Applications for a PhD, research masters, course transfer and/or centrally managed scholarships are submitted through the Graduate Research Admission and Scholarship Application portal.
Prior to starting your application, we strongly encourage you to review our Application Submission Guide, which details all required supporting documentation and provides further useful information on our Graduate Research Admission and Scholarship Application portal.
Key submission and outcome dates
| International applications | Enrolment period | |
| R1 | open 1 September to 31 March | July – December of the current year |
| R3 | open 1 April to 31 August | January – June of the following year |
For new students: Applications for admission can take up to six weeks to be processed, and will usually be assessed after scholarship results have been released.
For new and currently enrolled students: Scholarship outcomes are released approximately six weeks after the scholarship round has closed.
Applying with us
Congratulations on taking the first steps in applying to undertake your research degree with us!
Below is everything you need to know when applying for:
- doctorates (PhD – including internal and external transfers);
- research masters;
- centrally managed scholarships;
- Monash University Malaysia;
- re-admission;
- joint research awards; and
- higher doctorates.
PhD, research masters, course transfers and centrally managed scholarships
Applying is a simple three step process.
1. Check your eligibility
Admission into a Monash graduate research degree is dependant upon meeting the entry requirements specific to the course for which you are applying.
Entry requirements
All graduate research degrees have minimum academic entry requirements which must be met by all applicants. Some courses have additional requirements which are outlined in the relevant course entry in the Monash University handbook.
The minimum academic entry requirements differ depending on the graduate research degree:
English language proficiency
All graduate research degrees require sound English language skills. It is important you understand what English language proficiency requirements are applicable, noting that certain faculties have higher requirements. Should you be required to undertake an English language proficiency test, ensure you check which tests are accepted by Monash.
2. Submit an expression of interest
Prior to applying for a graduate research degree, you will need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the relevant faculty or academic unit.*
Each faculty has a different EOI process so please read any instruction provide carefully and make sure you are aware of any applicable closing dates, particularly if you are applying for a scholarship.
Art, Design and Architecture │ Arts │ Business and Economics │ Education │ Engineering │ Information Technology │ Law │ Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences │ Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences │ Science│Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI)│Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC)
If your EOI is successful, the faculty will issue you with an Invitation to Apply.
*Not all applicants are required to submit an EOI, please refer to the application guide for further information.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.