Call for applications: DHET doctoral programme

Dear colleagues

I am writing to alert you that applications are now open for the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Phase 6 (Cohort 1) of the University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP).

The main purpose of the USDP is to support academic and professional staff at South African universities to undertake and complete doctoral studies within a maximum period of five years. The deadline for submission of applications is 23 September 2025. Only fully complete applications will be considered.

Successful candidates will receive up to R500 000 in support over three years. USDP funds may be used for:

• registration and tuition fees (if not studying through UCT)
• research costs
• teaching buy-out
• travel and accommodation costs
• conference attendance (a paper/poster must be presented to attend).

Specific eligibility criteria applies, in terms of which the applicant should:

• be a full-time permanent or long-term contract (minimum five years) employee at UCT
• be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa (a work permit is not permissible)
• not yet hold a doctoral qualification, but should have registered or intends to register for a doctoral degree in the year of application at a recognised university
• have achieved an average of 65% or above in the preceding Master’s degree
• have identified a home institution mentor, who will support and/or endorse the application
• undertake research aligned with national/regional/global research priority areas and development goals.

Note: Priority will be given to applicants who are 45 years or younger, Black South Africans and women. However, this does not preclude anyone else from applying.

To apply:

• complete the USDP application form
• attach the following supporting documentation:
  • three referee letters, one of which must be from a supervisor or prospective supervisor
  • academic records for your postgraduate qualification/s
  • a valid ID copy.

• ensure that the application form is signed by the head of department.

Note: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s signature is only required for shortlisted applications. The University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) office will obtain such approval from the DVC: Research and Internationalisation on behalf of shortlisted applicants.

• submit completed application form and supporting documents via email to the UCDP office.

Additional information

• See the USDP application checklist and full USDP funding framework.
• An internal selection process will follow, where a maximum of 10 applications will be submitted to the DHET for consideration.
• The outcome of your application will be communicated by the university once the DHET has made its final selection.
• Please direct any questions to Dheshnie Keswell or Lisa de Vos.

Warm regards

Professor Jeff Murugan
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation

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