Overview

About the programme

Students reading for the Governance PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg are seeking to advance the state of knowledge in their particular domain by gathering substantial data, evaluating theory and generating original arguments regarding a significant public management/policy, development or governance issue.

The doctorate typically provides training for an academic career. It requires a candidate to develop a sophisticated conceptual framework, undertake independent research at the most advanced academic levels, read and interpret published debates in the field (and other related fields) and produce a thesis that contributes to knowledge in a particular field.

Programme Structure

Structure:

The PhD is awarded on the basis of a thesis only.
This thesis must constitute a substantial contribution to the advancement of new knowledge in the subject chosen as such, the degree demands the capacity to pursue independent research and analysis at the highest level.

Key information

Duration

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

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Public Administration Political Science View 5 other PhDs in Public Administration 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

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A four year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent);
A Master’s degree in a cognate (similar) discipline with a minimum of a 65% average.
An acceptable initial research proposal with a clear and reasonably well-defined area of interest, evidence of familiarity with your proposed area of study and a specific focus, problem and question you wish to pursue
Availability of an appropriate supervisor.

A brief letter of motivation indicating why you would like to study for your PhD at the Wits School of Governance
A curriculum vitae, detailing your degrees, your employment experience and any publications
A 2500 word outline of your proposed research
Official transcripts of your qualifications showing degree, courses and results
Your graduation certificates (certified copies and then originals)
Verification and comparison of any foreign qualifications from the South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

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.

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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

31060 ZAR / year

≈ 31060 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

31060 ZAR / year

≈ 31060 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

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Scholarships Information

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

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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