The grant assistance is now available to provide summer employment to:

• WCVM students who have completed their first year ($6500), second and third year students ($5000)
• Veterinary Technologist (VT) students who have completed their first year from a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accredited program ($6500) or
• Pre-veterinary students who have completed their first, second, third or fourth year of science ($6500)

Who Can Hire Veterinary Students as part of VetSTEP?

Veterinary practices and practitioners licensed to operate an active, large, or mixed animal practice located in rural Manitoba are eligible to participate in the program. Clinics and practitioners specializing in small animal medicine are not eligible.

Businesses and non-profit organizations operating a livestock operation in rural Manitoba are eligible if they employ or have a service contract with a veterinarian licensed to practice large or mixed animal medicine in Manitoba. The veterinarian must directly supervise the student.

How Do Clinics Contact VetSTEP and Submit a Grant Application?

Review the Program Terms & Conditions: 2026 VetSTEP Program Terms and Conditions, Factsheet: 2026 VetSTEP Factsheet v0.3 and Application form: 2026 VetSTEP Application Form, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/funding/vetstep.html or email VSD@gov.mb.ca.

Once the clinic and a student agree on summer employment, the clinic submits its application to VetSTEP by emailing VSD@gov.mb.ca.

Please note both the employer and student must sign the application form.

The application deadline is May 7, 2026.

We encourage you to utilize the VetSTEP funding as an early recruitment tool. If students have positive work experiences, benefit from career development and learning opportunities within your practice, establish relationships with your team, and within the community, they are more apt to consider working and relocating to your community following graduation.

For Further Information

Contact VetSTEP by emailing VSD@gov.mb.ca or calling Omotola Ologbenla (204-729-1387).