phd by coursework in south africa

• PhD Study in South Africa – A Guide for 2024

Written by Alice Clubbs Coldron

South Africa is hard to beat when it comes to year-round sunshine, excellent wine and exhilarating landscapes. What’s more, South African universities are growing in quality and many are now internationally recognised as world class research centres.

These low cost, but high quality research facilities and the wealth of things to do in a country that offers everything from lush winelands, forests and lagoons, to the ‘Big Five’ safari animals, mean it comes as no surprise that this country is a welcome choice to study abroad.

If you’re considering a PhD in South Africa, this page provides all the information you need to know about the PhD in general, and how applications, funding and visas work.

PhD opportunities in South Africa – what’s on offer for 2024?

South Africa is growing into the continent’s hub for PhDs, meaning that opportunities for students have never been better. The students in South Africa are spoilt by the diverse terrain, warm climate and magnificent wildlife. All of South Africa’s universities boast campuses in some of the most stunning locations on earth, with top class facilities to match.

South Africa certainly ticks a lot of boxes, and here are some more things to consider:

• The Rainbow Nation – Full of diverse cultures and boasts 9 official languages.
• Affordability – The cost of living in South Africa is low, which is good news for PhD students on a tight budget!
• Unique PhD opportunities – Study anything from African Climate and Development, Conservation and Conflict to Marine Research, with access to not one, not two, but three oceans!
• Home to the best universities in Africa – The University of Cape Town is ranked number one in Africa, with another seven universities rated in the top 10.
• No viva – Not keen on defending your thesis for hours upon hours? PhD in South Africa is not traditionally assessed via an oral exam (phew).

Coronavirus updates for international students at South African universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in South Africa, please check with your university for updates.

PhD life in South Africa

Want to know more about life for international PhD students in South Africa? Our detailed guide covers everything from accommodation and living costs to culture and entertainment.

South African universities

There are 26 public universities in South Africa. These comprise of 12 traditional universities, eight ‘technikons’ offering technical and vocational courses, and six comprehensive universities, offering a combination of the above. These are all distributed within all nine provinces of South Africa, each of which has at least one university.

The main student hubs are the big cities such as Cape Town , Johannesburg and Durban , with the University of Cape Town being recognised as the highest rated institution in both South Africa and on the continent.

University Groups

South Africa’s government is actively developing university research facilities across the country in a bid to attract more PhD students. This will increase the quality of research output and academic professionals in the industry. Many of the universities in South Africa are associated with these institutions and ‘mission groups’ as they share similar aims and objectives.

These groups include the follwoing:

• The National Research Foundation (NRF) is aimed at establishing leading-edge research platforms across the country. NRF-rated researchers work across the country’s universities, enabling South Africa to benchmark the quality of its research against the best in the world.
• South Africa has 14 Centres of Excellence . These CoEs are dedicated to different research areas, and enable researchers to collaborate across institutions on long-term projects that are internationally competitive.
• The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) has been established to strengthen research and innovation capacity of public universities for producing high quality postgraduate students.

A doctorate from a university associated with any of these government initiatives is impressive. As a PhD student, you require a research facility with the necessary expertise in the specialism you want to study.

South African university cities

The University of Cape Town and the University of Witwatersrand are in the top 250 universities in the world. Whether it’s Biotechnology, African Development or Engineering, South Africa’s universities certainly have many specialist focus areas that attract PhD candidates to undertake their research there.

Carrying out a PhD in South Africa will most likely be a highly collaborative experience. You will go where your research takes you, and there are many exciting cities to explore whilst you are there. .

The following are the main university cities in South Africa:

• Johannesburg

PhD structure

PhDs in South Africa generally follow a similar pattern to European and American programmes, but with the added bonus of becoming a wine connoisseur. They focus on the candidate completing a supervised thesis that adds original research and knowledge to a field of study.

The PhD will consist mainly of pure research and you will spend most of your time working towards an independent doctoral thesis, which will most likely begin with a lot of reading and writing a literature review, summarising and evaluating existing research related to your topic. Some South African PhDs also require coursework to be completed in addition to the main thesis, but this is less common.

Depending on your project, you will accumulate data by analysing source materials, producing experimental results or collecting survey data as appropriate. Throughout this process, you will liaise with your supervisor. You will most likely have at least one other supervisor, and they will both be a big part of your PhD experience.

Programme length

South African PhDs generally take between two to three years to complete if you are in full-time study, with a minimum of 4 years if you are studying part-time . The course length does vary however, and this generally depends on time of registration and funding arrangements.

Assessment and examination

PhD opportunities in South Africa require you to submit a written thesis at the end of your PhD. This is normally between 80,000-100,000 words. It is normal in South Africa for PhD candidates to give a written notice to their faculty at least two or three months before submitting their thesis for examination. This generally includes giving the title and a short overview of the thesis.

Once this notice is given, three examiners (internal and external) are appointed to examine your thesis. These examiners, or at least one of them, are also experts in your field.

For a South African PhD, it is not common to have a viva . This is an additional, oral examination, done in the UK and Europe, where the PhD candidate ‘defends’ their thesis in response to the examiners asking questions.

This is not the case in South Africa, and instead a written report is submitted outlining the examiners conclusions (and any changes or corrections that need to be done) and your PhD result.

Fees and funding

International students studying in South Africa benefit from relatively cheap doctorate programmes compared to Europe and North America.

South African tuition fees vary widely between institutions and courses. International students are required to pay an international service fee of around of R4,200 (USD $270) and/ or a registration fee of about R6,970 (USD $440).

PhD programme fees can vary from depending on the type of PhD programme (thesis only or coursework and thesis), the university and the subject area. For example, at Wits University, PhD programmes in Engineering are on average R31,450 (USD $1,835) per year and PhD programmes in Sciences are on average R23,900 (USD $1,395). PhD fees at the University of Cape Town are generally the same for all subjects, averaging at around R23,370 (USD $1,360) per year.

International students are not eligible for support from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) – the South African student loan and bursary scheme. Bursaries and scholarships are available to international PhD students and are offered by universities and external organisations.

These include:

• Studentships and funded PhD places from the universities themselves. Some institutions also have specific funding opportunities for international students. These PhD places are competitive. You can check with universities or browse opportunities here on FindAPhD.
• Student loans from major banks to non-South Africans with valid study permits.
• Postgraduate scholarships from the National Research Foundation (NRF) to a limited number of international students.

