phd by dissertation only south africa

• Nov 9, 2020

Obtaining an Overseas PhD Without Moving Overseas

Updated: May 30

****This page is regularly updated****

I love education... I may have missed "my calling" to be an academic dean or professor. Anyway, one of the fascinating developments to watch has been the increased ways to study for a Ph.D. In the past, Ph.D. students would move nearby or live on campus to undertake their studies. Over the last ten years, many North American and overseas learning institutions have developed more user-friendly study methods. Modular programs, online classes, cohorts, intensive weeks, independent study classes, partnerships with conferences, and more are just a few of the various study methods.

Whereas most North American Ph.D. programs involve doctoral seminars before writing the dissertation, many overseas Ph.D. programs focus solely on writing the dissertation (commonly referred to as "dissertation only"). Since students can access a major university library and Zoom/FaceTime with their mentor professors once or twice a month, many overseas schools allow Ph.D. students to study in their home country. Such programs require either minimal or no travel before graduation.

Below are some overseas schools offering Ph.D.s (in areas like biblical studies, theological studies, religion, ministry/practical theology, philosophy of religion, missions/intercultural studies, and so on) that don't require relocation.

Hope you enjoy the post. Be sure to check out other blog posts in this series: earning an overseas master's degree , where to earn a 100% online master's degree , and Ph.D. distance learning programs in the United States .

Asia Graduate School of Theology

Alphacrucis University College

Australian School of Theology

**Students choose one of their schools to study for a Ph.D .

Brisbane School of Theology

Christ College

Laidlaw College

Malyon Theological College

Melbourne School of Theology

Morling College

Presbyterian Theological College

Queensland Theological College

Ridley College

Sydney Missionary & Bible College

Trinity Theological College

Avondale University

Central Queensland University

Charles Sturt University

James Cook University

Sydney College of Divinity

**Students can earn a Ph.D . or a Th.D .

University of Divinity

Australian Lutheran College

Catholic Theological College

Eva Burrows College

Pilgrim Theological College

St. Athanasius College

Stirling College

Trinity College Theological School

Whitley College

Yarra Theological Union

University of Notre Dame Australia

**Students can earn a Ph.D. or a Th.D.

** Students can study for a Th.D. at the following schools:

Catholic Institute of Sydney

University of Victoria

University of Western Australia

Evangelische Theologische Faculteit

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

** Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) awarded

Sofia University- St. Kliment Ohridski

University of Toronto

CZECH REPUBLIC

University of New York in Prague

Aix-Marseille University

Université de Lorraine

Dublin City University

Trinity College Dublin

University of Dublin  (Trinity College)

Union Theological College

**Students can earn a Ph.D. from the Union Theological College through:

Davenant Hall

Africa International University

St. Paul's University

NETHERLANDS

Free University of Amsterdam ( Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam )

**Students can earn a Ph.D. from the Free University of Amsterdam through:

International Baptist Theological Seminary

The Queen's Foundation

Union School of Theology

NEW ZEALAND

University of Auckland

University of Otago

National Open University of Nigeria

Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary

University of Olso

**Students can earn a Ph.D. or a Dr.Philos ( Doctor Philosophiae )

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

**Doctor Philosophiae (Dr.Philos) awarded

PHILLIPPINES

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary

University of Opole

THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

Singapore Bible College

SOUTH AFRICA

South African Theological Seminary

Stellenbosch Univeristy

University of the Free State

**Students can earn either a Th.D. or a Ph.D. in Theology

University of Johannesburg

University of Pretoria **Students can earn a Ph.D. from the University of Pretoria through:

