Economics Program

The degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Economics is the Schools highest degree and is only offered through supervised research, to be conducted on an approved topic.

Overview

The program is designed to allow students to conduct their own research in the field of Economics.

Entry Requirements

• A master's degree in Economics or an equivalent qualification from Wits University or another university.
• A supervisor from the School must be identified and approached prior to application.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once the application is complete in terms of requested documentation, it will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

• Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
• Selections for programs that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalize the application at the end of the application cycle.
• Please note that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available, and the Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once applied, students will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

• For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, the University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.
  • The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.
  • The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Program Details

• Faculty: Commerce, Law and Management
• School: Economics and Finance
• Qualification: PhD
• Duration: 2 - 4 years
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time

Closing Date

Applications for January 2026 entry open on 1 March 2025 and close on 30 November 2025

Administration

The program is administered by the School of Economics and Finance, with support from the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC).

Postgraduate Handbooks

The postgraduate handbooks provide comprehensive information on admission requirements, course structure, assessment policies, research requirements, and academic procedures.