Scholarships for Vet Tech Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For individuals passionate about animal care, a career as a veterinary technician offers a rewarding path. Vet techs play an essential role in the field of animal health by providing quality service and care in private clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities. However, the cost of veterinary technology programs can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help aspiring vet techs finance their education.

The Financial Landscape of Vet Tech Education

A two-year program for veterinary technician training can cost up to $30,000, and a four-year bachelor’s program in veterinary technology can cost more than $60,000. According to EducationData (2024), 42.8 million student borrowers are in debt by an average of $37,853 each. Even though student loans were created to increase social mobility, they may do the opposite and impede a young graduate’s ability to achieve financial success. According to NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey results, over one-third of credentialed veterinary technicians carry student debt averaging around $24,000. Scholarships offer a solution, providing "free money" that students repay figuratively through their service to society.

National Scholarships for Vet Tech Students

Several national organizations and companies offer scholarships to support vet tech students:

The Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship

Established in 2022, the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship aims to address the increasing demand for credentialed veterinary technicians. Boehringer Ingelheim has committed to funding the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship program through 2026. It is available to both current and recent graduates of veterinary technology programs. The program focuses on addressing the issue of student debt and the need to foster diversity in the profession - issues that greatly impact the future of the veterinary profession.

Award Amount: \$2,500
Number of Awards: Up to 20
Eligibility: Applicants must be current veterinary technology/nursing students who have completed at least one year of program requirements as full-time students in an AVMA-accredited program. Recent graduates from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology/nursing program are also eligible to apply. NAVTA Credentialed Membership is required for recent graduates, while current students require NAVTA Student Membership.
Application Deadline: August 11, 2025 (for the Fall 2025 awards)
How to Apply: Submit transcripts (official or unofficial is acceptable) showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and graduation date. Applications are now being accepted. Recipients of the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship shall be selected by the NAVTA/Boehringer Ingelheim Scholarship Task Force. Each application will be assessed by the Task Force based on the meeting of eligibility criteria, professionalism of the application, and essay completeness, spelling, and grammar. NAVTA will notify the winning applicants by October 1, 2025.
Sponsor: NAVTA, Boehringer Ingelheim

AVMF Scholarships

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) offers several scholarships in partnership with organizations like Merck Animal Health. AVMF is committed to helping offset the cost of veterinary medical education. We make an impact on veterinary students by empowering them to achieve their goals in veterinary medicine and by recognizing and rewarding individuals who have made extraordinary accomplishments in their education. Veterinary student scholarships and grants are awarded on varying criteria that includes academic excellence, leadership and financial need. Over the last several years, AVMF’s partnership with Merck Animal Health has provided scholarships for nearly 400 veterinary students, many of whom have gone on to become young leaders in the veterinary field.

Merck Animal Health Scholarship

Award Amount: \$10,000
Eligibility: 2nd or 3rd-year veterinary student in good standing at an AVMA-accredited school in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean.
Sponsor: AVMF, Merck Animal Health

Auxiliary to the AVMA Legacy Endowed Scholarship Program

Award Amount: \$1,000
Eligibility: 2nd or 3rd-year student in good standing at a qualifying AVMA-accredited school.
Sponsor: AVMF

Zoetis Foundation/AVMF Veterinary Technician Student Scholarship Program

The Zoetis Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation collaborate together to offer this Veterinary Technician Student Scholarship Program. Developed to offset educational expenses related to attaining a veterinary education, this program focuses on addressing the issue of student debt and the need to foster diversity in the profession.

Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled as full-time students in good standing at an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology, veterinary nursing, or animal health technology program in the United States or Puerto Rico.
Sponsor: Zoetis Foundation, AVMF

AKC Humane Fund John D. Spurling OBE KCVO Scholarship

The AKC Humane Fund is committed to supporting the happiness and health of dogs across the nation. It offers grants to help support pet-related organizations and scholarships to students pursuing education in fields that contribute to the human-animal bond. This fund annually honors five students pursuing degrees related to advancing responsible pet ownership through the John D. Spurling OBE KCVO Scholarship.

Eligibility: Individuals pursuing studies in veterinary technology, veterinary medicine, animal care, physical therapy, grooming, animal behavior, and training, may be eligible for this grant.
Sponsor: AKC Humane Fund

Oxbow Animal Health Scholarships

Oxbow Animal Health is a family-owned and operated company committed to helping small animals lead longer and healthier lives. The organization offers several scholarships for aspiring professionals in all aspects of the field, those who aspire to pursue careers in the pet industry working with companion animals or exotic ones, and those interested in future careers in animal care as veterinary technicians or doctors.

