Overview

About the programme

The Wits Business School PhD programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is the largest in South Africa and one of the most highly regarded on the continent. We seek out and bring together top candidates from across Africa to address important topics in their PhD research that are relevant to the advancement of business and society on our continent.

As a student of our PhD programme, you will gain real cultural and social insights from our commercial and political debates, you will sharpen your ability to articulate, grow in confidence and realise the vastness of the knowledge domains you can master by developing your learning and research skills.

Programme Structure

The School is particularly keen to enrol students in the following areas of study:

Strategy
Methodological Issues
Business & Society
Decision Sciences
Finance
Marketing
Organisational behaviour & diversity management
Energy Leadership
Digital Business
Philanthropy and Social Investment in Africa

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-22 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Business Administration View 8 other PhDs in Business Administration in South Africa

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Academic requirements

GPA

2

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with Honours – upper 2nd class or better (i.e. both with an average of “B” or better); or
A Bachelor’s degree plus a postgraduate Diploma (both with an average of “B” or better)
A good master's degree (i.e. an average of “B” or better)
65% or more for specialised Masters Research Report and 70% or more for MBA research report
An outline of your proposed research
Availability of a suitable supervisor
A non-refundable application fee
Complete the on-line application form
Complete the Application Qualification Assessment Form
Motivation letter
CV
A 12-page proposal
Certified academic transcripts/records and certificates - Undergraduate, Honours and Masters 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.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 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

40020 ZAR / year

≈ 40020 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

40020 ZAR / year

≈ 40020 ZAR / year

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

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

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Wits Business School PhD.

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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