Applying for a PhD in South Africa

The first step for your South African PhD application should be to contact a prospective supervisor (universities will not normally consider applications from international students who haven’t done this).

The person you choose should normally be the lead researcher for a project or research group you wish to join, or an academic with research interests related to the topic you would like to propose.

Once you’ve found a potential supervisor, you should contact them via email . Try to provide a clear and concise description of your project or interests – and make the relationship to their research obvious.

Once you have an expression of interest from a potential supervisor, you can begin your formal application to the university.

Admission requirements

To apply for a PhD in South Africa, you will require an existing Bachelors and usually a Masters degree in a related subject. In special circumstances, a candidate without a Masters may be accepted. There will usually be an application fee of around R300 ($17.50).

Individual universities will set their own requirements, but in general, you can expect to be asked for some or all of the following:

• CV and evidence of previous qualifications (some may even want to see a copy of your Masters dissertation
• Personal statement/motivation letter
• A research proposal (if you’re putting forward your own PhD topic)

Once your PhD application has been reviewed, the university may wish to interview you. This is a good sign, as your prospective supervisor thinks you have potential, and it’s also a great way to show yourself off!

Don’t worry though – they will not expect you to travel all the way to South Africa for just an interview. As an international student, this will most likely be done via a video-conferencing platform.

Application deadlines

Deadlines for PhD applications vary in South Africa. While some deadlines are in August or September, some universities have PhD programmes that are open to apply all year round. It is also important to take into account any deadlines that you may have if you are applying to funding.

You can check for specific dates with your chosen institute and if you are in touch with your prospective supervisor, you can always ask them.

Remember that, even if there isn't a deadline, your application will still take time. As a general rule, you should apply at least four months before you hope to start your PhD.

Student visas

South African study permits are issued for a programme of study at a specific institution. Once accepted by a South African university, international students are required to obtain a study visa .

Visa requirements

In order to qualify for a visa to study a PhD in South Africa you’ll normally need the following documents:

• Proof of financial means to cover envisaged living expenses for the duration of study
• An official letter from the university confirming enrolment
• A valid passport that expires no less than 30 days before the end of your course
• Proof of medical cover

You can check out South African Department of Home Affairs for more information on student visas.

Language requirements

South African PhDs are organised and delivered in English, so you will need to have sufficient language skills and be able to comprehend complex information and communicate ideas for your PhD.

For international students for whom English is a second language, an English language test must be taken. The most recognised English language tests will be accepted. The score you need will depend on the test you take and the minimum requirements set by your specific university.

Health insurance

The South African government states that in order to obtain a student visa, the student must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and provide evidence for this when applying for the visa. A letter confirming that this health insurance will be renewed every year during the duration of your stay is also required. You can see the list of registered medical aid schemes in South Africa to check if your medical cover is recognised by the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Work during your PhD

You can carry out paid work for up to 20 hours per week whilst researching for your PhD in South Africa. However, you should check that any work you undertake fits with the requirements of your PhD (and the expectations of your supervisor).

Fees and processing times

To apply for a student visa, you will need to complete the BI-1738 form , which costs around R1,800 (USD $120) to process. It normally takes six to eight weeks for applications to be processed and is valid for the duration of your course.

With internationally recognised universities and research capabilities, a South African PhD can translate into career opportunities all over the world.

Can I work in South Africa after my PhD?

International students who are awarded their PhD from a South African university can apply for a critical skills work visa (a five-year temporary residence visa) which includes a 12-month period to secure a job. After the end of the five years, they can apply for permanent residence.

Find a PhD in South Africa

Decided that South Africa is the right destination for your PhD? Why not get started browsing some South African PhDs ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

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What's it like to live in South Africa during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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• Doctoral Programmes

This doctoral degree consists of a large research project, supervised by a senior academic, culminating in a thesis. The thesis, based on independent research done by the student on an approved topic in the discipline, is written under the guidance of a supervisor. It is defended in an oral examination once the thesis is completed and submitted for examination.

Admission requirements:

An average of at least 70% in your masters studies is required. See more details via the programme link above.

Selection:​

Our selection process is based on a consideration of your research topic for the PhD, the availability of a suitable supervisor, and an evaluation of the theoretical and methodological expertise required to complete the study, coupled with an assessment of the extent to which candidates have demonstrated this expertise in the master’s dissertation.

Closing date: 

• We accept applications until 30 November. The academic year starts in February.
• Applications for international students close on 31 October. Students should endeavour to apply as soon as possible so as to have adequate time to arrange for the required visa’s. 

Application procedure: 

• Follow this link for an application form: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application
• A full academic transcript of all years of tertiary study at all institutions attended
• A four-page outline of your intended research topic for your doctoral study. Use the letter of intent format here . 
• An electronic copy of your master’s dissertation
• SAQA accreditation (only applicable to International Students)
• (Please note, we do not require copies of your degree certificates at this point)
• Physical address: Student Services Centre, University of Pretoria, Corner Lynnwood and Roper Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.
• Postal address: Student Services Centre, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.
• Once we receive your application, your application will serve before the departmental postgraduate committee for consideration. If you meet the minimum requirements, and have submitted all the required documents, your application will be considered by the postgraduate committee. If your application meets our criteria, and if we have a suitable person who can supervise your study, you will be invited for an interview.  (In some cases, we may be able to arrange a telephonic interview).
• The Department of Sociology conducts postgraduate interviews in the last week of October, November and January. 
• If you want to check that your application has been received by the Student Services Centre, please contact: +27 (0)12 420 4111 or [email protected]
• If you want to track the progress of your application in the  Sociology department, please contact Dr Neo Mohlabane at [email protected] . 

More information:

If you need additional information contact  Dr Neo Mohlabane at  [email protected] . 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am an international student. I have been told that I need a SAQA certificate. Why do I need this and how do I go about acquiring it? A SAQA certificate is issued by the South African Qualifications Authority. Such a certificate certifies each of the thousands of international qualifications that exist and interprets these in relation to the South African qualifications framework. It is, therefore, necessary to obtain such a certificate to ensure that applicants are given access to the correct level of study. SAQA certification can be obtained online or by hard copy submission. Details can be found on the South African Qualification Authority’s website: http://www.saqa.org.za/index.php I need a bursary. Can you assist? For more details: https://www.up.ac.za/postgraduate-study-and-research .

