Objective To investigate the effect of VEGF on proliferation and migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Methods To isolate and culture of oligodendrocyte precursor cells from mice. VEGF acts on the oligodendrocyte precursor cells for 48 h, meanwhile, the control group was set up and treated without VEGF. The proliferation of cells was detected by MTT assay, the cell migration was detected with a Boyden chamber, the levels of MMP?9, MMP?2, β?catenin, C?myc, cyclin D1 proteins in the cells were detected by western blotting. Wnt/ β?catenin signaling pathway activator LiCl treated the oligodendrocyte precursor cells for 48 h, and the cell proliferation and migration were detected. Results The survival rate and number of migrated oligodendrocyte precursor cells were significantly higher than those of the control group after treated with VEGF ( P < 0.01). The levels of MMP?9, MMP?2, β?catenin, C?myc and cyclin D1 in the oligodendrocyte precursor cells after treated with VEGF were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.01). The cell proliferation and migration after treated with Wnt/ β?catenin signaling activator LiCl were consistent with the proliferation and migration of cells after treated with VEGF. Conclusions VEGF promotes proliferation and migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The mechanism of action is related to Wnt/ β?catenin signaling pathway.