Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs at University of South Africa

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and International Affairs represents the highest qualification offered by the institution. In responding to the dynamic and complex nature of South Africa, the African continent and the international environment, the degree promotes innovative perspectives that conceptualise new research initiatives and new knowledge or practice befitting our interwoven national, continental, and international realities. (NQF level 10, 360 credits, qualification code 90193.)

Duration: Maximum time to complete: six years (time limit stated for this degree type) | Study mode: distance | Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An appropriate Master's with an average qualification mark of at least 60%. Students with a Master's degree at NQF level 9 from cognate disciplines may also be recognised as meeting the minimum entry requirements for admission into this qualification provided that they have obtained an average qualification mark of at least 60%. Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) without an appropriate master's degree should submit a portfolio of evidence of relevant work and research experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to the qualification. The portfolio of evidence will be assessed according to the specific outcomes and assessment criteria of the Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs.

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.

Offers are made for a specific registration period, for example semester 1; applicants must register for the semester for which they were granted admission or re-apply in the next application period.

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open from 1 September to 20 November 2026; selection degrees and some other qualifications have different application periods.

The non-refundable online application fee is R160. International applicants with foreign qualifications may apply without a SAQA evaluation certificate but must submit it by 15 December 2027 if accepted for 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission

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