Overview

Features

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics is offered in all Faculties of the University of Cape Town. In the Faculty of Commerce, it is a research degree on an advanced topic under supervision.

The examination is by thesis alone.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

One strength of this discipline is that it provides a theoretical lens to make sense of a complex world.

But the theory itself is only one part of the story.

Within the School, we emphasise analytical and empirical tools to test whether these theories are consistent with the data.

In this regard, the School of Economics has several affiliated research units that do cutting-edge research in fields ranging from environmental policy to poverty alleviation and development policy.

Through this research, we aim to understand better how the world works.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Students can apply to the PhDs throughout the year.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Disciplines

Economics View 11 other PhDs in Economics in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

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.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Cape Town and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27170 ZAR / year

≈ 27170 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

27170 ZAR / year

≈ 27170 ZAR / year

Living costs

Cape Town

South Africa

9088 - 15529 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Economics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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