Atlanta, GA - Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP) is open for applications for the 2025 cycle. Applications will be accepted from August 1st, 2024, through September 30th, 2024. The State Veterinary Education Board will review, determine, and announce award recipients later in the year.
"The GVELRP plays a crucial role in our work to address the shortage of rural veterinarians in our state, and now more than ever, we need our rural communities to have access to the quality veterinary services that are essential for farmers, ranchers, and rural pet-owners," said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "We're grateful for the General Assembly's support of GVELRP, and I am looking forward to seeing the high caliber, talented veterinarians utilize this program to provide their expertise and serve in our rural communities.”
Financial relief is available to veterinarians through the GVELRP, provided they commit to delivering veterinary services for a minimum of 20 hours per week, over at least one year, in designated rural counties facing shortages in food animal care across the state. Applicants must practice or intend to practice in Board-approved rural counties with populations of 35,000 or less to be considered for an award. A map of eligible rural counties can be found here. To qualify for this program, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the United States or have a lawful presence in the country.
- Reside in Georgia.
- Be a practicing veterinarian or a veterinary student in the final year of study.
The Georgia General Assembly allocated state funds to GSFA for the Board's operational needs. This year, participants can receive awards of up to $20,000 per twelve-month service period. Preference will be given to previous participants in GVELRP, provided they continue to demonstrate their commitment to practicing food animal veterinary medicine in the area of need they serve. Each participant must reapply after completing their initial contract, with a maximum total assistance cap of $80,000 per participant. Payment will be applied by the Georgia Student Finance Commission directly to the applicant's designated student loans.
For detailed program information and to apply, please visit https://agr.georgia.gov/vet-education-loan-repayment-program.
Inquiries about the program can be made to: statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov or by calling GDA’s Policy office at 404-656-3656.
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