Key information
- Duration: Full-time (24 months)
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting February 2027. Apply before November 2026 (National). Apply before September 2026 (International).
Overview
About the programme
The Faculty of Humanities provides a holistic education, transferable skills, critical thinking, and communication and problem-solving that will help you develop to your full potential. You will be entering a stimulating environment that will broaden your intellectual horizons and help you achieve personal and professional success through the best possible learning experience.
As the most diverse Faculty of the University of Pretoria, we offer an exciting and comprehensive range of programmes and discipline-based majors, including studies in languages, social sciences and visual and performing arts. This Geography programme is offered at the University of Pretoria.
Programme Structure
Structure:
- A doctoral study is assessed on the basis of a doctoral thesis in the traditional format or in the form of a collection of published works, creative works and/or other scholarly contributions (articles and essays etc.).
- Oral defense: The faculty regulations may determine that an oral defense should form part of the academic requirements for the qualification.
- A professional doctorate is assessed on the outcome of the research component as well as the required coursework modules in accordance with the approved faculty regulations.
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: 83
Other requirements
General requirements
Admission Requirements
- Relevant master’s degree
- A weighted average of at least 65% for the research component of the master’s degree
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 2,280 AUD / year (≈ 26,475 ZAR / year)
- Domestic: 2,280 AUD / year (≈ 26,475 ZAR / year)
Non-SADC students: added international fee of R4,725.
Living costs
Pretoria, South Africa: 740–888 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Geography. You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Various benefits — Deadline 07 Oct 2026 (U.S. government)
- The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships — Various benefits — Deadline 03 Jun 2027 (The Association of Commonwealth Universities)
- ServiceScape Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 30 Nov 2026 (ServiceScape)
- ACES Scholarships — 3500 USD — Deadline 15 Nov 2026 (ACES Education Fund)
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Various benefits — Deadline Not specified (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 01 Mar 2027 (Voice Talent Online)
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 31 Oct 2026 (IvyPanda)
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 13 Jan 2027 (Salvado Law)
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — 3000 USD — Deadline 31 Dec 2026 (Anonymous Hope Fund)
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Various benefits — Deadline 31 Dec 2026 (Leopold Figl Foundation)
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — 1500 USD — Deadline Not specified (IELTS from 6 to 9)
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — 12000 USD — Deadline 11 Jan 2027 (The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme)