students enrolled in AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in the US. Quick application with no essays required!
Application Opens: June 1, 2025
Where to Apply:
Also check NC State’s External Scholarships List
8. The Paw Prosper Student of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Deadline: August 31, 2025
Another $1,000 opportunity for those seeking careers in veterinary medicine or related fields aimed at improving animal health.
Where to Find: Check Cornell’s External Scholarships Page
Mark Your Calendar: Major Scholarships Opening for 2026
9. VIN Foundation Veterinary Student Scholarship (Opens July 2025 for Fall 2026)
The holy grail of vet school scholarships! Up to $35,000 per year for four years—that’s potentially $140,000 toward your education.
When to apply: Application window typically opens mid-July, closes October 1
Key deadline: Letter of recommendation usually due October 15
For: First-year students starting Fall 2026 committed to companion animal medicine
Direct Link: VIN Foundation Scholarship
10. American Kennel Club Veterinary Outreach Scholarships (Applications typically due March 2026)
The AKC awarded $122,000 total to 25 students this year. Individual awards range from $3,500-$5,000.
How to Apply: Through your veterinary school (not direct application)
Info: AKC Press Release
11. California Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) Scholarship (Check early 2026)
California students can look forward to this $2,500 scholarship for demonstrating leadership potential.
Info: CVMF Scholarship Page
12. CVMF/VISC Student Scholarship Award (Typically due April 2026)
Another California opportunity offering $1,000 to qualifying students.
Info: VISC Scholarship Page
13. Morris Animal Foundation – First Call 2026 (Typically due February 2026)
The foundation offers two application cycles. The first deadline for 2026 projects will likely be in February.
Direct Link: Morris Animal Foundation
Foundation and Corporate Scholarships to Watch
14. AVMF (American Veterinary Medical Foundation) Multiple Scholarships
The AVMF offers various scholarships throughout the year.
Direct Link: AVMF Scholarship Portal
15. WVA/MSD Veterinary Student Scholarship
Offers 40 scholarships of $5,000 each internationally.
Info: World Veterinary Association
16. Ross University Global Experience Scholarship
If considering Ross, they offer up to $45,000 distributed across semesters.
Direct Link: Ross Vet Scholarships
Industry and Specialty Scholarships to Monitor
17. Zoetis Veterinary Scholarships
Where to Check:
Your school’s financial aid office
Zoetis Website (check their education/community sections)
18. Purina/Nestlé Veterinary Support Programs
Where to Check:
Your veterinary school’s corporate partnership office
19. Banfield and BluePearl Opportunities
Where to Check:
20. State Veterinary Medical Associations
Where to Find:
Texas VMA: texvets.org
Florida VMA: fvma.org
Your state’s VMA website (search “[your state] veterinary medical association”)
Pro Tips for Finding Application Links
Can’t find a direct link? Try these strategies:
Google “[Scholarship Name] + application + 2025”
Check your school’s financial aid office external scholarships page
Search on scholarship aggregator sites like Scholarships.com
Contact the organization directly via email
Create accounts on these platforms:
Check these veterinary school pages regularly:
NC State External Scholarships
Your own school’s financial aid page
Can’t Find What You Need?
If you’re having trouble finding an application link, don’t give up! Here’s who to contact:
General veterinary scholarships: Your school’s financial aid office
State-specific: Your state’s veterinary medical association
Corporate scholarships: The company’s veterinary relations or HR department
Foundation scholarships: Look for a “Contact Us” page on their website
Final Thoughts
I know hunting down all these links can be frustrating—trust me, I’ve been there! But think of it this way: every minute you spend searching for that application link could translate to thousands of dollars in your pocket.
Remember, scholarship websites aren’t always the most user-friendly (looking at you, ancient PDF forms), but don’t let that discourage you. Set aside dedicated time, have all your documents ready, and tackle them one by one.
Now stop reading and start applying—those June deadlines won’t wait for anyone!
Good luck, future colleague. We’re rooting for you!
Important Note: Scholarship details, amounts, and deadlines can change. Always verify current information on official websites before applying. If a link doesn’t work, try searching for the scholarship name directly or contacting the organization. This guide reflects information available as of June 2025.