THE 2027 VETERINARY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WINDOW WILL OPEN JULY 29, 2026 at 12pm PT.
2027 VETERINARY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Thank you for your interest in the 2027 Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux. Please read the scholarship rules and how-to-apply instructions carefully before beginning your application. If you have questions after reading this page, email [email protected].
Scholarship Rules & Eligibility
WHO CAN APPLY
Eligibility for the 2027 scholarship is limited to students entering their first year of veterinary school in Fall 2027.
Companion animal focus required: Scholarship is restricted to students committed to practicing companion animal veterinary medicine.
Award amount: Up to $35,000 per year per recipient, for a maximum of $140,000 over the duration of veterinary school (up to four years). Funds are paid directly to the awardee’s school for tuition and fees only.
U.S. school enrollment required. Tuition and fees only: The scholarship only funds students attending a U.S. veterinary school with estimated total tuition and fees (excluding health insurance) not exceeding $170,000 for the duration of the program. Final cap decisions are at the sole discretion of the scholarship committee. It is recommended you utilize the VIN Foundation Apply Smarter Tool to determine which veterinary schools are eligible for the scholarship based on your state of residency.
Application cap. Only the first 300 applications submitted will be accepted for consideration.
No AI tools. AI tools are not permitted for application questions or personal statements. If the Scholarship Committee suspects an applicant has utilized AI as part of the application it will be immediately removed from consideration.
Letter of recommendation required: One letter of recommendation is required per applicant. The letter of recommendation must be submitted by a recommender and not the applicant. The recommender’s contact information must be included at the time of initial application submission. Letters must be submitted by the stated deadline of October 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. Applicants are responsible for ensuring timely submission.
Video interview for finalists: If an applicant is a top ranked finalist, a video interview is required along with proof of acceptance and commitment to a qualifying veterinary school based on the scholarship rules. Note: not all applicants will be invited to a video interview.
Awardee requirements. Recipients must: (1) participate in VIN Foundation mentoring programs including mental health and financial wellness support; (2) provide ongoing proof of enrollment; (3) support scholarship outreach and evaluation activities. Additional requirement information provided upon scholarship award.
July 29, 2026
Application deadline
Letters of recommendation due
Oct 15, 2026 · 11:59pm PT
Status notifications
March 15, 2027
Awardees announced
July 1, 2027
$35,000 / year per recipient
Up to $140,000 total over 4 years
2 recipients selected per cycle
Funds paid directly to school for tuition and fees only
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO APPLY
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Review the application questions and prepare answers
Use the Scholarship Application Worksheet to review the application questions and prepare your answers prior to starting your 2027 Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship Application. For the school tuition and fees portion, it is recommended you utilize the VIN Foundation Apply Smarter Tool to find your eligible school options.
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Write your personal statement (750 words)
Include a personal statement of up to 750 words explaining why you are the best candidate for this scholarship. Your statement should:
Tell us who you are — not just how accomplished you are.
Highlight the personality traits, goals, and financial needs that make you a compelling applicant.
Be unique — not a resubmission of your veterinary school application essay.
Be written in English and pasted directly into the submission field.
Optionally omit your name to reduce unconscious bias in judging — though personal background and identity are welcome if they are central to your story. -
Record a personal video
Record a video sharing why you are the most deserving candidate for this scholarship. Video must be less than 1 minute in length.
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Upload your CV/Resume
Your CV/resume must be in Word or PDF file format. Please note, cover letters will not be accepted.
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Arrange a letter of recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required. Provide your recommender's first name, last name, and email address in the initial application. Once submitted, your recommender will automatically receive a personalized link to submit their letter. Only one letter per applicant is accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the letter is submitted by the deadline.
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Submit application by the deadline Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2026 at 11:59pm PT, or when 300 submissions have been accepted — whichever comes first. Letters of recommendation are due by October 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.
Application window opens July 29, 2026 at 12pm PT.
You are strongly encouraged to use the Scholarship Application Worksheet to draft and refine your answers before pasting them into the application fields.