What are the possibilities for a tutorship appointment or part-time work in the department? We do have a tutor programme in our department and we welcome applications. The availability of positions depends on funding. Once you have received confirmation that you have been accepted into the programme, please indicate to us that you are interested in a tutorship, student assistant work or general part-time work.

I am nervous about the interview. What can I expect to be asked and how should I prepare? Interviews are generally quite informal. Expect to meet between three and four staff members. We use the interview as an opportunity to get to know you better. What we would like to know from you, in particular, is what makes you interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in your chosen field. We would also like to get a sense of your undergraduate and postgraduate training. What did you learn? Which of the courses did you enjoy most?;  Why is that? What is your theoretical orientation? What have been the key debates in the fields in which your master’s studies were located? Because the doctoral programme requires of students to do independent research, we would like to talk to you about your interests and the particular topics or themes that you are interested in researching. Finally, the interview provides you with the opportunity to get to know the department and some of the teaching staff. It is also a good place to find out if what the programme offers matches your expectations.

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is offered in all Faculties of the University. In the Faculty of Commerce, it is a research degree on an advanced topic under supervision. The examination is by thesis alone. The general rules for this degree are set out in Book 3 of this series entitled "General Rules and Policies". The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is also subject to the following Faculty rules:

A candidate who registers for the degree without submitting an approved research proposal is required to submit this approved research proposal to the Faculty Board by no later than six months from the date of first registration.   FDA2

If the Faculty Board approves the research proposal, the Board shall recommend the candidate for registration to the University’s Doctoral Degrees Board.

If the candidate fails to submit a research proposal by not later than six months from the date of first registration, or if the Faculty Board rejects the research proposal, the candidate’s registration shall be cancelled. 

A candidate registering for the first time for the degree may register at any time.

A returning candidate shall register by not later than 28 February each year.

The registration renewal is subject to a satisfactory annual report from the primary supervisor and relevant Head of Department approved by the Dean or Dean’s nominee. 

Except by the special permission of the Dean of Commerce, the thesis submitted for the degree shall not be less than 40,000 words or exceed 80,000 words. 

For further information, please  send an email to   [email protected]

To apply, please click this link    Apply here

PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION INTO THE PhD in Economics (by Thesis)

• A Masters degree in Economics is usually required.
• Applicants should upload a 5-page proposal with their application. Check our staff page  for our academic's areas of interest. 
• You must put in an application to the University as well. You can do this online at  http://applyonline.uct.ac.za/ . We encourage students to apply through the Commerce Faculty.
• Your proposal will be distributed to the relevant lecturers within the School of Economics to match you with a suitable supervisor.
• The Post-graduate Committee in the School of Economics will send recommendations for suitable candidates to the Faculty Board.
• Subject to Faculty Board approval, the candidate may register with the university for this degree.
• A candidate will be required to submit and present a formal research proposal to the Post-graduate Committee and Faculty Board for approval by no later than six months from the date of first registration.
• If the proposal is not accepted, registration will be cancelled.
• During the registration period, a candidate will normally be required to “attend the University” for a period of at least one year. By “attend at the University”, the Senate understands that the candidate shall, within reason, be readily available for discussion at the University.
• For practical purposes, the PhD in Economics (by thesis) programme takes about 4 years to complete. The Doctoral Degrees Board (DDB) controls much of the process after registration, even though the School of Economics can call for seminars periodically. Students are generally required to be residents in Cape Town for at least one year.  The thesis submitted for the degree shall not exceed 80,000 words. 

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) (BY RESEARCH) DEVELOPMENT STUDIES: FULL-TIME/PART-TIME

QUALIFICATION CODE: 41525

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MODULE CODE: EDSV600 

The General Rules for Doctors' degrees shall apply. Refer also the relevant pages of the General Prospectus.

Admission requirements

• A cognate master’s degree by research only, passed with at least 60% or an equivalent grade that reflects a relevant standard of knowledge in a particular field as well as research competence
• A cognate master’s degree by course work and research, with the treatise or mini-dissertation passed with at least 60% or an equivalent grade. In addition, a pass of at least 60% or an equivalent grade should have been attained for each of the course work modules.
• Candidates who have completed their master’s degree by course work and treatise or mini-dissertation may be required to do and pass an approved research methodology module, at the appropriate level, with at least a 60% or an equivalent grade, should such a module not have been included in their learning programme.
• Candidates who have not met all of the criteria as outlined above, may apply for provisional registration for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and will be required to register for and pass, with at least 60% or an equivalent grade, a module or modules as recommended by the HOD for approval by the RTI Committee of the relevant School within the Faculty;

Conditions that apply

• Timeous application is required to allow for a thorough adjudication of applications.
• Applicants, as part of their application, need to present a preliminary proposal outlining the focus and nature of the intended research and their full CV.
• Upon application, candidates, who have not previously studied at Nelson Mandela University, will be required to submit an official, verified transcript of their academic record that, where applicable, includes the syllabus of each module passed in their preceding degree programme together with a copy of the research project, mini-dissertation or treatise.
• The acceptance of an application is subject to the availability of the implied supervisory capacity, both in terms of time and expertise.

International students who have completed previous qualifications in a language other than English must submit proof of English language proficiency reflecting minimum adequate scores as follows:

v  IELTS:6.5 minimum overall score with minimums of 6 in each                     section;

v  TOEFL:

• Paper-based (PBT) – 580 minimum overall score with minimums of 53 in listening, 52  in reading and 59  in structure/written;
• Computer-based (CBT): 237 minimum overall score with minimums of 19 in listening, 19 in reading and 25 in structure/written;
• Internet-based (IBT): 92 minimum overall score with minimums of 18 in listening, 17 in reading, 22 in writing and 22 in speaking.

The programme of study shall extend over a minimum period of two years and a maximum period of six years (General Rule G4.2 applies).

The research thesis is a substantial research piece of at least 100,000 words in the body of the dissertation, based on primary research conducted by the student with promoter provided. The research must make a significant contribution to the development studies discourse.

