phd courses 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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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.

PHD COLLOQUIM

21 – 25 July

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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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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Postgraduate Studies​​

      postgraduate program​​​mes.

A comprehensive rang​​e of postgraduate programmes (diplomas, honours, master's and PhD) are offered across Stellenbosch University's ten faculties or between faculties through the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking. All postgraduate programmes are offered in English.

When applying for the more advanced levels of stu​​dy, it is often useful to identify and communicate with a potential academic supervisor, before applying. This is especially true if you plan on enrolling for a research-based degree programme (master's or doctoral). Most postgraduate programmes have a designated coordinator who can help you to get in touch with the most appropriate person in your field. It is thus useful to communicate with this person in advance. In this manner, a whole range of questions related to actual projects, funding opportunities and other matters can normally be addressed. This can save a lot of time and effort in helping you to submit a well-prepared, relevant application. To find the details of the postgraduate coordinator relevant to your programme, please browse the Faculty or School websites below.

As part of your official university application which you may submit via the  electronic application system ​ , you may be requested to submit additional documentation, depending on the programme you are applying for. Please note that these additional documents are mandatory and without them, you will not be able to submit your application.

The application process for current enrolled SU students is available  here .

Please note that application for admission to postgraduate degree programmes for both South African and international candidates are subject to faculty specific closing dates . These are specified per programme on the faculties listed below.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Faculty of ​AgriSciences​

-->faculty of arts and​ social sciences, -->faculty of economic and management sciences, ​ -->faculty of education, -->faculty of engineering, ​ -->faculty of law, ​ -->faculty of medicine and health​ sciences, ​ -->faculty of military science, ​ -->faculty of science, -->facu​​lty of theology​, school for data science & computational thinking.

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Development Studies

As a PhD student, you will be required to present your Research to the Development Studies Board, before submission to the Faculty.

It is imperative that for the first six months after registration, you are in Johannesburg, South Africa, in order to meet your supervisor, attend seminars and meetings and submit your research.  

The minimum time for completion is 2 years full-time but it normally takes most candidates at least 3 years to complete.  

Unit Code:  

• Part-time studies SOSS9001A  
• Full-time studies SOSS9000A  

Entry Requirements

• 70% and above average for your Masters  
• Social Sciences background is an advantage  
• NQF of 9 on SAQA   ( Only   for International Students)  
• Work or Volunteer experience in the Development field an added advantage  
• Supporting documents required with your application (International & Non-Wits Applicants):
• Certified copies of your ACADEMIC RECORD /STATEMENT OF RESULTS
• Certified copy of Certificate of Evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority. Details of how to apply for the certificate are on their website: www.saqa.org.za (Only for International Students.
• Letter of Motivation as to why you wish to pursue this line of study
• Sample of Work (may be a marked essay or a chapter from previous research conducted, etc.)
• A 5-page Research Proposal outlining your research interest. (Masters by Research)
• In terms of the University rules, an applicant who has not used English in his/her academic education up to this point will be required to supply proof of proficiency in English at the time of application. A British Council test is recommended and they can be contacted at (011) 718 4300 or email [email protected]
• Non-refundable Application Fee of R200.00

Supporting documents required with your application (Wits Applicants):

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.

• 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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The Doctoral Degrees Board is responsible for all supervised doctoral degrees as well as senior doctorates by published works.

For more information on applications regarding doctoral degrees please contact the relevant faculty:

• Engineering & the Built Environment

Candidates for the PhD may qualify for admission if they have:

• a master's degree
• an honours degree, or a 4-year bachelor's degree, plus at least 1 year's registration for the master's degree
• a 3-year bachelor's degree plus at least 2 years registration for a master's degree

Please see General Rules for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy for more information.

Formal application for admission is made through the relevant faculty. Candidates are registered provisionally until their research proposals have been formally approved by the Doctoral Degrees Board.

Students registering for the PhD degree will be formally allocated a supervisor, who is responsible for providing guidance.

Please see Guidelines for the information and use of PhD candidates and supervisors for more information.

Please contact the Student Fees Office for any fee-related queries.

Period of registration

Candidates must be registered for at least 2 consecutive years, although registration for a year at another university may be accepted as part of that period.

No maximum period of time is prescribed for completing a thesis, but the university stipulates a "reasonable time", which is generally taken to be 5 years.

If a candidate is not making satisfactory progress, a faculty's Higher Degrees Committee may issue a warning, and, if necessary, may refuse re-registration.

9 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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PhD in Education (Educational Leadership and Management)

Faculty Website:    Faculty of Education Department:  Department of Education Leadership and Management Programme Level: Postgraduate Programme Name:  PhD in Education (Educational Leadership and Management) Programme Code: P5DELQ

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:  Soweto

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

Duration of Study:  2 Years

Programme Fees

The PhD (Education) requires a candidate to undertake research at an advanced academic level culminating in the production, defence and acceptance of a thesis. The candidate is required to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution to the field of Education.

Admission Requirements

Prospective candidates will have obtained a MEd. OR Prospective candidates will have obtained a teacher’s diploma/teaching qualification, plus an appropriate master’s degree as well as work experience in the field of study. The Education knowledge of such candidates will be assessed by the Head of Department and prospective supervisor and a reading programme may be prescribed prior to allowing registration. Students without an education qualification may be allowed to register for a PhD, should those students have appropriate education related experience (e.g. work experience) in relation to the proposed topic of the PhD. Such a prospective student must be involved in pre-registration and a prescribed reading programme. Full registration will be allowed based on satisfactory progress with a Chapter 1 during the pre-registration period. The chapter, approved by the supervisor, must be submitted to the Faculty Office to allow full registration.