Oxbow Veterinary Technology - Exotic Animal Interest Scholarship

Award Amount: \$500
Eligibility: Those with a keen interest in a career in small and exotic animal medicine are the focus of this scholarship. Relevant volunteer participation, extracurricular activities, and work experience are a benefit. Veterinary technicians are essential team members in every veterinary practice. Oxbow understands the need for highly-trained and qualified veterinary technicians, especially in exotic animal medicine. Oxbow Animal Health will award two Veterinary Technology students who show a strong interest in pursuing a career in small and exotic animal medicine two $500 scholarships to pursue their dreams. Scholarships are paid directly to the school in September.
Sponsor: Oxbow Animal Health

Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) Laurie Page-Peck Scholarship

Established in 1980, the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) provides a forum for vet techs employed in zoos to continue their education, share best practices, and engage in discussions about the field. The Laurie Page-Peck Scholarship was started in 1993 to honor the memory of Laurie Page-Peck. Page-Peck worked as a senior veterinary technician at the North Carolina Zoological Park. She had cancer and died at age 37 in August 1992.

Eligibility: Applicants must write a scientific, medically oriented paper on the subject of zoo veterinary technology, not limited to husbandry. Those with a strong academic style, robust presentation skills, and an intense interest in the zoo vet tech subfield are encouraged to apply. Each year, students who are pursuing careers in veterinary technology with an emphasis on zoo care receive $1,000 toward their tuition. Qualified applicants must submit transcripts and create a scientific essay to be read at the organization's annual conference. Award recipients will have their papers published.
Sponsor: AZVT

Paw Prosper Scholarship

At Paw Prosper, they understand the passion and dedication required to work in the animal health and wellness industry. By offering scholarships, they hope to inspire and encourage those seeking a career in veterinary medicine or related fields, so that together, they can continue their mission to help animals stay healthy for longer.

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduate or undergraduate students who are residents of the United States or Canada studying veterinary medicine or a related field of study.
Sponsor: Paw Prosper

Teddy Sarna Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

Rakesh Sarna, a global hospitality leader, has almost forty years of deep knowledge and experience gained throughout various regions of the world. The Teddy Sarna Veterinary Medicine scholarship was introduced in honor of Teddy, one of Rakesh Sarna’s beloved dogs.

Eligibility: Applicants to this scholarship must be committed to becoming the next generation of veterinarians and be enrolled in a veterinary school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in the United States.
Sponsor: Teddy Sarna Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

NSHSS Foundation Scholarships

The National Society of High School Scholars is a distinguished academic honor society that is committed to serving and recognizing the highest-achieving student scholars. NSHSS and its partners offer more than $2,000,000 in scholarships annually.

Eligibility: High school seniors planning to major in a STEAM field (science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics), including any area related to the medical field.
Sponsor: NSHSS Foundation

Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship

The Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship has been made available for sheep-related graduate studies through the American Sheep Industry Association.

Eligibility: Graduate students who are involved in sheep or wool research in areas such as animal science, agriculture economics, or veterinary medicine with proof of graduate school acceptance. Candidates need to complete an online application and provide two letters of reference.
Sponsor: Sheep Heritage Foundation

State-Specific Scholarships

Many state-level organizations offer scholarships to vet tech students residing in their region:

Alabama Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) Scholarship

The Alabama Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) represents and promotes the veterinary technology profession in Alabama. Together with an alliance of professional organizations, they provide direction and continuing education that ensures competent care and humane treatment of all animals. Sponsored by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation, this scholarship is awarded by the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association to one outstanding AVTA member for the amount of $500.

Read also: Excellence Scholarship Details

Eligibility: Applicants must be current AVTA members and be in good standing with the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. They must submit a brief 250-word essay detailing what they would use the scholarship funds for.
Sponsor: AVTA, Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation

Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) Scholarship

Founded in 1975, the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) is a volunteer-run organization representing over 3,000 veterinarian technicians. The organization provides continuing education, and educational resources, and holds an annual conference.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled and in good standing in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program in a five-state Midwest area or an AVMA-accredited online program. They must be enrolled as student members of MAVT and are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Sponsor: MAVT

Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Foundation Scholarship

The Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association is the recognized voice of veterinary medicine in Nebraska. It organizes local and statewide events for professional development, networking, and communications. The NVMA Foundation awarded its first scholarship in 1996, the NVMA’s centennial year. Scholarships have been awarded annually since that time, and the number and size of the awards have increased each year.

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed two semesters of veterinary education and must be pursuing completion of the professional program. They must be graduates of a Nebraska High School or State of Nebraska approved Home School Program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Each scholarship grant will be a minimum of $250.
Sponsor: NVMA Foundation

New Hampshire Veterinary Technician Association (NHVTA) Scholarship

The organization certifies technicians within the state, holds conferences, provides continuing education, offers volunteer and internship opportunities, and lobbies for the interest of veterinary technicians in state and federal legislation.

Eligibility: Applicants must be members of the NHVTA, and membership is free for students.
Sponsor: NHVTA

Oregon Farm Bureau Scholarship

Established in 1932, the Oregon Farm Bureau is a nonprofit organization with 6,600 farming and ranching members raising over 250 different types of crops and livestock. Its goal is to provide educational improvement, economic opportunity, and social advancement for the farming and ranching industry.

Eligibility: Those interested in applying their vet tech education to a career in livestock, farming, ranching, and animal husbandry are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is available to any Clackamas County High School graduate, current county resident, or prior recipient.
Sponsor: Oregon Farm Bureau

Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England Grant

Students studying veterinary technology in Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire should consider applying for the Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England Grant. You should consider applying for this scholarship if you fall into this category.