Learning Outcomes

Identify, design and conduct research in a relevant Development Studies area resulting in a research thesis. The knowledge you create should have relevance beyond a single case and contribute to a wider discourse, theory or debate in the field of Development Studies.  One peer-reviewed journal article. 

Core Content

• Identifying Research Problem/s
• Research Proposal approved by RTI
• Research Design and Methodology
• This knowledge must be generated through rigorous scientific methods
• Research thesis 

Formal Examination of the Thesis by promoter/s and a minimum of two external examiners and one interal examiner (not the supervisor). 

External 

Pre-Requisites for this Module

No pre-requisite module required however the student must have proven prior research experience.

Co-Requisites for This Module

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The Ultimate Guide to Studying in South Africa in 2024

Browse all phd programmes in south africa.

• Feb-Nov Academic Year
• 9 Listed Institutes
• 14 Ranked Universities
• 36,000 Int. Students
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Study in South Africa

You’ll also notice in South Africa a unique and exciting array of arts, literature, and music. Nadine Gordimer, J.M. Coetzee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Oliver Schreiner – just to name a few of artists who’ve received global acclaim.

If you're looking to study at a university in South Africa , you will find a variety of study degrees, blending high-quality academics with unique cultural experiences.

Why study in South Africa?

1. education is very important in south africa.

South African authorities regard education as one of the most important social aspects. This is why many resources, time, and effort have been invested into restructuring and improving the education system at all levels. As a result, South Africa's literacy rate is around 87% — one of the highest in the world.

2. Tuition fees are low

You can pay anywhere between 35 to 19,000 EUR per year for a study programme in South Africa. There are many factors that influence these costs:

• type of university (public vs private)
• study level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD)
• discipline (Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, etc.)

Even so, you will pay a lot less here then you would at a Western university. Also remember that living costs are affordable (around 550 EUR per month), so you won't need to rob a bank to cover your expenses.

3. Enjoy the unique landscape and climate

South Africa has a beautiful and varied landscape; you can enjoy the beautiful beaches or explore its majestic mountains. We recommend visiting sites like the Kruger National Park, Maclear's Beacon, Cape of Good Hope, the Kirstenbosch National reserve, the Boulders Beach, the Table Mountain National Park, etc.

What it is like to study at a university in South Africa?

The universities in South Africa are separated into different categories depending on what you wish to study. They have traditional universities, for more academic and theoretical subjects; technological, for more job-training and vocational courses; and comprehensive, which blends both theoretical and technical training. So, depending on what you’re aiming for, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded students who are there for the same reason.

Furthermore, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do outside of your classes. You have close access to beautiful coastlines, safaris, and mountains. So, once you leave your classes, you’re immersed in natural beauty and a perfectly relaxing environment.

What to Study in South Africa?

You can find any subject, discipline, or degree you’re interested in if you study in South Africa. Brilliant scholars and scientists, along with successful business leaders, have come from South Africa, and have been educated in their higher education system. So, no matter what your career interests are, or where your curiosities lie, you can find plenty of university options and Master’s and Bachelor’s degree options.

Here are some great subjects to study in South Africa:

• Accounting degrees in South Africa  
• Health Sciences in South Africa  
• Entrepreneurship degrees in South Africa  
• Economics degrees in South Africa  
• Sociology degrees in South Africa  
• International Law degrees in South Africa  

Where to study in South Africa?

Throughout South Africa’s naturally beautiful landscape, you’ll also find bustling city life and plenty of places to meet people.

But, for a true, student-oriented experience, we recommend finding your way to Cape Town – a major, multicultural city and named one of the best places to visit in the world.

Which universities and colleges to attend in South Africa?

For the past few decades, South Africa has started expanding its public university system, connecting institutions throughout the country, and de-segregating their courses. As a result, the universities have started to thrive with a unique blend of student populations, classes, and scholars.

Here are some universities to consider enrolling in:

• University of Johannesburg  
• University of Cape Town  

How to apply

Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every university application in South Africa :

• A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses
• A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
• Testing scores
• Evidence of scholarship or funding
• Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
• Portfolio and/or writing samples
• Student visa

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a university in South Africa

Take preparation courses.

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in South Africa you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Afrikaans, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To apply to study in South Africa, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in South Africa are:

• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 

Still, you should always check on your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Living in South Africa

Tuition fees in south africa.

The cost of studying in South Africa has been a major topic of discussion among students and politicians throughout the country. So, it’s possible we may be able to expect tuition fees to reduce over the years. For now, however, we’ll outline the expected tuition fees in South Africa.

• Bachelor's degrees: 36–7,000 EUR per year
• Master's degrees: 36–19,000 EUR per year

Living costs in South Africa

In South Africa, prices can vary depending on the city in which you choose to live. But the country is generally known for offering cheap prices, which are affordable for the vast majority of international students. The minimum you need to cover living costs is 550 EUR/month. 

Here’s a breakdown of living costs in South Africa:

• Rent: 300–730 EUR/month
• Utilities: 100–140 EUR/month
• Monthly transportation pass (metro, train, bus): 38 EUR
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 30 EUR
• Milk: 0.81 EUR
• Eggs: 1.54 EUR
• Cappuccino: 1.41 EUR
• Loaf of bread: 0.71 EUR

About South Africa

On dry land, going from west to east, South Africa shares long borders with Namibia and Botswana, touches Zimbabwe, has a longitudinal strip of border with Mozambique to the east, and lastly curves in around Swaziland before re-joining Mozambique's southern border.

In the interior, nestled in the curve of the bean-shaped Free State, is the small mountainous country of Lesotho, completely surrounded by South African territory.

South Africa is a medium-sized country, with a total land area of slightly more than 1.2-million square kilometres. South Africa measures about 1 600km from north to south, and roughly the same from east to west.

Interesting facts about South Africa

• South Africa is home to one of the oldest mountains on the planet: Table Mountain.
• Boulders Beach, Cape Town, is where you can swim with (so-called) Jackass penguins. No, they don’t mind if you call them Jackass penguins.
• South Africa is home to the world’s oldest human remains – more than 160,000 years old. Do you think they dined on Table Mountain?
• South Africa has the fittest population. 1 in 5 adults attends a gym or health club at least once a month. Do they have to rub it in our faces like that?
• Two novel prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu – lived on the same street.

