Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

With nutrition acknowledged as a key to the future of modern medicine, dietetics is one of the world’s fastest-growing professions. The BSc (Dietetics) degree at Nelson Mandela University trains competent and ethical dietetics professionals who will contribute to the medical therapeutic, community nutrition and specialised food services sectors. Graduates are required to register with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) before they can practice as a Dietitian.

Faculty: Health Sciences | Duration: 4 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics is to train competent and ethical dietetics professionals who will contribute to the nutritional health of the population, including nutritional health when therapeutic nutrition is required, the community nutrition sector and specialized health food service sector. They will also be able to participate in research in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 8 qualification of 539 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Dietitian.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 390. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Minimum NSC statutory requirements for degree entry must be met. An applicant with NCS Grade 12 Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 390. NSC achievement rating of at least 60% for Mathematics. NSC achievement rating of at least 60% for Physical Sciences.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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