Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics) Course Requirements at SMU
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University · School of Health Care Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics) is a bachelor's Degree offered by SMU for 2027 learners, taking 4 years, including a 34-week integrated internship (23 weeks to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics) at SMU
NSC applicants need Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English each at level 4, two additional subjects at level 3 each, and Life Orientation at level 3. A separate route exists for applicants who completed Grade 12 with full university exemption before 2008, using the older Higher Grade/Standard Grade symbol system.
About this course
Dietetics applies the science of food and nutrition to promote health across individuals, groups, communities and whole populations. Graduates register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and must complete a year of community service after qualifying. The degree combines academic study with an extended internship component built into the final year.
Possible careers
Clinical Nutritionist, Community Nutrition Officer, Dietitian, Food Service Nutrition Manager, Private-Practice Dietitian
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply directly through SMU's online e-Student Recruitment Portal (https://www.smu.ac.za/e-student-recruitment-portal/) between 1 April and 31 July of the year before intake; a non-refundable R300 application fee is payable.
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics)
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics) doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Clinical Nutritionist. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
As a Bachelor's Degree at SMU, a public institution, this course generally falls within NSFAS’s undergraduate funding scope. Funding is means-tested and not automatic, so confirm your own eligibility at nsfas.org.za before relying on it.
Admission chances
SMU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with SMU and NSFAS.
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- Duration
- 4 years, including a 34-week integrated internship (23 weeks
- NQF Level
- 8
- APS / Points
- Total minimum 25 admission points (Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, Life Sciences 4, English 4, two additional subjects at 3 each, Life Orientation 3)
- Campus
- Ga-Rankuwa Campus, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
Related courses
Source: sefako-makgatho-health-sciences-university.json, last verified 2026-08-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University before applying.