Universities, colleges and schools in South Africa

• University of Cape Town (92 PhDs)
• University of Kwazulu Natal (39 PhDs)

Johannesburg

• University of South Africa (UNISA) (48 PhDs)
• University of Johannesburg (90 PhDs)
• University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (64 PhDs)
• South African Theological Seminary (1 PhD)
• The Da Vinci Business School (2 PhDs)
• University of Pretoria (185 PhDs)

Stellenbosch

• Stellenbosch University (53 PhDs)

Interested in scholarships for South Africa? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in South Africa

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in South Africa, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in South Africa?

To apply to a university in South Africa you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

• birth certificate;
• recent photos;
• your passport or national identity card;
• one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
• copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
• academic transcripts;
• letter of intent;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in South Africa so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for South Africa

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in South Africa are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in south africa, what subject to study in south africa.

• Agriculture & Forestry 16 Masters
• Applied Sciences & Professions 20 Masters
• Arts, Design & Architecture 41 Masters
• Business & Management 69 Masters
• Computer Science & IT 25 Masters
• Education & Training 22 Masters
• Engineering & Technology 51 Masters
• Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 30 Masters
• Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 8 Masters
• Humanities 56 Masters
• Journalism & Media 7 Masters
• Law 13 Masters
• Medicine & Health 83 Masters
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics 94 Masters
• Social Sciences 100 Masters

PhD Degrees in South Africa

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 557 programmes
• Doctorate (Doctorate) 6 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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PhD Economics

Faculty Website:  College of Business and Economics   Department:  Department of Economics and Econometrics Programme Level: Postgraduate Programme Name:  PhD Economics Programme Code: P3PN3Q

Medium of Facilitation: part-time, Full-Time NQF Level:  10 NQF Credits:  360 SAQA:  96969

Application Start Date : 1 April 2024 Application End Date: 31 October 2024

Campus:  Auckland Park Kingsway

Contacts: UJ Call Centre 011 559-4555 Email: [email protected]

Duration of Study:  2 Years Full-Time and 5 Years Part-Time

Programme Fees

The purpose of this qualification is to develop advanced competencies in the mastering, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of economic models. A qualifying candidate should show evidence of original and independent scientific work. Prospective students must prepare a research proposal in consultation with a member of staff of the School of Economics and Econometrics. Once a decision has been made that the proposal has been accepted, the prospective student will be allowed to register for the degree.

Admission Requirements

A candidate who is in possession of a master’s qualification on NQF Level 9 may apply for admission to this qualification. Alternatively, any other related qualification with a programme- specific minimum level of competency on NQF Level 9, and related experience which is considered relevant and sufficient by the School of Economics.

Selection Process

Finalisation of registration for the programme (and/or continued registration) is subject to applicants complying with school-specific requirements. Such requirements usually include preparatory work leading up to a research proposal that is approved by the school. Possible examples of preparatory work are pre-reading, literature reviews, concept development, and successful completion of short courses aimed at skills and/or knowledge development. Candidates may also be required to successfully defend their research proposals at special discussion sessions. For a detailed account of how assessment of applications is conducted, please visit: https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/cbe/economics-and-econometrics/Documents/CBE-School-of-economics-internal-criteria-for-PhD.pdf.

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Conduct your own research in the field of Economics.

• The degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Economics is the School’s highest degree and is only offered through supervised research, to be conducted on an approved topic. 

Entry Requirements

Doctorate: 

• A masters degree in Economics or an equivalent qualification from Wits University or another university.
• A supervisor from the School must be identified and approached prior to application.

University Application Process

• Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC) . Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.  Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
• Please apply online . Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal .
• Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the  Self Service Portal .
• Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students , please check this section .

For more information,  contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits .

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here . Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities.  NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.  External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

• Enquire Now

The Doctorate programme will develop high-level research capability in candidates to make a significant and original academic or professional contribution at the frontiers of business, management and related fields.

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MANCOSA’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is crafted for ambitious professionals poised to master and shape the business narrative. This comprehensive program transcends traditional academia, inviting you to tackle complex business phenomena with scholarly depth and inventive solutions.

Start your journey & enquire about this programme now.

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STA6001W: PhD in Statistical Sciences

The topic of the PhD degree is decided in conjunction with a supervisor. Although every effort will be made to link potential students with a supervisor in the field of the submitted research proposal, it remains the responsibility of the applicant to secure a commitment from a suitable supervisor. The research fields of our staff vary in the areas of Astrostatistics, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Ecological statistics, Econometrics and Financial modelling, Multivariate statistics, Decision modelling, Problem structuring and project management, Stochastic processes, Spatial statistics and Statistical Education. For more information on the specific specialisations of staff members, see the Academic staff page

Entrance requirements

A relevant Masters programme demonstrating research ability. Please note that the Department reserve the right to accept you for Masters rather than PhD registration. At the end of one year, your progress will be assessed by the departmental postgraduate committee. Your registration may then be upgraded to a PhD, remain as is for a MSc, or terminated, depending on progress or lack thereof.

Application procedure

Application to the department is facilitated by sending an e-mail containing the following to Ms Celene Jansen-Fielies ( [email protected] )

• Completed expression of interest form
• Full academic transcripts of all courses not completed at UCT
• A two-page research proposal

Students are welcome to initiate the application process at any time during the academic year, although registration usually takes place in February or July.

Once the department has indicated provisional acceptance into the PhD programme, official application is to the Science Faculty by completing the online application form w ww.students.uct.ac.za

You need to ensure sufficient funds to cover your fees and living expenses. A limited number of university bursaries and other bursaries are available.

You need to apply separately for such funding ( http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/applications ). A limited number of tutoring positions are available in the department. The salary would depend on your duties and typically provides not more than R1500 per month for eight or nine months of the year. Note that an offer/acceptance into a postgraduate programme does not automatically ensure or entitle you to a tutorship. The department does not offer any financial assistance to students and it is imperative that students ensure coverage of their own financial needs before they arrive at UCT.

Language requirements

The official language of the university is English. Students may be required to undertake an English proficiency test.

For more information on postgraduate studies (application procedure, funding and rules) of UCT please consult: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/postgraduates

Note that the department’s approval of your application is a requirement of registration, but the Faculty may have additional requirements.

