MA Migration and Displacement at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

Offered through the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS). The African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) at the University of the Witwatersrand invites students to apply to undertake postgraduate programmes in Migration and Displacement. Based in the School of Social Sciences, migration and displacement is an interdisciplinary field encompassing a wide range of disciplines including economics, public health, political science, sociology, urban planning, and development studies.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Social Sciences | Duration: 1 - 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Students enrolled for the MA by coursework and research report (ACA00) are required to complete two mandatory courses, one elective course and a research report of 20,000 to 25,000 words. The MA by research (ARA00) is intended for advanced students with prior social-science research experience and a background in migration studies. With no coursework requirement, students are expected to complete

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Successful applicants need to have a good Honours or four-year undergraduate degree (SAQA NQF Level 8) in any social science or related discipline. Candidates with relevant professional experience may also be considered. Applications should include the following: Academic Transcripts. An average of 65% or above is required for admission. Degree Certificate(s) Clearance from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for degrees awarded by non-South African institutions. Please apply for SAQA Clearance at saqa.org.za. CV Motivation letter explaining interest in migration and displacement studies Outline of proposed research topic (MA by research applicants) Evidence of research methods training and ability to conduct research independently (MA by research applicants)

ZAR 59,990 for the whole programme (2026). Average tuition fee per programme for 2026 as stated in the 2026 Fees Book, Chapter 2 (Average Tuition Fees); excludes additional charges (notes, computer, lab and other fees). Postgraduate international students pay local tuition plus the non-refundable Source

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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