Cape Town Baptist Seminary

University of South Africa

**Ph.D. areas have different departmental websites with information

Lund University

UNITED KINGDOM

Anglia Ruskin University

Bangor University

Canterbury Christ Church University

Cardiff University

Coventry University

Durham University

**Students can earn a Ph.D. from Durham University through:

Westminster College

Liverpool Hope University

**Students can earn a Ph.D. from Liverpool Hope University through:

Maryvale Institute

London Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University

Middlesex University

**Students can earn a Ph.D. from Middlesex University through:

Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

London School of Theology

Nottingham Trent University

The Open University

Oxford Brookes University

Oxford University

*Studying through the Department of Continuing Education

Staffordshire University

St. Mary's University

University of Aberdeen

**Students can also earn a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen through:

Bristol Baptist College

Trinity College Bristol

University of Birmingham

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

** Students can also earn a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge through:

University of Chester

University of Chichester

University of Edinburgh

University of Essex

University of Exeter

University of Glasgow

University of Gloucestershire

University of the Highlands & Islands

University of Hull

The University of Kent (apply as an external research student )

University of Leeds

University of Leicester ** Students can earn a Ph.D. or the equivalent DSocSci (Doctor of Social Science)

University of London (King's College London)

University of Manchester

** Students can earn a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester through:

Cliff College

Luther King Centre

Nazarene Theological College

University of Northampton

University of Nottingham

University of Reading

University of Roehampton

** Students can earn a Th.D. in Practical Theology

University of Sheffield

University of Sunderland

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David

University of Westminster

University of York

York St. John University

**Students can earn a Ph.D. from the York St. John University through:

Urban Theology Union

• Doctoral Study
• Theological Education

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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. 

• 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

You may also like....

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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The Faculty of Law offers dissertation-only Masters and PhD programmes. While much of the information applies to both levels, each degree type has specific requirements, regulations and guidelines. All of this information is provided at the menu links. 

A full guide for Masters and Doctoral theses is available here and should be read in conjunction with the other downloads provided on the pages relevant to your degree type.

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In addition to the research-only LLM, MPhil and PhD options, students can consider a coursework-based LLM with a mini-dissertation. This is referred to as a Coursework & Dissertation masters (or C&D). Information is provided at the menu links about rules, regulations and guidelines for mini-dissertations.

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Applying for admission as a doctoral student in Sociology may seem quite a daunting process. These notes are offered as practical guidelines for prospective students. They do not replace the official rules and regulations (as laid out in UCT’s official handbooks on General Rules and Policies   and the Humanities Faculty’s Postgraduate Studies Handbook ).

As a first step, please read the following document on applying for a PhD in the Sociology Department.  

Please also see links and downloads in the right-hand column of this page..

Minimum Admission Requirements 

You need to be academically very well prepared to be admitted as a PhD student. This usually means having at least a good Master’s degree in Sociology (or an acceptable alternative social science discipline) and proven competence as an independent social researcher. A good research Master’s degree (i.e. a degree completed by dissertation only, without coursework) usually fulfils these requirements. Alternatively, a Master’s by coursework and dissertation may be acceptable if both the overall mark and the dissertation mark are very good, that is at least 70%. These minimum requirements do not guarantee admission.

These entrance requirements are sometimes relaxed for "mature" students, i.e. students who are older and have been out of the university world for some time. In such cases, we look for other evidence that the applicant is motivated and capable of completing a doctorate.

Students are sometimes admitted to study for a research Master’s degree with the possibility of a later change of registration to a PhD. A change of registration to PhD will only be approved if the student has demonstrated clearly that they are capable of completing successfully the PhD.

The admission of students to study for a PhD entails three stages:

1. A preliminary stage to ascertain whether there is a fit between the student’s interests and the department. 2. The formal application. 3. Transfer from provisional to full registration.

At this stage you should communicate with the Administrator in the Sociology Department, [email protected]. You may also communicate directly with academic members of staff who are possible supervisors. However, it is advised that you CC the administrator in all correspondence during this preliminary stage.