Join top candidates from across the continent and master your research skills.

Doctor of Philosophy

Become an expert – enrol for our PhD

Do you have an appreciation for the art of business science? Do you enjoy the challenge that knowledge creation offers? Do you want to establish yourself as an expert in your field?

Stellenbosch Business School’s internationally accredited PhD can help you achieve this. Becoming an expert within a particular field means knowing, understanding and building on the debates and discussions around the existing knowledge within that field. In becoming an expert, one learns how to use the principles of business science to address complex business problems.

Our areas of expertise for PhD-related research include Business Management, Development Finance, Futures Studies, and Coaching.

• Use business science to address pressing real-world business problems: Our PhD students read and absorb a significant number of academic peer-reviewed journal articles and understand how their research will add to ongoing academic discourse on a subject matter as well as how it will apply to African organisations. By doing research on doctoral level, students are enabled to help solve real-world business problems.
• International collaboration: As Stellenbosch Business School has many international partners, our PhD students become part of an international community where they are exposed to academics from various universities. Our students also attending class and colloquiums alongside PhD students from other countries.
• Complete your PhD within 4 years : This PhD is awarded solely on the successful completion of a research-based dissertation. Year 1 consists of 2 blocks of on-campus sessions (2 weeks each) to help you prepare and finalise your research proposal. Years 2 to 4 consist of 1 on-campus block (1 week each year) plus supervised research. It is therefore possible to obtain your PhD while you work.

Establish yourself as an expert

Do you enjoy the challenge that knowledge creation offers? Do you have an appreciation for the art of business science?

If so, applying for our PhD programme might be for you.

Course work followed by supervised research

Year 1 : Follow a discipline-based core curriculum and submit a comprehensive proposal before proceeding with your thesis. 

Years 2 to 4: Attend 1 on-campus block a year and undertake supervised research, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

Year 1 (2025)*:

10 – 22 February

2 – 14 June

Once you have completed Year 1, you will become a fully registered PhD student. This is followed by the research phase of the programme from Year 2 onwards.

*The Business School reserves the right to change programme dates and times.

Undertake PhD research in these fields

Development Finance

Business Administration

Futures Studies

Confirm your credibility

Contribute to new knowledge and become an expert in your field

Application deadline

30 August each year

Course Structure and Content

This PhD has been designed to help students develop advanced-level research skills and to equip them with a sound understanding of the relevant principles and theories underpinning Development Finance, Business Administration, Coaching and/or Futures Studies.

The duration of the PhD programme is four years. First-year students are granted provisional registration for the PhD. Full registration for the PhD is only allowed after the successful completion of the course work and approval of the research proposal.

As the doctoral dissertation is the only document that is examined with a view to award the doctoral degree, PhD candidates need assistance and guidance to complete such a dissertation. At Stellenbosch Business School, the PhD is structured by:

• Assigning a supervisor(s) to the student: PhD supervisors are only assigned to students after students have been accepted onto the programme. Supervisors are assigned to students based on the proposed research topic of the research proposal submitted for application.
• Mandatory attendance of on-campus classes during the first year of registration: To guide PhD students to successfully defend their PhD proposals, course work is offered during Year 1 of the PhD programme. The course work is non-credit bearing, and on-campus attendance is mandatory. Specific dates for on-campus classes vary each year, but the first two-week block is usually scheduled for mid-February while the second two-week block is scheduled for mid-June of every year.
• Successful PhD proposal defence to the PhD Admissions Committee: PhD students are required to defend their research proposals to a PhD Admissions Committee within the first year of registration. The PhD Admissions Committee consists of members of the PhD Committee, faculty, as well as an internal and external examiner . The PhD Admissions Committee evaluates the comprehensive research proposal and determines whether the proposed study will meet the requirements of a PhD degree. Specifically, the PhD Admissions Committee evaluates and considers the following issues: (1) Would the proposal lead to a successful PhD study? (2) Is the study expected to make a sufficient original subject contribution? (3) Is the candidate capable of completing the study successfully? (4) Who could possibly act as supervisor and is it perhaps necessary to appoint one or more co-supervisors?
• Mandatory on-campus attendance of PhD colloquiums during the second and subsequent years of the PhD: Students successfully admitted to the PhD programme must attend at least one on-campus Doctoral Colloquium in each year of their studies. Colloquia consist of masterclasses and workshops, and student presentations where each student presents and defends their research progress. Colloquia take place twice a year on campus, and students are required to attend at least one a year. Exact dates are communicated in the beginning of each academic year, but the one-week on-campus PhD Colloquia are usually scheduled for July and November.
• Submission of dissertation for examination and defence: A PhD dissertation is typically examined by two external examiners, and one internal examiner. Once the examiner reports have been received by the Faculty Office, and the examiners are satisfied that the PhD shows a theoretical contribution, the student may proceed to defend the PhD to the Examination Panel during a public defence. Only once the student has successfully presented and defended the PhD before the Examination Panel will the PhD be awarded to the student.

If you would like to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of business management and our understanding of this field, this internationally accredited PhD will prove your proficiency, show your commitment to life-long learning, and confirm your credibility.

This PhD is aimed at leaders, managers, strategists and consultants focused on solving real-world issues through evidenced-based problem solving, critical thinking and in-depth research in business management.

This will prepare you to work in industries focused on research and innovation, consultancies, and academic institutions.

Programme Head

Prof Charlene Gerber

Download brochure here.

Download brochure to discover more about our programmes

You will develop personal and transferable skills that can be used in a range of applied situations, enabling you to become an expert in your field of study.

Programme Fees

Application fee for 2024, tuition fees for 2024.

The programme fees for 2025 are published on the Business School’s website at www.stellenboschbusiness.ac.za/phdbma once this information becomes available. Also note the following:

• Payment of full programme fees for South African students : Students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 80% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 20% by the end of September. Payment schedule (based on outstanding fees after deposit payment): 28 February to 31 May: 20% x 4 months (80%) 30 June to 20 September: 5% x 4 months (20%)
• Payment of full programme fees for international students : International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due upon registration. The South African exchange rate favours international students.
• Deposit : All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The deposit payable is non-refundable and will be deducted from the total programme fees.
• Application fee : The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
• Assessment of international students’ applications : International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. For this to happen, you need to complete the online application, upload all certificates with your application, and pay your application fee. The International Affairs Office will then, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. However, should the International Affairs Office be unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
• Fees for second and subsequent years of enrolment : These fees will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases.
• Payments : Please use your student number as reference when making payments. Send proof of payment to  [email protected] . Quote your student number in all correspondence.
• Travel and accommodation : Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
• Fee changes : The Business School reserves the right to change the fees at any time.

