Medical & Health Sciences Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA)

ADSA Dietetics Bursary

The Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) awards an annual bursary to financially disadvantaged South African students studying towards an undergraduate BSc Dietetics degree. Worth up to R30,000 per year for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study, it is aimed at first-year (or just-completed-first-year) students who show a genuine passion for food science, nutrition and health. Recipients also receive free ADSA student membership for the duration of the bursary.

Amount:
Up to R30,000 per year, paid directly to the student's university account, for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study (covering registration fees, textbooks, accommodation and other study-related expenses)
Deadline:
8 December 2025
Renewable:
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) supports students in the following disciplines

Dietetics
BSc Dietetics
Nutrition

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen
  • Studying (or accepted to study) towards an undergraduate BSc Dietetics degree
  • Must be in first year or have just completed first year, entering second year of study (second-year-onward students are not eligible)
  • Demonstrated financial need (proof of household income required)
  • Passion for food science, nutrition and health issues; leadership and school involvement valued
  • Willing to accept the post-study obligation to work in South Africa for at least the duration of the bursary received (excluding community service) and maintain active ADSA membership

What's Included

  • Up to R30,000 per year towards tuition, textbooks, accommodation and other study expenses
  • Funds paid directly to your university account
  • Funding for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of your BSc Dietetics degree
  • Automatic free ADSA student membership for the duration of the bursary

Work Commitment

Recipients must work in South Africa for at least a period equal to the duration of the bursary received (excluding the standard community service year) and maintain active ADSA membership.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) bursary application

  1. 1

    Confirm you meet the criteria — a South African citizen with financial need, studying (or accepted) for a BSc Dietetics degree and in or just finishing first year

  2. 2

    Visit the ADSA bursary page at adsa.org.za/bursary-application/ to access the current cycle's application form and details

  3. 3

    Prepare your supporting documents, including a certified ID copy, latest academic results, a motivational letter and proof of household income

  4. 4

    Complete and submit your application before the advertised closing date

  5. 5

    Wait for ADSA to review applications and contact shortlisted or successful candidates

  6. 6

    If selected, accept the bursary terms (including the post-study work and membership obligations) to begin receiving funds from your second year of study

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
  • 📄 Latest academic results (Matric results or university transcript)
  • 📄 Motivational letter explaining your passion for dietetics, nutrition and health
  • 📄 Proof of household income to demonstrate financial need

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the ADSA Dietetics Bursary?
South African citizens studying (or accepted to study) towards an undergraduate BSc Dietetics degree, who can demonstrate financial need. You must be in your first year or have just completed first year and be entering your second year — students already in their second year or beyond are not eligible.
How much is the ADSA bursary worth and what does it cover?
The bursary is worth up to R30,000 per year and is paid directly to your university account. It funds your 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study and can be used for registration fees, textbooks, accommodation and other study-related expenses.
When does the ADSA Dietetics Bursary close?
The bursary runs annually. The most recently advertised window closed on 8 December 2025 for the 2026 academic year intake. Applications reopen each year, usually opening in the latter part of the year for the following academic year, so check adsa.org.za/bursary-application/ for the current cycle's opening and closing dates.
Is there a work-back obligation after I graduate?
Yes. As a condition of the bursary you must work in South Africa for at least the number of years you received funding (excluding your community service year) and keep your ADSA membership active. You also receive free ADSA student membership for the duration of the bursary.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 8 December 2025

Apply on Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA)'s official site

Need help? Contact Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 011 867 5005

Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.