Please send: 

• Your CV (which includes the University contact details of two academic referees) 
• A short proposal: this should be 6 to 8 pages or 2-3000 words in length; it should indicate clearly and succinctly (1) what you propose to research, (2) how you propose to research it, and (3) why this will be a significant contribution to one or other branch of sociology, including with respect to the existing literature. This is not a binding commitment on your part: if you are admitted, then we expect that the design of your thesis will evolve. But you must demonstrate the basic coherence of your proposed thesis topic.
• All past academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate) 
• A writing sample. This should provide evidence of your academic – preferably sociological – writing ability and your command of research methods; your Master’s dissertation would best serve this purpose.
• A letter of motivation

If you have identified one or more possible supervisors in the Department, you should also indicate this. You might then be referred to a potential supervisor for further discussion. This step is important because the Department of Sociology will only take on a new doctoral student if that person has met the academic requirements and there is an appropriate supervisor within the Department who is both qualified, available and willing to provide the necessary supervision. Even if there is a qualified supervisor in the student’s proposed field of research, he or she might not be available or willing to supervise.

If none of the professors or lecturers in the department is qualified, available and willing to serve as supervisor, then the Department will not admit the student. It is at this point, therefore, that the administrator, on behalf of the Department’s Postgraduate Committee, will advise you whether or not to proceed with your application.

All requested documents must be provided in order for a proper assessment to be made. If there is definite interest expressed in your potential candidature, you will still be required to complete the full application process (see section below) before a formal response is given.   

Once you have established that the Department of Sociology will consider your formal application, you should proceed with applying formally for admission. Formal applications are done online, on: http://applyonline.uct.ac.za

Dates - application and registration

PhD applicants may apply at any time, but keep the various registration deadlines in mind (see section below).  Allow for enough time (at least 2 months) for the assessment process to be completed in order to make the registration deadlines.  Please ensure that all required documentation is provided - both for the preliminary assessment and, should it be recommended to apply formally, for the online application.  Bear in mind that university holidays may impact on assessments.  Mid-June to mid-July, as well as mid-December to end-January, are not advisable times to submit applications or expect a prompt response.

First-time registrations

New PhD students may register throughout the academic year but it must be  before 1 May  if it is to count as the first academic year of study (towards the minimum period of registration).  This is pertinent for those candidates who would like to graduate within the minimum time of 2 years, and may also impact scholarship funding.  

• A new PhD student registering before 30 June is charged the FULL annual fee.
• A new PhD student registering after 30 June is granted a 50% rebate of the annual course fee.

Returning candidates: must register by no later than February each year

Students will be required to register provisionally for a PhD, and will transfer to full registration only when the Department is satisfied with the student’s progress, and once their research proposal has been approved by the University's Doctoral Degrees Board.  

Students who are registered provisionally for a PhD are expected to spend their first six months developing, under supervision, their research proposal. To assist new students with provisional registration, the Department endeavours to hold an 'induction' session for new PhD students to discuss the requirements of a full proposal. New students are required to attend.  Students are sometimes required or advised to take appropriate Masters- or even Honours-level courses to help their preparations.

After six months, or earlier if you and your supervisor agree that the proposal is ready, you will be required to submit a full proposal and present it at a Departmental seminar. This full proposal should be approximately 20 pages (6-8000 words) in length. 

For more information on the research proposal, and the presentation thereof, see the Department's PhD Application guidelines.

**Please note that the Department is unable to respond to fee-related queries**

Fees information can be obtained from the fees office:  [email protected] It is also imperative that you consult the  UCT Fees Handbook  

International Students 

**See Section 5 of the Fees Handbook for particulars**

An annual International Fee (not applicable to local, SADC or PhD students) is levied every year of registration. SADC students are levied an annual Administrative Service Fee.

Scholarships and bursaries are administered by the Postgraduate Funding Office. 

For information on funding, see the  Postgraduate Funding Office web pages  and the  Financial Assistance for Postgraduate Study and Postdoctoral Research handbook .  The Postgraduate Funding  notice board  is another useful source for funding opportunities. 

You can  contact the Funding Office at  [email protected] . 

The deadlines for the UCT- administered awards vary from July to the end of October and usually pre-date the deadline for application submissions, so please submit your financial applications in on time if you are considering applying for a degree. 

