Program Overview

PhD specialising in Horticultural Science

The PhD specialising in Horticultural Science is a research-based degree that aims to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: Not specified
• Closing Dates:
  • SA: 31/10/2025
  • Non-SA: 31/10/2025
• Minimum duration of study: 2 years, full-time

Admission Requirements

• General Admission Regulations: Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
  • Certified copy of ID or passport
  • A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees)
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of passport
• Minimum admissions requirements:
  • Master of Science in Agriculture in Horticultural Science degree (NQF level 9) or relevant master's degree (NQF level 9)
  • An average of at least 60% for the research component at master's level (NQF level 9)
  • Research methodology passed at master's level (NQF level 9)

Faculty Notes

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments. All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.