Please use your Student Number as r eference | Email proof of payment to  [email protected]  | Quote your student number in all correspondence.

Capitec’s credit for education solution

Capitec offers credit for education at a discounted rate, which allows prospective students, or their parents or guardians, to apply for a loan of up to R500 000 and pay it back over 84 months.

Applicants must be permanently employed and have a valid SA ID. A provisional quote or admission letter from Stellenbosch Business School is needed to process the credit application. Apply for credit at  Capitec’s credit solution through the Business School . 

Initiation, service fees and T&Cs apply. Capitec Bank is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 46669) and registered credit provider (NCRCP13).

Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements.

• An overall average of minimum 65% for your Master's degree
• A grade of at least 70% for your Master's dissertation or research component
• Proficiency in English

Preliminary Research Proposal

• Write a pre-proposal on your research topic to help us determine whether your topic is viable and whether we can provide the supervision and resources you need
• 10 pages maximum (excluding references)
• Submit this with your application

The 2025 Application Assignment

• Write an essay addressing two specific questions (see below)
• 800 words in total

Our PhD programme is highly competitive, and only a few places are awarded each year. To be eligible to apply for a PhD at our Business School, the minimum requirements are:

Completing a PhD will require of you to follow a logical process. This process is systematic and planned, and requires you to consult academic peer-reviewed journal articles to justify and show why a research study should be undertaken. The research undertaken should be done in a robust way, where all decisions are justified based on evidence. Consequently, completing a PhD takes a considerable amount of dedication and time (on average, four years). Applicants should, therefore, consider the above highlighted issues carefully before applying.

When completing your PhD application (specifically the PhD Proposal and Assignment – see below), please keep in mind that all research is provisional and is open to question and debate. Make sure that your proposal and assignment adhere to the requirements of academic writing.

As part of your application pack, you need to submit your preliminary research proposal of maximum 10 pages (excluding references).

This research pre-proposal will assist the PhD Admissions Committee to evaluate at an early stage whether your topic is viable and whether we can provide appropriate supervision and resources. It will also help us to determine whether you have thought through your interest in and commitment to the programme, and whether you are suitable for admission to our PhD programme.

Download template for this assignment here .

All applicants need to submit the 2025 PhD Application Assignment as part of their PhD application for 2025. For the 2025 PhD Application Assignment, applicants should write an essay that addresses these two questions:

• Question 1: Why do you want to complete a PhD? (300 words)
• Question 2: When is it acceptable for managers and/or policy makers to make decisions using anecdotal evidence only? (500 words)

Your essay should include an appropriate title, as well as your name and the references you used. Please submit your assignment in PDF format. Download template for this assignment here .

Plagiarism, outsourcing and/or the use of AI tools to complete this assignment will be penalised and could result in the PhD application to be discarded.

Before you start

• About the online application process : The online application form consists of various sections. To progress from the one section to the next, all the information in the current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system. You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information (i.e. you do not have to complete the application form in one sitting). The application process is the same for South African and international students. It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.
• Assessment of international students’ applications : International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. For this to happen, you need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with your application. The International Affairs Office will then, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. However, should the International Affairs Office be unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
• Checking the status of your application : You can go back to your application and check the status of your application.
• Vetting process : All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.

The application process

Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online PhD application form by completing each of the required sections. You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:

• A full academic record of (all) undergraduate and postgraduate studies (average obtained in Master’s at least 65%)
• A preliminary research proposal (no more than 10 pages, excluding references)
• The 2025 PhD Application Assignment
• A copy of the Master’s thesis, dissertation or research assignment (with at least 70% obtained for the Master’s thesis, dissertation or research assignment)
• Any research articles or papers published in academic journals and/or academic conference proceedings
• CV with two academic references
• Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
• Certified copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students)
• A marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match the surname on the degree certificates)

Payment of your application fee and selection test fee can be done online:

• Bank details : Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School; Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.
• Enquiries about payments : Please send an e-mail to  [email protected] .

Deadline for PhD applications:  30 August each year

Please contact us if you need more information on this programme or the application process:

Programme enquiries and support with the applications process Customer Liaison Officer Telephone:   +27 (0) 21 918 4246 Email:   [email protected]

Admission and registration enquiries Marissa Groenewald Telephone:   +27 (0) 21 918 4114 Email:     maris@ stellenboschbusiness .ac.za

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Frequently asked questions

In our process, we encourage prospective PhD students to provide some original and independent thinking in the pre-proposal. Prior contact with a potential supervisor may make it difficult to distinguish the applicant’s thinking from the supervisor’s guidance.

You can find information about funding on our website. Additionally, please feel free to explore the funding opportunities available via the Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Office ( http://www.sun.ac.za/english/research-innovation/Research-Development/postgraduate-funding-support )

• Contribution : What makes a PhD different to any other degree is that it must contribute to knowledge. At Stellenbosch Business School, we understand this contribution to be a theoretical one. (Read more about contribution here , and the definition of theory here ). Try and avoid submitting a pre-proposal that reads more like a consulting report focusing on a specific context.
• Academic writing : PhD students should be able to write in alignment with the standard academic conventions, which includes full referencing. Pre-proposals are submitted to a text-matching programme to check for potential text recycling.
• Fit with Stellenbosch Business School’s interests : We strongly prefer projects in the private and non-profit sectors, as opposed to those in the public sector.

As mentioned, we encourage original thinking in the pre-proposal, and sharing such examples will make it difficult to distinguish your thinking from third-party ideas.

Unfortunately, our minimum requirements are fixed. Currently we do not offer any supplementary modules that will help you make up the minimum.

The allocation of appropriate supervisors is the responsibility of Stellenbosch Business School. While we do work with external supervisors regularly, the appointment of an external supervisor is motivated by the internal supervisor, and an existing relationship between supervisors have been found to be most beneficial to the success of the student’s project.