**Note that the closing date for the International Students' Scholarship is 31 July of the preceding year of study**

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

Related Events

Stellenbosch business school | virtual open week 2023, kampala, uganda information session, kigali, rwanda information session, what our students and alumni say.

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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Doctor of Philosophy in Theology

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Theology is designed to raise up scholar-leaders in various fields of Christian ministry. It is a fully-accredited online programme that provides the opportunity for ground-breaking theological research.

Do I Qualify?

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, a candidate must have achieved an above-average grade in their Master’s degree. Additionally, a candidate must meet one of these admission requirements:

• An accredited Master’s degree in a theological field, with a substantial research project.
• An accredited Master’s degree in another field, with a substantial research project, accompanied by an accredited Bachelor Honours in Theology.

Submit your application to determine if you qualify to study with us.

The PhD is a research degree that culminates in an original dissertation of 80,000–100,000 words. The learning journey is divided into five phases.

Phase 1 begins when you enrol. It consists of two online courses: GEN4121 Theological Orientation and MRS5240 Research Concept Development. Only outstanding candidates who achieve 75% or higher will be invited to proceed.

Phase 2 requires you to draft and submit a formal research proposal, which you do in consultation with your appointed supervisor, a scholar specialising in your research area. The phase ends when the SATS Research Committee approves your research proposal.

Phases 3–4 are where you conduct the research and write the dissertation, under the tutelage of your appointed supervisor.

Phase 5 is about examination! You submit your dissertation for internal and external examination, making the required improvements. You must also submit an article based on the thesis. The PhD journey culminates in the online oral defence. This takes place after the dissertation passes both the internal and external evaluation process. The student is required to defend his or her thesis by responding to questions posed by a team of experts in the chosen fields of study.

US Students

North American students find SATS’ PhD in Theology programme relevant and affordable. By 2016 there were already ten Ph.D. graduates from the USA, with a further 32 enrolled students.

Recently our MTh and PhD programmes were submitted to two of the most frequently used and highly recommended evaluators in the USA, namely, the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (ierf.org) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ International Education Services, and both confirmed that these degrees represent attainment of a level of education comparable to the equivalent degrees from a regionally accredited university in the United States. Our degrees are also recognised by the German website anabin.kmk.org which provides information about the evaluation of foreign qualifications, as well as by the Brazilian and Argentinian governments.

How Long Does It Take?

The minimum duration is two years, but the average completion is 3 – 6 years with a maximum of 7 years.

Students From Africa

Several potential PhD candidates from Africa have told us that the demands made upon them as Christian leaders prevent them, in their own country, from giving the attention that their PhD studies would require. They have pointed out that the only solution is to leave their country for a short time in order to devote their full attention to their research.

Click here to see the Full Price List for all programmes

You pay at the beginning of each phase, so the tuition is spread over 3–5 years (the average time it takes to complete the programme).

The tuition fees are the total cost of the programme. There are no hidden costs, no travel costs, no accommodation costs, and no prescribed books to purchase.

For many PhD programmes, these “hidden” costs can easily double or triple the total cost of study.

Kindly note that all fees paid to SATS are non-refundable.

Complete our online application form, or contact us.

Science - Postgraduates & Research Support: Dissertations & Theses

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Submit & Search for Dissertations & Theses

This page can help you in two ways :

• With guidelines for submitting your Dissertation or Theses to the Library
• Finding UJ, National and International Dissertations and Theses full-text 

How to Submit your Dissertation or Thesis to the Library

If you are at the end of your Masters or Doctorate, you need a guidelines on how to submit your Dissertations & Thesis to the library:

Library Thesis submission requirements

• The Library’s ETD submission form must be submitted to the relevant Head: Faculty Administration together with one electronic PDF copy of your thesis/dissertation.

