Englisch 
Deutsch Who this BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics suits – and what you need to get in
This programme fits if you want to qualify as a registered dietitian in a flexible, blended format, and can commit to regular on-site days in Zurich. Typical profiles include: health-care assistants or medical practice assistants aiming for a first academic degree; career changers from life sciences, food science or hospitality who want a clinically oriented dietetics qualification; and working adults in the DACH region or border areas who need 80% online study but can attend campus teaching and Swiss-based practice placements.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive and places are limited. You need a recognised entry route and must pass the selection steps.
- School-leaving qualification (one of): Swiss Berufsmatura, Fachmatura, Gymnasiale Matura; gymnasiale Matura at a Swiss Olympic School; gymnasiale Matura plus a current or former Swiss Olympic Talent Card (National or higher); or a Health-sector HF diploma.
- Foreign university entrance qualification: applicants with a foreign school-leaving certificate can be admitted if they meet all entry competencies and pass the selection process. Non-native speakers with a foreign certificate must provide German C1 with an internationally recognised certificate.
- English competency: B2 certificate (max. 10 years old) to be submitted by 30 June before programme start. Accepted tests and thresholds include: Cambridge FCE 160 / CAE 180; Cambridge Linguaskill 160; telc B2 180; IELTS 5.2–6.5; TOEFL iBT 72–94; TOEFL ITP 543; TOEIC Listening ≥489, Reading ≥454, Speaking ≥199, Writing ≥199.
- Chemistry and Biology: knowledge at the level of the Swiss health Berufsmatura; a preparatory course is offered for refreshers.
- Care experience (Zusatzmodul A): minimum two months (40 days) documented, with at least 20 consecutive days in a hospital; must be completed no later than one month before the August start. Remaining days can be in other settings (e.g. care homes).
- Suitability and selection: personal suitability check is required if you do not have specific prior health training. Two-step selection follows: online task (due end of December) and an in-person interview in February in Zurich.
- On-site commitments during/after study: 20% campus teaching in Zurich (every second Monday or Saturday). A compulsory 12-month practice training at 60% from semester 7, plus a post-study Zusatzmodul C (12 months at 80%) are required before the protected title can be used.
Personal requirements
Success in this blended degree hinges on strong self-organisation, consistent study habits and perseverance across nine semesters. You need the maturity to manage largely self-directed learning, schedule full-day on-campus sessions, and secure time for extended practice phases in Switzerland. Solid German is essential for coursework and patient counselling; confident English supports reading scientific literature. Be comfortable with life sciences and statistics, and plan realistically for travel to Zurich and clinical environments. If you live abroad, ensure you can spend sustained periods in Switzerland for selection, teaching blocks and internships.
What will you study in the Nutrition & Dietetics (BSc) at Distance Learning University Switzerland?
The programme is taught in German. To follow classes and take exams, you need German at C1 level, typically evidenced by an internationally recognised certificate (e.g. Goethe C1, TestDaF). Across 180 ECTS over 9 semesters, you build scientific nutrition fundamentals, clinical dietetics skills and strong counselling competences, and complete substantial practical training plus a Bachelor’s thesis.
You start with scientific and nutrition foundations: human anatomy and physiology, nutrient metabolism, and food science including hygiene and food law. You also learn research basics and statistics to prepare for evidence-based practice.
From there you move into public health and psychology: nutrition psychology, nutrition across population groups, and nutrition and public health. Communication and counselling modules train you to guide individuals and groups professionally.
Clinical dietetics is a core strand: pathophysiology I–II, nutrition therapy in hospital settings, and specialised counselling (e.g. metabolic syndrome and diabetes, food intolerances, complex case management). Interprofessional work with other health professions features in practical projects.
You gain applied skills for the labour market: healthcare systems, marketing and public outreach for nutrition, and scientific practice projects that link research questions to real-world settings.
Electives or deepening options are integrated in later semesters via practice-oriented projects and the Bachelor’s thesis, where you specialise in a topic relevant to clinical or public-health nutrition.
Special features of this Swiss Fachhochschule degree (a university of applied sciences) include a compulsory, supervised practicum in nutrition counselling equal to a 60% position for 12 months during the programme (earliest from semester 7). After graduation, an additional “Zusatzmodul C” requires a further 12 months at 80% employment to use the formal title “BSc SUPSI Ernährung & Diätetik”. FFHS is a blended-learning institution sometimes called a Fernstudium (distance learning) provider; in Germany, fully distance courses require ZFU approval by the state authority ZFU, but ZFU does not apply to Swiss programmes.
How does the Nutrition & Dietetics distance programme work?
This is a blended degree: about 80% online and 20% on campus in Zurich. You study in modules worth 20 ECTS per semester, with regular on-site teaching blocks and extensive practical training in Switzerland. It is not a fully online programme.
Teaching language and language certificates
Teaching and assessments are in German. You should expect C1-level proficiency and be ready to document it with an internationally recognised certificate (for example Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or TestDaF) if you are not a native speaker. Study materials may include English-language literature; robust reading skills in English are therefore helpful.
