Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering) at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

This programme aims to develop the knowledge and skills of a Masters level graduate in Mechanical Engineering to do a DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) through advanced research. It provides an opportunity for candidates from different Engineering backgrounds to develop key Mechanical Engineering knowledge and skills required for their professional development. There is a growing need for an advanced mechanical engineering programme from our industry partners and this programme has been specifically developed to meet this need and to encourage students into further learning.

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

What you will study

The published curriculum is an NQF Level 10 qualification of 360 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Mechanical Engineering Technologists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A Mechanical Engineering qualification at the Master's level or a Master's qualification deemed by Senate to be equivalent thereto.

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

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