The UJ Library requires the following to be submitted:

• the final corrected and approved electronic  version of the thesis (single PDF file)saved on a CD(RW) or DVD (RW);
• signed Thesis/Dissertation submission form, Annexure D (which must not be bound in the volume or included in the ETD file)

Quick links to:

• Electronic Theses/Dissertations Submission form
• Electronic Theses/Dissertations Submission Guidelines
• Theses & Dissertations FAQ

NRF: Institutional Repository

The NRF receives its mandate from the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of 1998) to support and promote research through funding, human capacity development and the provision of the necessary research facilities, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of the natural and social sciences, humanities and technology, including indigenous knowledge systems.

The NRF Research Facilities: HartRAO, iThemba Labs, NZG, SAAO, SAEON, SKA, SAASTA and SAIAB conduct research in specific scientific disciplines

Communities in NRF Institutional Repository :

• Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO)
• iThemba Labs
• Knowledge Management Corporate
• National Research Foundation (NRF)
• National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG)
• NRF Funded Theses & Dissertations
• Research and Innovation, Support and Advancement (RISA)
• South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
• South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)
• South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
• South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
• South African Square Kilometre Array Project (SKA SA)

Open Access: Institutional Repositories

Search for: South African Current & Completed Dissertations & Theses

The databases below will help you to ensure that your research topic is unique in South Africa

National ETD Portal: South African theses and dissertations

This database provides information on approximately 170 000 South African current and completed research projects including theses and dissertations. This source now provides information on all fields of science since 1919. The records of the Union Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations (UCTD) formerly maintained by the Potchefstroom University for CHE are now included. The NAVTECH research projects are included in the database. It also includes abstracts and English titles for projects not in English.

Search for: UJ Completed Dissertations & Theses

Need to find completed UJ Theses & Dissertations? Then search the following resources:

• UJLink: Library Catalogue (print & electronic)
• UJContent: UJ Theses & Dissertations (the new platform for the UJ Institutional Repository)

Search for: International Dissertations & Theses

If you would like to search for international Dissertations and Theses, then start with:

SA Universities Institutional Repositories, Theses & Dissertations

South African Open Access Institutional Repositories, inc. Dissertations and Theses:

• Cape Pennisula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology Institutional Repository
• NMMU DSpace Repository
• North-West University
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• University of Western Cape
• University of Zululand Repository
• University of the Witwatersrand

International Open Access Institutional Repositories/Dissertations & Theses

• OpenDOAR: Directory of Open Access Repositories This link opens in a new window
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Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa: Doctoral Dissertation Research Fellowship

The Social Science Research Council offers fellowships to support the completion of doctoral degrees and to promote next generation social science research in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The fellowships support dissertation research on peace, security, and development topics. 

The doctoral dissertation research fellowship  supports 6-12 months of dissertation research costs of up to US$15,000 on a topic related to peace, security, and development. This program also offers two workshops each year to help fellows to further develop and strengthen their research, engage key literature in their fields, embark on fieldwork-based research, and develop their capacity for scholarly writing, including academic publications.

Eligibility:

All applicants must:

• be citizens of any sub-Saharan African country
• be enrolled and working towards a PhD in an accredited university, or affiliated to an institution in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda
• have a fully developed doctoral dissertation research proposal approved by a graduate school/program at an accredited university in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania or Uganda.

The program prioritizes applicants holding a faculty position or demonstrating a durable commitment to higher education in Africa, but does not restrict eligibility to such individuals.  The program seeks to promote diversity and encourages women to apply.

Thematic Priorities:

The program features a thematic focus on  peace ,  security,  and  development  in order to renew basic research agendas and strengthen interdisciplinary social science research capacity addressing these issues.  The program encourages innovative research on peace, security, and development topics, moving the boundaries of scholarship and research by exploring concrete linkages between these themes. We envision supporting a diverse set of projects seeking to shed light on a range of economic, political, social, conflict and peacebuilding processes using evidence-based research. Some projects, we hope, will examine large-scale phenomena and others small-scale social processes. The strongest projects typically will explore connections across these scales. Some research projects will rigorously explore elements of governance, civil society, human rights, peacebuilding mechanisms/institutions and processes, and rule of law. Others will explore root causes of conflict, human insecurity, emerging trajectories and forms of conflict, insecurities, and human mobilities. Above all projects should advance important fields of study and social science knowledge. For additional on information on previously supported projects, please visit our  fellows’ pages .  Please see the following list of prospective issues that are considered relevant to Next Gen fellowships:

