University of Cape Town (UCT) PhD Application Information
Applying for a Doctoral Degree at UCT
The University of Cape Town’s Doctoral Degrees Board oversees all supervised doctoral degrees, including senior doctorates based on published work.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may qualify for PhD admission if they meet one of the following criteria:
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Hold a master’s degree, or
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Have an honours degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree, plus at least one year of registration toward a master’s degree, or
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Possess a three-year bachelor’s degree with at least two years of master’s registration.
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All applications must be submitted through the relevant faculty. Upon acceptance, candidates are provisionally registered until their research proposals are approved by the Doctoral Degrees Board.
CHECK MORE UCT Online Application Procedure – How To Apply
Faculties Offering Doctoral Degrees
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Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
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Faculty of Health Sciences
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Faculty of Commerce
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Faculty of Humanities
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Faculty of Law
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Faculty of Science
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Graduate School of Business
Supervision
Each PhD candidate will be formally assigned a supervisor, who will provide academic guidance throughout the research journey.
CHECK EVEN MORE UCT Online Application Procedure – How To Apply
Fees
For queries regarding tuition and related fees, please contact the Student Fees Office at:
📧 [email protected]
Registration Period
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Candidates must be registered for a minimum of two consecutive years.
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Time spent registered at another university may count toward this period.
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Although there is no maximum time limit, candidates are expected to complete their thesis within a reasonable period, typically considered to be five years.
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If progress is deemed unsatisfactory, the faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee may issue warnings or deny re-registration.
Thesis Submission Contact
For thesis submission information, please contact the Doctoral Degrees Board Office:
📧 [email protected]
📍 Room 5.04, Masingene Building, Middle Campus
📞 +27 (0)21 650 2126
