UNISA Doctoral Degrees 2026-2027

UNISA Doctoral Degrees 2026-2027

2026-2026 Guide to Doctoral Studies at UNISA:

The University of South Africa provides a diverse range of doctoral degrees in a variety of areas of study. A doctorate, often known as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or a professional doctorate, is the highest level of academic achievement. It is usually sought by those who want to contribute substantially to knowledge in their field of study. Doctoral programs at UNISA are primarily academically focused, with students working closely with a supervisor or a team of supervisors who help them throughout their research journey. Students must do original research, contribute significantly to their field of study, and write a doctoral thesis or dissertation that exhibits their research results and ideas. Doctoral degrees at UNISA allow students to conduct original research, acquire advanced analytical and critical thinking abilities, and become experts in their chosen field. A doctorate is an academic degree awarded by a university. It is also a research degree that qualifies someone to teach at the university level in the degree’s field or to work in a specific profession.

These doctoral degrees aim to develop critical research skills and contribute original knowledge to various disciplines. Admission into these programs requires meeting rigorous academic standards, ensuring that only qualified candidates embark on this challenging academic journey. The application process is primarily conducted online, streamlining access for prospective students globally. Students must prepare and submit detailed research outlines aligned with the university’s research focus areas, facilitating targeted and meaningful scholarly contributions. Supervisory support forms a vital component of the doctoral experience, guiding candidates through their research endeavours. UNISA also enforces stringent policies on plagiarism and academic integrity, maintaining the quality and credibility of its doctoral qualifications.

The university offers both full research and coursework options, accommodating different academic preferences and career goals. Funding and bursary opportunities are available to support eligible doctoral candidates, underscoring UNISA’s dedication to accessible higher education. With clear timelines for applications, registrations, and graduations, the university encourages prospective students to engage early with the application process. As part of the evolving academic framework, doctoral students are expected to participate in oral examinations and manuscript submissions to reputable journals. Overall, UNISA’s doctoral degrees for the 2026-2027 cycle embody a comprehensive, structured, and supportive research environment for advancing academic and professional excellence.

UNISA Doctoral Degrees Application Date For 2026-2027

Applications for admission to master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2025 academic year will be open from 23 November 2024 to 31 January 2025 (with some exceptions).
It is advised to apply as early as possible, as qualifications will be removed from the application list once all available spaces for 2025 have been filled.
Final-year honors, postgraduate diploma, and master’s degree students are advised to make use of the opportunity to submit their applications before the closing date if they plan to further their studies in 2025.

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UNISA Doctoral Degrees 2025-2026

The length of a PhD program at Unisa varies, but it takes three to six years to complete. The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers various Doctoral degree programs. Some of these are listed below:

Doctor of Business Leadership (90071)
Doctor of Law Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (98602 – CRI)
Doctor of Laws Jurisprudence (98602 – JUR)
Doctor of Laws Mercantile Law (98602 – MCL)
Doctor of Laws Private Law (98602 – PRL)
Doctor of Laws, Public Constitutional and International Law (98602 – CIL)
Doctor of Philosophy (Development Studies) (90040 – DST)
Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy) (90040 – PHL)
Doctor of Philosophy Science, Engineering and Technology (90040 – SET)
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences Auditing (90026 – AUE)
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences Financial Accounting (90026 – FAC)
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences Financial Governance (90026 – GOV)
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences Financial Intelligence (90026 – INT)
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Science, Management Accounting (90026 – MAC)
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences Taxation (90026 – TAX)
Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture (90018)

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Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology (90039 – PFS)
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (90022)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Adult Education) (90019 – ADE)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Comparative Education) (90019 – CED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Curriculum Studies) (90019 – CUS)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Early Childhood Development) (90019 – ECD)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Educational Management) (90019 – EDM)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Environmental Education) (90019 – ENE)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (History of Education) (90019 – HED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Inclusive Education) (90019 – IED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Language Education) (90019 – LED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Mathematics Education) (90019 – MED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Natural Science Education) (90019 – NSE)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Open Distance Learning) (90019 – ODL)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Philosophy of Education) (90019 – PED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Socio-Education) (90019 – SED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Technology Education) (90019 – TED)
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management (98006)

For The Full List Of The UNISA Doctoral Degrees 2026-2027, Click HERE.

Who Must Apply For UNISA Doctoral Degrees 2025-2026

Anyone looking to start a new qualification must apply for admission. This includes first-time UNISA applicants, current UNISA students wanting to apply for a new qualification, final-year students who want to start a master’s or doctoral degree, and previously registered master’s and doctoral students who did not register for the 2025 academic year but now wish to continue their studies.
You may only apply for one qualification at the master’s or doctoral level. Therefore, ensure you meet the minimum admission requirements for your chosen qualification before applying. If you submit a second application, it will replace the first one.
If you are applying for a Graduate School of Business Leadership (GSBL) qualification, please apply for a UNISA student number (unless you previously studied at UNISA for a formal qualification) and complete the online application process.
All master’s and doctoral applications and inquiries must be submitted online. For any questions, please email MandD@unisa.ac.za. GSBL students should direct their inquiries to the relevant email addresses: SBLMBA@unisa.ac.za, SBLMBL@unisa.ac.za, or SBLDBL@unisa.ac.za.

Unisa’s Application Process For UNISA Doctoral Degrees 2026-2027

Applying for admission to a master’s or doctoral degree comprises three steps:

Apply for a student number (only applicable if you do not already have a formal Unisa student number).
Apply for admission.
Upload the compulsory supporting documents. These documents are displayed in red on the upload platform.

If you obtained your qualifications outside the borders of South Africa, please take note of the following:

The qualification that will give you admission to your qualification of choice must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
You may apply for admission without a SAQA certificate of evaluation.
If your application for admission is accepted, you may register, but you will need to submit the SAQA certificate of evaluation before re-registering for the next academic year; and
You can apply for the SAQA certificate of evaluation here: https://www.saqa.org.za

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Unisa will accept applications based on the following criteria:

The suitability and viability of the intended research.
Adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department.
An approved selection procedure that is in line with Unisa’s Policy on Equality and Diversity.

READ: Doctorate Degree Unisa 2026

UNISA Contact Information

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Unisa at the following address:

Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
Sunnyside campus (applications, registrations & learning centre):
Cnr Justice Mahomed & Steve Biko Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria
Tel: 0800 005 311
Email: unisa@whistleblowing.co.za

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is at the forefront of offering outstanding doctoral programs, supporting research excellence, and empowering individuals to become leading experts in their fields of study. By enrolling in doctorate studies at UNISA, ambitious researchers receive access to a world-class learning environment, renowned instructors, and the tools needed to make a lasting impact on society. Visit Unisa’s Official Website.

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