Georgia Department of Agriculture is Accepting Applications for 2026 Veterinary Loan Repayment Program

Wed, Oct 1 2025

ATLANTA, GA - The Georgia Department of Agriculture is currently accepting applications for the 2026 cycle of the Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP). Eligible veterinarians have until Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, to submit their applications. The GVELRP provides student loan repayment assistance to licensed veterinarians who commit to practicing in designated rural areas of Georgia and delivering veterinary care for food animals in communities with critical shortages.

"The GVELRP plays a crucial role in addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians in our state," said Commissioner Tyler J Harper. "Now more than ever, our rural communities need access to high-quality veterinary services that support farmers, ranchers, and rural pet owners. I appreciate the General Assembly's continued support for this vital program, and I strongly encourage eligible veterinarians to apply."

Program Overview:
To qualify for the GVELRP, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful presence in the United States
• Reside in Georgia
• Be either a licensed practicing veterinarian or a veterinary student in their final year of study
• Commit to working in a Board-approved rural county (population of 50,000 or less)

Detailed GVEDLRP information is available at https://agr.georgia.gov/vet-education-loan-repayment-program. Completed applications and inquiries about the program can be made via email to: [email protected]. The State Veterinary Education Board will review, determine, and announce award recipients later in the year.

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About the GDA
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state's agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

Find us on Facebook • Follow on Twitter: @GDAFoodSafety •@GeorgiaGrown

For more information, visit https://www.agr.georgia.gov.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334