• Causes and drivers of conflict
• Institutional and local approaches to conflict prevention, management, and resolution
• National and Regional approaches to peace, security, and development
• Identity and conflict
• Gender, youth, conflict, and peacebuilding
• Conflict, peace and human mobilities
• Histories, Arts and Cultures of conflict and peace
• State-Society relations
• Economic and Humanitarian perspectives to conflict and peace
• Democracy, human rights, and development
• Post-conflict development, governance and reconstruction
• Peace agreements,  transitional justice and reconciliation
• International justice, war crimes, peace, and development
• Law and constitutionalism
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation practices and peace
• Natural resource governance, conflict, peace and development
• Climate Change, conflict, peace, and security
• Globalization and emerging insecurities
• Peace education and African literatures
• Media, digital technology AI,  peace, and security

Application Process:

All applications must be submitted using the  online application portal .

Strong proposals will offer clear and concise descriptions of the project and its significance. Proposals should display thorough knowledge of the relevant social science literature that applicants will engage in and the methodologies relevant to the project. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that all proposed activities are feasible and can be completed in a timely manner. All proposals will be evaluated for these criteria by an independent, international committee of leading scholars from a range of social science and related disciplines.  Fellows must be willing to attend two workshops sponsored by the SSRC each year that are intended to help early-career faculty engage in scholarly reflections, research, and writing. We will award up to 36 fellowships in total across all categories each year.

Additional information on eligibility, the application process, and award details can be found in our Answers to  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . For inquiries or technical questions pertaining to the online application portal, please contact SSRC staff from the Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa Program:  [email protected]

This program is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

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• The Center for African & African American Studies Graduate Student Fellowship Program

The Center for African & African American Studies Graduate Student Fellowship Program (aka the “CAAAS Grad Fellows Program”) provides support and scholarly community for University of Colorado Boulder graduate students conducting research and creative work in African studies, African American studies, and African diaspora studies. CAAAS Grad Fellows receive a stipend and are eligible for CAAAS Grad Student Awards, the CAAAS Dissertation Completion Fellowship, the CAAAS's Alice Cleora Reeves Dissertation Award, and the CAAAS’s Jessica Bertram Womanist Innovation Award. CAAAS Grad Student Fellows participate in, and contribute to, several interdisciplinary and intersectional research “Lunch & Learn” events (at least two each semester) co-sponsored by the Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS) and CU Libraries. Currently only grad students who have received CAAAS Grad Student Summer Fellowships are eligible for the CAAAS Grad Fellows Program. For more information on the CAAAS Grad Student Summer Fellowship Program,  see here .

2024-2025 CAAAS Grad Fellows

Trevor Egerton

Tyreis Hunte

Ubochi Igbokwe

Idowu Odeyemi

Olumide Ojediran

Success Osayi

Nandi Pointer

Reya Roussel

• Faculty Opportunities
• The Center for African & African American Studies Graduate Student Summer Fellowships
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• The Center for African and African American Studies’ Alice Cleora Reeves Endowed Dissertation Award
• The Jessica Bertram Womanist Innovation and Pioneer Award

• People/Staff

Wits PhD students in Faculty of Humanities receive 2024 Ivan Karp Doctoral Research Awards

14 August 2024 - Wits University

Wits PhD students Sasha Rai (L) and Phindile Tabata receive the 2024 Ivan Karp Doctoral Research Awards.

The African Critical Inquiry Programme (ACIP) has awarded the 2024 Ivan Karp Doctoral Research Awards to Sasha Rai and Phindile Tabata, two PhD candidates in the School of Social Sciences and the School of Literature, Language and Media respectively.

