Doctor of Philosophy (Textile Science) Research at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

NMMU has the only facility in South Africa for postgraduate studies in textile and clothing science, offering students the opportunity to obtain, by research, the degrees of MSc (Textiles) and PhD. The Fibre and Textile competence area of the Materials Science and Manufacturing Operating Unit of the CSIR, situated virtually adjacent to the NMMU North and South campuses, has acted as the post-graduate Department of Textile Science, making its modern equipment and highly qualified and experienced staff available for this purpose. One of the following fields may be selected for research: Textile Chemistry (protein, cotton, man-made fibre chemistry, detergency, dyeing, finishing); Textile Physics (Physics of fibres, yams or fabrics); Textile Statistics; Mechanical Processing (carding, combining, spinning, knitting, weaving, etc.); Textile Engineering (machine manufacture).

Faculty: Science | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Polymer Technologist, Materials Developer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Unless Senate decides otherwise, candidates shall be in possession of the following minimum qualifications in order to qualify for admission: An MSc degree in Chemistry, Physics or Textile Engineering obtained at a local university or a recognised overseas university with at least two years' experience in the textile research field; or An MSc (Textiles) degree obtained at a local or recognised overseas university; or They must have passed the examinations on the grounds of which they will be awarded a Master’s degree by the University or on the grounds of which the required status may later be granted to them by Senate. All candidates where necessary shall be required to pass a qualifying test in one or more fields in Textile Science and/or Technology. All candidates should be employed by, or have access to, a well-established textile laboratory, having the necessary research facilities.

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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