Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

Students pursuing a PhD in Engineering should seek to advance the state of knowledge in their particular domain by gathering substantial data, evaluating theory and generating original arguments regarding a significant engineering or scientific problem. A doctoral thesis is a substantial project. The doctorate typically provides training for an academic career.

Faculty: Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: part-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

• Students pursuing a PhD in Engineering should seek to advance the state of knowledge in their particular domain by gathering substantial data, evaluating theory and generating original arguments regarding a significant engineering or scientific problem. A doctoral thesis is a substantial project. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 10 qualification of 360 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Industrial Engineering Technologists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • A Master’s qualification in Engineering, or a Master’s qualification deemed by the Senate to be equivalent thereto. • Students must have, in the opinion of Senate, attained through practical experience or otherwise a level of competence which is adequate for the purpose of studies for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Mechatronics). Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) may also be applied.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

Explore more study programmes

Engineering