Physical examination and procedures, patient trust, and a licence with personal liability. AI assists diagnosis and paperwork rather than replacing the doctor.
University of Pretoria · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R59 000 to R65 000
Requirements
UP 2027 example: English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at level 4; APS 28. Selection applies.
Published minimums only. Selection, bachelor admission, any extra requirements and available places still apply. UP selects 50 first-year students a year; first-choice applicants are considered, and second-choice applicants may be considered in certain categories. Applications for 2027 closed on 30 June 2026.
Stellenbosch University · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R78 663
Requirements
Stellenbosch 2027: NSC aggregate of at least 60% (excluding Life Orientation) with at least 50% for Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
Selection programme: meeting the minimum admission requirements is by no means a guarantee for successful selection. Applicants are ranked on academic merit for a goal of more or less 35 students. Preference is given to South African citizens, permanent residents and refugees.
University of KwaZulu-Natal · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
Requirements
UKZN 2027: APS 28 (Life Orientation excluded) with English, Life Orientation and Mathematics at level 4, and one of Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences at level 4. 4 years, Pietermaritzburg only.
Closing date 30 September 2026; applications received after that date cannot be considered. Capacity is limited: not all applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will necessarily be offered a place, and priority goes to higher achievement and punctual applications. Compulsory clinical placements are at the student's own cost for travel, accommodation and living.
North-West University · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R67 258
Requirements
NWU 2027 example: Mathematics level 5, Physical Sciences level 5, level 4 in the language of tuition (English or Afrikaans) and APS 30. Potchefstroom, 4 years.
Selection course: academic paper selection on best average mark; meeting the minimums does not guarantee a place. NWU's 2027 table says 'Applications close 31 August' for this programme, while its Selection page says 'All Other Selection Courses: 30 June'. NWU undergraduate applications for 2027 are closed.
University of the Free State · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R62 640
Requirements
UFS 2027 example: AP 33, English level 5 (60%), Mathematics level 4 (50%), and Life Sciences level 5 (60%) and/or Physical Sciences level 4 (50%). Selection programme; 4 years (Bloemfontein).
Selection programme (prospectus: 'Subject to selection: Yes'); it must be your first choice. Applications for 2027 closed on 31 May 2026. The current School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences selection policy (written for the 2026 intake) ranks applicants on a selection mark out of 118 (100 academic, up to 18 non-academic); a maximum of two (2) international students are considered; no fixed number of places is published (numbers follow the UFS enrolment plan).
Your qualification route
Complete an accredited dietetics qualification with practical placements.
Complete the applicable HPCSA registration and community-service requirements.
Build experience in hospitals, communities, food services or a registered practice.
A short nutrition course or general nutrition qualification is not automatically a route to registration as a dietitian.
