Don't just learn about animal welfare – help shape its future
Are you a veterinary student looking to make a difference to animal welfare? Do you want to gain experience in international veterinary programmes? The Global Veterinary Challenge is open to all UK vet students. Take on a real-world animal welfare challenge while working alongside our experienced team to turn your idea into a reality.
The Challenge:
Submit a proposal to WVS, for a project that will support and champion an animal welfare need internationally.
Proposals must address an animal welfare challenge where there is absolute need and currently little or no help. It needs to be a project where we can make a difference and build towards a sustainable positive impact for animal welfare. The proposals can be for any species, in any geographical location.
Please read the full terms and conditions of this project.
The Prize
The winning project will be allocated funding of up to £100,000. The winning team will work alongside the WVS team to bring their vision to life, turning an innovative dream into reality. This will be facilitated through WVS’s global network and resources.
The winning team will also be invited to attend a WVS project to see the work in action.
Applications:
Applications for this year's Global Veterinary Challenge are now open. Please fill in the form to receive the application form and terms and conditions.
Phase one: Application form
You will be supplied with an application form template, which includes suggested word count and headings.
Applications must include:
- The animal welfare issue they want to address.
- Their proposed veterinary intervention.
- Steps for implementing the project.
The key thing is the cause must be worthy, and it must be in a place where access to veterinary care is challenging and limited. Applications are judged on their quality of choice, the impact, creativity and ambition of the cause they want to champion.
Phase 2: Mentorship and detailed proposal development
The top applicants will be matched with a mentor at WVS to help them to develop the project for final submission.
Your Details:
Timings:
Phase 1 applications close: 13th September 2027
Finalist teams will be contacted in October 2027.
Phase 2 applications close (final applications submitted): February 2028.
2026 Winning Team
Francesca, Shreya and Rudi won the first year's Global Veterinary Challenge with their fantastic proposal aiming to tackle Pests des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in goats in Uganda.
"As veterinary students, it's exciting to know work that started in the classroom can contribute to positive change for animals and the people who care for them. The challenge has re-kindled a spark that we most strongly felt before starting vet school for something beyond a traditional veterinary career."
The 2026 winning project
Why should my team apply?
- Make a real difference to animal welfare – an opportunity to contribute to pressing animal welfare issues and make a meaningful difference.
- Gain practical project experience – develop skills in identifying problems and designing solutions, alongside planning and implementation of a project.
- Work with experienced professionals – learn from our expert team who will provide mentorship and support with developing your project proposal.
- Put your ideas into action – a chance to potentially win this challenge and see your ideas and hard work come to life.
If you would like more information, or have any questions please email globalchallenge@wvs.org.uk.
Please read the full terms and conditions of this project.
In partnership with:
© 2026
WVS is a UK registered charity (1100485)
WVS USA is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
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