Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs at University of South Africa

Programme overview

The Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs is intended to prepare qualifying learners who could contribute to the development of knowledge in the fields of Public Policy and International Affairs at an advanced level. The qualifying learners should demonstrate specialist knowledge and engagement with, and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in Public Policy and International Affairs. The qualification will take the form of a distinct research project, culminating in a full dissertation. (NQF level 9, 180 credits, qualification code 90192.)

Duration: Maximum time to complete: three 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 bachelor honours degree, or an appropriate postgraduate diploma, or a 480 credit bachelor's degree at NQF level 8 with an average of at least 60%. Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) without an appropriate Honours 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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