Learning format and study materials
FFHS delivers teaching in a blended learning model: approximately 80% guided self-study via the online platform and 20% classroom teaching at the Zurich campus (near the main station). You will work through digital course packs, readings and case studies, and participate in skills training on site. A flexible pacing option (“flex+”) lets you choose how many modules to take each semester.
Exams and assessment from abroad
Assessments include written exams, oral exams and practical evaluations tied to on-campus sessions and clinical-practice settings. Given the required on-site teaching and practicum, you cannot complete this degree entirely from abroad; online proctoring is not positioned as the standard exam mode.
Mandatory on-site sessions in Switzerland
On-campus teaching takes place in Zurich roughly every second week: either on Saturdays 08:45–16:00 (semesters 1–4) or on Mondays 08:45–16:00. In addition, a supervised practicum of 12 months at 60% is compulsory and is typically completed in Swiss healthcare or counselling settings. After graduation, the “Zusatzmodul C” requires a further 12 months at 80% employment.
Weekly workload, time models and time zones
The standard study plan is 9 semesters at 20 ECTS per semester. Live sessions and campus days run in Swiss local time (CET/CEST). Workload depends on your chosen flex+ pace and practicum responsibilities; expect a sustained part-time commitment alongside the mandatory on-site days.
Note on approvals: German ZFU numbers apply only to German distance-learning courses; Swiss programmes like this BSc are not subject to ZFU. Because this is not a purely remote programme and includes extended on-site phases in Switzerland, a visa or residence permit may be required depending on your nationality.
What does the Nutrition & Dietetics (BSc) cost?
Tuition is stated at CHF 1,800 per semester (for 20 ECTS) for students with residence or tax domicile in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Over the standard 9 semesters, plan with about CHF 17,000 in total for tuition. Fees are typically billed per semester rather than in monthly instalments.
One-off and additional fees include an application fee of CHF 200, a selection procedure fee of CHF 200, and a flat fee of CHF 300 for the post-degree Zusatzmodul C. Ordinary exam fees are already included in the semester tuition.
If your residence or tax domicile is outside Switzerland/Liechtenstein, the university charges a significant surcharge of CHF 100 per ECTS. Across 180 ECTS, this can add up to CHF 18,000 in surcharges on top of base tuition. Factor this in carefully if you plan to study from abroad.
You can usually pay from abroad via international transfer. Study materials and access to the digital library are included in the stated semester fee.
What careers and recognition does the Nutrition & Dietetics degree offer?
You graduate with 180 ECTS credits under the Bologna framework, which supports academic recognition across Europe and beyond. FFHS is a Swiss state-recognised Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences); the programme is accredited under Swiss higher education law (HFKG) and the Swiss Health Professions Act (GesBG). Swiss quality assurance is overseen at national level and is aligned with European standards; Switzerland participates in the European Higher Education Area.
The curriculum is explicitly practice-oriented, preparing you for roles in clinical and community settings. Typical paths include:
- Clinical dietitian/nutrition therapist in hospitals and rehabilitation centres
- Outpatient nutrition counselling in private practice or health centres
- Public health nutrition and prevention programmes in NGOs or government
- Product development, quality management or communication in the food sector
- Corporate wellness, health promotion and insurance advisory roles
Academic progression to Master’s-level study in nutrition, public health or related health sciences is possible where 180-ECTS bachelor’s degrees are accepted. Entry into regulated professions (e.g. protected titles, reimbursement rights) is country-specific; the Swiss BSc plus the required practical components qualify you for Swiss practice. If you plan to work outside Switzerland, check local licensing or professional registration rules early.
Who is the Nutrition & Dietetics (BSc) right for – and who not?
This programme suits motivated students who want a clinically oriented, practice-rich path into nutrition, can study primarily in German and are ready for regular campus days in Zurich. The blended model supports part-time employment alongside study, especially in the earlier semesters.
- You want a state-recognised Swiss bachelor’s degree with 180 ECTS in a regulated health field.
- You are comfortable studying and being examined in German and engaging with scientific literature.
- You prefer structured blended learning with guided self-study and scheduled in-person blocks.
- You value extensive hands-on training and interprofessional practice during your degree.
- You plan a career in clinical dietetics, public health nutrition or evidence-based counselling.
Because of mandatory on-site teaching and long practical phases, this is not a purely remote degree. If you are looking for a fully online option from abroad, or if you cannot study in German, consider other programmes.
- You need a fully online degree with no mandatory trips to Switzerland or clinical placements.
- You do not meet or cannot document German C1 proficiency for study and exams.
- You cannot commit to regular on-campus days in Zurich (every second week) during teaching periods.
- You are unable to complete a 12-month 60% practicum during the degree and a further 12 months at 80% after graduation in Switzerland.
- Your career target requires a specific national licence outside Switzerland and you are unwilling to navigate additional local recognition steps.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs BSc Nutrition and Dietetics? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Distance Learning University Switzerland or the editorial team will answer you.