These awards will provide significant support for their respective dissertation projects and enable them to conduct in-depth research and contribute valuable insights to their fields.

Grant amounts vary depending on research plans, with a maximum award of R50 000.

Exploring the shadows of South African sexuality

Sasha Rai is a student in the Division of History. Her research topic is What we do in the shadows: A history and culture of kink in South Africa.

Rai’s abstract outlines her research focus: “By tracing the political, legal, and social values within the colonial era, apartheid era, and in the new democratic South Africa, my research explores an underdeveloped area of sexuality studies in the Global South. Kink culture is one of these historical sites that has yet to be meaningfully examined. This project not only substantially develops understanding of a unique and underexplored community, but it also enriches South African and Global South discourses around sexuality, gender, resistance, and development.”

Redefining the publishing landscape

Phindile Tabata , a student of African Literature with a background in Publishing Studies , investigates Black women’s self-published literature and the publishing ecosystem in South Africa, 2010-2020.

Tabata says: “My study investigates the extent to which self-publishing, with the assistance of digital technology as an independent means of book production, has reconfigured the publishing ecosystem in South Africa. I aim to look at how the different elements of the publishing ecosystem interact with each other to meet the objectives of the whole system, and explore how the ecosystem and the roles within the system have changed with the rise of self-publishing.”

About the ACIP

Founded in 2012, the ACIP is a collaborative initiative between the Centre for Humanities Research at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town and the Laney Graduate School of Emory University in Atlanta. The programme, supported by donations to the Ivan Karp and Corinne Kratz Fund, seeks to foster critical inquiry and debate on public culture, public institutions, and scholarship in Africa. Through initiatives like the annual ACIP Workshop and the Ivan Karp Doctoral Research Awards, the programme supports African doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences enrolled at South African universities.

Information about the 2025 Ivan Karp Doctoral Research Awards for African students enrolled in South African PhD programmes will be available in November 2024. The application deadline is 1 May 2025 . For more information, visit  ACIP's website  or follow the Ivan Karp and Corinne Kratz Fund on  Facebook .

Theses and Dissertations (Criminal and Procedural Law)