Selection Process

Academic performance: students need to have attained a minimum of 65% in their previous degree. If 65% was not attained, prior learning and experience in the field may be taken into consideration and students could be allowed to register based on a pre-registration research proposal which is accepted by the Department in which the student will be registering.

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Domestic Violence

Bbc report finds social workers lack training to spot abuse, these findings highlight a critical gap in how to protect victims of ipv..

Posted September 4, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

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• Many social work graduate programs fail to address IPV, specifically in areas of coercive control.
• The absence of specialized training in IPV and coercive control can lead to misinformed interventions.
• Survivors of IPV may not receive the support they need, which can hinder their ability to escape abuse.

Marlene graduated from her social work program three years ago. Since then, she has worked in family and social services agencies. "I knew absolutely nothing about domestic violence when I graduated," she reports. "Other than covering physical abuse between a heterosexual couple, we had no training about other forms of abuse, or even how it manifests in diverse relationships." As a result, she often worries that she is ineffective in helping her clients. "What if I failed to recognize abuse taking place and left my clients in harm's way?" she worries out loud.

Her lack of training in IPV ( Intimate Partner Violence ), specifically in areas of coercive control, is not an outlier. In fact, the BBC finds that social workers lack training in intimate partner abuse, especially in recognizing and addressing coercive control (Collinson & Kendall, 2024). In an article with the BBC last week, "a BBC investigation has found more than a third of accredited university social work courses in England are not teaching specific training on coercive control," (Collinson & Kendall, 2024).

Social workers like Marlene are not alone. Thomas, who graduated this year from his social work program, told me that "we talked about domestic abuse for like an hour, focusing on physical violence. The professor's suggestion was to tell the victim to call the police and get a protection order," he shared. "Now that I am in the field, I see how unrealistic and illogical that is!"

The BBC's study addresses a critical issue, as many social work graduate programs fall short in addressing intimate partner violence, particularly in areas of nonphysical abuse such as coercive control (Tham et al., 2023). While these programs often cover general aspects of IPV, such as physical abuse of a man towards a woman, they frequently lack in-depth training on the subtleties of coercive control—such as manipulation, isolation, and psychological abuse —which are critical to recognizing and understanding IPV and essential to effectively supporting survivors.

As a therapist who specializes in IPV, specifically in areas of post separation abuse, as well as a survivor myself, I have seen firsthand how this lack of training leaves victims without the support they need to escape abusive situations. In my work as a clinical supervisor, I have witnessed countless situations where social workers failed to recognize coercive control taking place. I worry that I, myself, may have failed to recognize these same abusive tactics earlier in my own training.

It is crucial for social workers to recognize intimate partner violence because their role often involves identifying, supporting, and intervening in situations of abuse. "If social workers had known more about the signs of coercive control...it would have made a difference," says one survivor in the recent BBC article (Collinson & Kendall, 2024). Her words likely echo the feelings of many survivors. Effective recognition of IPV allows social workers to assess the immediate safety risks faced by survivors and develop appropriate safety plans. Coercive control often involves significant psychological and emotional abuse. Social workers trained to recognize these aspects can offer appropriate mental health support and help survivors navigate these traumatic experiences.

Social workers who fail to recognize coercive control contribute to the gaslighting and self- denial that many victims of IPV experience. I remember the doubt I felt about my own experience when a couple's therapist who was unable to identify or address the coercive control in my relationship, inadvertently reinforced my confusion and self-blame. The lack of professional acknowledgment left me riddled with self-doubt and questioning the validity of my own perceptions, and even gave my ex the validation they needed to continue the abuse unchecked.

Social workers play a crucial role in identifying and assisting victims of domestic abuse. But, their effectiveness is limited when they are not equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize the nuances of abuse in relationships. Coercive control, which involves patterns of manipulation, isolation, and psychological abuse, is less visible than physical violence. Without adequate training, social workers may struggle to identify these subtle forms of abuse and may inadvertently miss critical signs that require intervention. Failure to address the abuse only emboldens abusers and further gaslights victims.

This is dangerous. If survivors of IPV and coercive control do not receive the comprehensive support they need, this greatly affects their ability to escape abusive situations and begin the process of recovering from their experiences. Failing to recognize abuse taking place can put victims at risk for further abuse, or even death. We can no longer afford to skip on this area of education . Investing in this training is crucial for ensuring that social workers are well-prepared to provide effective support and intervention in addressing domestic abuse.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, visit thehotline.org or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Collinson, A & Kendall, C. (Aug, 2024). Social workers lack training to tackle coercive abuse, BBC finds. www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4970jdgq7o

Tham, P., McFadden, P., Russ, E., Baldschun, A., Blakeman, P., & Austin Griffiths (2023) How do we prepare students for the challenges of social work? Examples from six countries around the world, Social Work Education, 42:4, 494-510, DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2021.1976135

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS, is a psychotherapist and the author of three books, including Breaking the Cycle and It's Not High Conflict, It's Post-Separation Abuse.

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