Area Served: Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire

Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians

The Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians is a non-profit organization that represents veterinary technician students, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technicians in Washington State.

Scholarships Based on Specific Interests or Affiliations

Some scholarships cater to students with particular interests or affiliations:

Appaloosa Youth Foundation Scholarship

The Appaloosa Youth Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding youth members of the Appaloosa Horse Club or Appaloosa Youth Association wishing to pursue higher education.

Eligibility: Applicants must be college or university upperclassmen or graduate students and must be pursuing an equine-related field. They have maintained a GPA of at least 3.5. They must be members of the Appaloosa Horse Club or the son or daughter of an ApHC member.
Sponsor: Appaloosa Youth Foundation

IAOPC Doyle L. Shugart Scholarship

IAOPC Doyle L. The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pet cemeteries’ standards, ethics, and professionalism and crematories. Doyle L. Shugart, a former IAOPCC president, and a board director understood why the innate bond between animals and humans is essential.

Eligibility: Those with a strong belief in the value of dignified and compassionate aftercare, specifically when dealing with the loss of a pet.
Sponsor: IAOPC

Margaret A. Haines Telephony Scholarship

Who Should Apply: Applicants to the Margaret A. Haines Telephony Scholarship must attend an AVMA-accredited veterinary medicine college focussing on equine medicine and/or surgery with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Award

Since 1928, the Viticus Group (formerly WVC) has provided continuing education to veterinary professionals. The Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Award is named after longtime WVC food animal program manager and industry leader W. Bruce Wren.

Eligibility: Students who have graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college and are currently enrolled in an advanced training program from an AVMA-accredited school.
Sponsor: Viticus Group

NPFDA Foundation Scholarship

The NPFDA Foundation has given several scholarships to students from NPFDA member families since 1979. This scholarship is for applicants who are employees or children of an employee of an NPFDA Member Company.

Eligibility: Applicants must be employees or children of an employee of an NPFDA Member Company.
Sponsor: NPFDA Foundation

Scholarships for Students with Specific Backgrounds

Some scholarships are designed to support students from underrepresented groups or those with specific challenges:

Charles Shelton Foundation Scholarship

The Charles Shelton Foundation, a national non-profit organization, has been providing scholarships to high school graduates and college students pursuing a higher education degree in veterinary medicine and technology for more than ten years. Its main aim is to help African-American students in veterinary medicine or technology afford higher education.

Target Group: African-American students

Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship

The veterinary technology program at Austin Community College (ACC) prepares students to become licensed vet techs. The following scholarship was created for ACC students pursuing an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology at ACC who need financial assistance for books, fees, and tuition. Joseph James Morelli struggled with dyslexia and was labeled as “lazy” and criticized for not trying hard enough. Suspecting a challenge, Joseph’s parents pursued neuropsychology and hired a lawyer to fight for his accommodations and rights to assistive technology, extra time, notes, and tests being read to him. This scholarship was started by the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation - a charitable organization, to honor Joseph’s spirit. This foundation supports students with learning difficulties by awarding scholarships to them toward obtaining a degree in a STEM field.

Target Group: Students with learning difficulties

Lisa Kaminski Scholarship

Lisa Kaminski, who was diagnosed with melanoma in 2014, was frequently seen supporting her favorite charities by wearing their t-shirt and a smile, passing out sunscreens, and encouraging others to brighten someone else’s day. This scholarship is a way to preserve the legacy of Lisa Kaminski.

Eligibility: High school seniors in the Greater Cincinnati area intending to major in a STEM-related field.

General Financial Aid Options

In addition to specific scholarships, vet tech students should explore general financial aid options:

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

FAFSA, which stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the primary tool used by students in the United States to access federal financial aid for higher education. In addition to federal aid, filling out the FAFSA can also open doors to state and school-specific financial aid.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grants are grants the federal government offers to students needing financial aid to complete their education. To qualify for this grant, you must prove that you need financial help by providing copies of your parent’s tax returns. The grant offers each qualified student at most $5,000, which they may spend on books, supplies, and tuition, among other study-related things.

Additional Funding Avenues

Veterinary Clinics Partnerships: In some cases, veterinary clinics can create a formal partnership to encourage their employees to earn their vet tech degree. Partnering clinics help cover some or all of the student’s educational expenses. One example is Purdue’s Partnership Tuition Rate for their Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program.
Private Companies: Private companies within the pet industry, such as pet food manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies, may also offer scholarships to vet tech students.
Professional Associations: Professional associations, like the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), also offer scholarships for vet tech students. These scholarships often require membership in the association, and they may have specific requirements.

Tips for Scholarship Applications

Meet Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying.
Professionalism: Ensure your application is professional, with no spelling or grammatical errors.
Essay Quality: Pay close attention to the essay prompt and craft a compelling and well-written essay that showcases your passion for veterinary technology.
Letters of Recommendation: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers who can attest to your skills and dedication.
Transcripts: Submit official or unofficial transcripts as required, ensuring they accurately reflect your academic performance.

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