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• South Africa

TOP 10 PHD CLASSES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Planning to get a PhD in South Africa?

Here is a table of South African Universities offering PhD in different  in South Africa along with the duration and cost of the course:

Top Universities with PhD programs in South Africa?

1. University of Cape Town, Cape Town

2. University Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand

3. Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch

4. University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban

5. North West University, Potchefstroom

6. University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg

7. University of Pretoria, Pretoria

8. University of the Western Cape, Belville

9. Rhodes University, Makhanda

10. Durban University of Technology, Greyville

What is the cost of a Ph.D. course in South Africa?

The average cost of a Ph.D. course in South Africa is R19405 per annum.

What is the duration of Ph.D. courses in South Africa?

The average duration of Ph.D. courses in South Africa is 3-5 years. 

What is the salary of an Associate Professor in South Africa?

The average salary of an Associate Professor in South Africa is R588 686 per annum.

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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The Doctor of Business Administration programme offers students a rigorous, research-focused curriculum that emphasises research addressing the challenges most relevant to business leaders.

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• Duration 3 Years
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Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Closing date for applications for admission to master's and doctoral qualifications for 2024 academic year (some exceptions apply) extended to 31 january 2024..

Admission requirements

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• Application for admission

Registration

An appropriate Master of Education degree with an average of 60%. In addition to this requirement, applicants must submit a transcript or an academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research. Students will be accepted on the following criteria: Suitability and viability of the intended research; adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department and an approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity in the discipline or department. All students with foreign qualifications, including those with qualifications from African countries, must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA. (www.saqa.org.za)

Time limits for this degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.12 and 4.13 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees .

A student registered for a research doctoral programme must complete the study programme within six years. A student may make application to the Registrar for one additional year of study who will only consider the application if it is recommended by the Executive Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

Doctoral degree

A doctoral degree will require you to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. Coursework may be required as preparation or value addition to the research, but does not contribute to the credit value of the qualification. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that you will be required to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline or field. This work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Research focus areas

Click here  to view a list of departments and research focus areas for the College of Education .

Research outline

Unisa’s admission policy has changed and you are now required to submit a detailed research outline for the qualification for which you apply. No application submitted without a detailed research outline will be considered. Although this research outline may differ for each qualification or academic department, the basic information required is as follows:

• Summary of topic
• Short literature review
• Expected contribution of the study
• Methodology to be followed
• Availability of the data
• List of references
• Reasons why you are interested in the topic

Click here  for the guidelines on how to prepare a research outline. 

Plagiarism of any form is unacceptable. Please take note of Unisa's Policy for Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism .

Application fee

Pay the online application fee of R135,00 once you have received your Unisa student number.

Please note: 

• The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
• Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (eg STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030). 
• Send your proof of payment to [email protected]  
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo  for Unisa's payment methods and banking details. 

An application for a student number does not constitute an application for admission. After you receive your student number, you must still complete the online application for admission process and  upload the compulsory supporting documents. 

Student fees

Click here for the 2023 student fee information. The fee information for the 2024 academic year will be available at the time of registration. 

Students registering for qualifications through the Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) should visit the  SBL website for fee information, as the SBL uses a different fee structure.

Click here for student funding/bursary opportunities.

Apply for a student number and apply for admission

Applications for admission to master's and doctoral qualifications for the 2024 academic year will be open from 11 September to 14 November 2023 ( some exceptions apply ).

Click here  to apply for a student number and apply for admission.

Please ensure that you apply for a Unisa student number (if applicable), apply for admission and upload all the supporting documents during the application period.

You have 10 working days to upload all the supporting documents during the application period. If you do not comply with this requirement, your application will be declined and you will have to re-apply for admission during the next application period.

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2023 academic year. Students with outstanding fees or a Library block on their accounts, will not be able to register online until these issues have been resolved. No printed registration forms will be accepted.

Click here  for registration information.

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PhD in Nursing & Midwifery

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The degree provides the opportunity for a candidate to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor, building on previous knowledge gained in a particular subject area at Masters level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen subject and may embody only the original work of the candidate.

The programme is designed to enable students to acquire both methodological sophistication and substantive knowledge appropriate to a discipline. The PhD programme is designed to encourage the study of substantive concerns, methodological approaches, and research and communication skills necessary either for employment or for further independent research.

The proposed research should fall into the research focus areas of the Division of Nursing and Midwifery.

Selection criteria

• A recognised Masters degree in Nursing, Midwifery or a related discipline
• Registration as a professional nurse
• A suitable concept document – see here for guidelines
• Proposed research should be within the Division’s Research Focus areas

A minimum of two years full time study.

Research setting

• Research may be undertaken in South Africa or in the country of an international candidate.
• If an international candidate wishes to conduct clinical research in South Africa, they will need to be registered as a nurse and/or midwife (as appropriate) with the South African Nursing Council.

Research approval

• Research studies may not commence until the Faculty of Health Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee approval is granted, and the necessary permissions from research settings / institutions.
• In the case of international students, in addition to UCT research ethics approval, they will need to get research ethics approval from a local (in-country) higher education or research institution, as required by the country concerned.

8 Distance Learning PhD Programs in South Africa for 2024

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Distance Learning PhD Programs in South Africa

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country located at the southern tip of Africa. It is divided into nine provinces. South Africa is not only a jumping off point, it is itself a fantastic destination rich in culture, fauna & flora and history.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.

Online or distance learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning, one can access education at any time and from any location with an available internet connection.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

The PhD(Education) is a 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time degree.

A Doctorate is the highest qualification a student can be awarded at the University. It is earned by conducting independent research under the supervision of faculty mentors.

Students are exposed to research opportunities involving multiple cutting edge research skills. The programme offers a unique blend of theory, research and practical reflection. 

The completion of the qualification is dependant upon producing a doctoral thesis. The thesis should make a recognisable contribution to knowledge in the field of study and be of a publishable standard. 

Entry Requirements

• A masters degree from Wits or another university with a 70% total mark aggregate.
• A supervisor must be identified and approached prior to application.

Additional entry requirements may apply.

University Application Process

• Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC) . Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.  Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
• Please apply online . Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal .
• Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the  Self Service Portal .
• Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students , please check this section .

For more information,  contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits .

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here . Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities.  NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.  External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.