The World Veterinary Association (WVA), in partnership with MSD Animal Health, was proud to launch the 2025 Veterinary Student Scholarship Program, an initiative designed to support the academic growth and professional development of veterinary students across the world. This year’s program will provide 40 scholarships, each valued at US $5,000, for a total of $200,000, across countries from Latin America, Africa, North Africa/Middle East, and Asia/Oceania.
A Record-Breaking Response
The 2025 call for applications generated more than 1,100 submissions, demonstrating both the great need for such support and the passion of veterinary students eager to contribute to animal health, public health, and global welfare.
The evaluation process is now underway, conducted with the care and rigor that this highly competitive program deserves. Notifications to selected awardees are expected by mid-February 2026.
More Than a Scholarship: A Pathway to Impact
The WVA–MSD Scholarship Program has a proud history of elevating future veterinary leaders. One inspiring example is Dr. Anis Bouraba, a former scholarship recipient whose career demonstrates the transformative potential of this initiative. Dr. Bouraba received a WVA/MSD scholarship several years ago as a veterinary student. Today, he is not only a veterinarian but also serves on the WVA Council, contributing to global discussions on veterinary policy, animal health, and animal welfare. His journey reflects how targeted support can empower talented students to rise, lead, and give back to the profession that shaped them.
Interview with Dr Anis Bouraba
Question: When did you receive the scholarship, and what was its impact on your student and professional journey?
Answer: I received the MSD Animal Health/WVA Veterinary Student Scholarship in 2018, during my studies in Algeria. At that time, I was a third-year student with a deep passion for animal health but limited means to expand my professional skills.
This scholarship was an important turning point in my life. It wasn’t only financial help — it was a moment of validation and motivation. It made me believe that through dedication and hard work, I could represent my country and contribute to veterinary medicine on an international level. That experience gave me the courage to dream bigger — to think not only as a student, but as a future leader who could make a difference for both animals and society, yet a massive impact on veterinary medicine as an important field worldwide.
Q: You have taken large strides in representing the profession. Tell us how you became involved nationally and globally.
A: My journey started locally, inside my veterinary school in Constantine, north-eastern Algeria, where I led a dynamic student club called ActiVet, where I had the chance to introduce One Health as a vision to advocate for. We organized scientific days, animal welfare campaigns, and awareness projects that connected students with the community.
Those early experiences taught me the power of teamwork, communication, and vision — lessons that became the foundation of everything I’ve done since.
Then I became actively involved with the Algerian Veterinary Space Foundation (AVSF), contributing to Rabies Control projects, One Health education, and enhance my country’s presence in International forums through AVSF as its’ own Vice president of Foreign Affairs, combining advocacy and scientific diplomacy that I have earned during the process let me to cross-path again with World Veterinary Association, where I now serve as Councillor for the Middle East and North Africa.
From what I once was — a motivated student in Algeria — to becoming the youngest WVA Councillor ever, every step of my journey carries the same spirit that the MSD Scholarship awakened in me: a belief that passion, commitment, and education can change lives, and that veterinarians have the power to build a healthier world for all.
