Key information
- Duration: Full-time – 48 months; Part-time – 60 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting February 2027; Apply before Oct 2026
Overview
About the programme
The Faculty of Science is a vibrant, dynamic and diverse community where new technologies are developed and applied to improve the quality of all life on earth. We offer nationally and internationally accredited qualifications in scientific disciplines such as computer and numerical sciences, earth and life sciences, chemical and physical sciences.
The Faculty focuses on creating an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning, as well as generating and sharing new knowledge. Our primary contributions in academia remain the products of high-quality research and innovation. We also contribute to community engagement through township based science-enrichment projects. This Geography (Research) programme is offered at the University of Johannesburg.
Programme Structure
Structure:
- The purpose of the doctoral programme is to provide qualifying students with an in-depth understanding and integrated knowledge of advanced applicable theory in the field of specialisation.
- A doctoral degree in science is a pure science-based research study that requires candidates to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline of specialisation.
- The degree demands a very high level of intellectual, theoretical and practical specialized science knowledge and insight into problems related to the field of study and of the application of advanced experimental methods and techniques of the modern research, as well as of fundamental scientific and academic values in generating, processing, interpreting and presenting research data orally and in written form.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 105
Other requirements
General requirements
- For admission to a doctoral programme, applicants must have successfully completed a relevant master programme in the Geography or relevant field of study or discipline.
- Students applying for Doctoral degree studies in general need to have obtained their previous relevant degree with an average mark of at least 65% or equivalent.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: Non-residents – 2,041 AUD / year ≈ 23,620 ZAR / year
- Domestic: Citizens or residents – 2,041 AUD / year ≈ 23,620 ZAR / year
Living costs
Johannesburg, South Africa: 729–1,040 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities for Geography (Research):
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Independent provider, U.S. government; Grant: Various benefits; Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships – The Association of Commonwealth Universities; Grant: Various benefits; Deadline: 03 Jun 2027
- ServiceScape Scholarship – ServiceScape; Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships – ACES Education Fund; Grant: 3500 USD; Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – Merit-based, OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation; Grant: Various benefits; Deadline: Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – Merit-based, IvyPanda; Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Voice Talent Online; Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – Merit-based, Salvado Law; Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – Need-based, Anonymous Hope Fund; Grant: 3000 USD; Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Need-based, Leopold Figl Foundation; Grant: Various benefits; Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – IELTS from 6 to 9; Grant: 1500 USD; Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme; Grant: 12000 USD; Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