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• Appropriate versus alternative : litigation in the context of dispute resolution methods in Ghana  Kotochie, Clemence ( 2023-07-25 ) The study sought to accomplish three main tasks. These were to clarify ‘appropriate dispute resolution method’, design a mechanism for selecting an appropriate dispute resolution method for use in resolving disputes and ...
• Bail and the presumption of innocence : a comparative legal study  Gissing, A. ( 2022-11-30 ) Every person arrested for allegedly having committed a crime, has a constitutional right to be released on bail if the interests of justice permit and subject to reasonable conditions. Every accused has a constitutional ...
• The role of the presiding officer in South African child justice proceedings : a comparative critique of procedural models  Ndlazi, Muziyabongwa Bongani ( 2023-06-15 ) This research explores the role of the presiding officer in child justice proceedings in South Africa, Germany, and Scotland. The researcher investigates the active participation of the presiding officer as a feature of ...
• A comparative study of the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in South Africa, Australia, and the United States of America  Sithole, Sylvester ( 2023-05-11 ) The quest to reduce criminality by effective prosecution has become the paramount role of prosecutors in criminal jurisdictions worldwide. As gatekeepers of the criminal justice system, prosecutors perform different roles ...
• A critical review of the criminalisation of sex work in South Africa : a comparative legal study  Mutiso, Antonio Muinde ( 2022-01-20 ) The objective of this research is to critically examine the causes and consequences of the criminalisation of sex work between consenting adults in South Africa by means of a comparative approach. In order to achieve this ...
• The revisionary jurisdiction of the higher courts of Botswana and England in the review of decisions of private bodies  Maripe, Bugalo ( 2022-02-28 ) Botswana has a peculiar legal system. It is a former British protectorate, yet the British never introduced their own laws into the country. Instead Botswana was made to apply the law of the Colony of the Cape of Good ...
• Alternative dispute resolution for juveniles in crime : a case for Ghana’s legal system  Hassan, Elizabeth Temitope ( 2022-06 ) This research sets out to explore the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ghana's juvenile justice system, emphasizing traditional customs and practices to solve juvenile delinquency. The mixed-method approach was ...
• An analysis of the sentencing of human trafficking offenders under South African and international law  Ntlatlapa, Itumeleng Lydia ( 2021-11-15 ) There are concerns that the sentencing regime of offenders convicted of human trafficking in South Africa under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 77 of 2013 is too harsh and goes beyond the ...
• Use of force by South African security services : a comparative critique  Matubako, Matlhoko Scholtz ( 2022-02 ) One of the most serious challenges facing South Africa currently is the high rate of violent crime as well as violent protests. The police are tasked and empowered by the Constitution as well as statutes to prevent, combat, ...
• The powers of a peace officer to arrest a suspect without a warrant, detain and use force : its constitutionality and consequences on the rights of a suspect  Gopaul, Arusha ( 2022-03 ) Peace officers are empowered to arrest without a warrant, detain and use force on suspects. Suspects are guaranteed protection and promotion of their constitutional rights and any act that violates their constitutional ...
• Offences rising from the right to gather : a legal comparative study  Steyn, Anna Sophia ( 2021-02 ) To gather together is a natural human activity shared by all people. The majority of these activities take place without the involvement of the government, and is of no interest to the law. In South Africa, the right to ...
• The legitimacy of judicial law-making and the application of judicial discretion in South Africa : a legal comparative study  Mhlanga, Pete Vusi ( 2020-02 ) The concept of judicial law-making impacts on the extent, meaning and scope relationship between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It is an integral function of the courts while its shape, meaning and nature ...
• A historical-legal analysis of search and seizure of electronic records for the prosecution of financial crimes in South Africa  Poyo, Unathi ( 2020-09-01 ) Crime has been around since the beginning of time. In an evolving society, and the methodology of crime also changes. The methodology of combating and preventing crime should aim to match the speed at which crime occurs. ...
• The interpretation and application of dolus eventualis in South African criminal law  Awa, Linus Tambu ( 2019-11 ) An accused cannot be held criminally liable by a court until he is considered to be culpable, a process which entails establishing criminal capacity and intention (dolus) or negligence (culpa). Determining a perpetrator’s ...
• The need for decriminalization of the use of cannabis : a comparative legal study  Singh, Vishik Anil ( 2019-09-04 ) The research determined if constitutional justification existed for the decriminalisation of the use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Various constitutional values were employed when deciding on the ...
• Restorative justice as an alternative sentencing option in South Africa: A different approach to crime  Reliance, Bongani Mokomane ( 2020 ) Concerns with the current criminal justice system in many countries around the world have triggered an interest in alternative methods of dispensing justice. This is because of its failure to effectively reduce crime and ...
• A comparative study of laws governing domestic violence in Ethiopia and India  Raveendran Nair, K. P. ( 2018 ) This study aimed to compare the laws governing domestic violence in Ethiopia and India and to then determine their practical efficacy. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with victims of domestic violence, and an ...
• A restorative approach towards school discipline and behavioural conduct in South African schools: a case study  Buys, Irma ( 2018-09 ) Misconduct, antisocial and offending (criminal) behaviour is becoming a problem in South African schools and maintaining discipline in schools is facing many challenges. Current practices do not solve disciplinary challenges. ...
• A critical appraisal of the legal implications of South Africa’s withdrawal from the ICC in the context of its international and regional human rights obligations  Suckling, Brian Charles ( 2018-04 ) This study involves a critical appraisal of the legal implications of South Africa’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the context of its international and regional human rights obligations. The ...
• The impact of e-technology on law of civil procedure in South Africa  Mabeka, Nombulelo Queen ( 2018 ) The law of civil procedure is an important branch of South African law as it resolves individual civil disputes through a regulated judicial system. Mandatory statutes and rules regulate the processes when bringing disputes ...

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