Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences

Preparing the next generation of industry experts

The Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences (GEM) serves as the central hub for doctoral education within Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Located in the Dean’s Office, GEM coordinates the administration of all PhD programmes in the faculty and provides a supportive, structured environment in which doctoral candidates can thrive as they pursue advanced, high‑impact research.

GEM advances excellence in doctoral training by offering dedicated scholarships for full‑time, residential study; creating opportunities for skills development and cohort‑based engagement; and maintaining a streamlined progress‑monitoring platform that strengthens collaboration between candidates and supervisors throughout the research journey. The School also ensures that departments, supervisors, and students have access to clear, centralised information on doctoral processes and regulations, helping to create a consistent and transparent academic experience. Through these efforts, GEM broadens access to doctoral education and continually enhances the support structures that underpin high‑quality, innovative, and socially relevant research in the economic and management sciences.

A flagship initiative of the School is the GEM Elite Scholarships—valued at R200,000 per year for three years. These awards support a steady cohort of six high‑performing PhD candidates and are designed to attract individuals with strong academic records, promising research, and leadership potential. The first cohort joined in 2024, and with the third expected in 2026, the programme continues to strengthen the Faculty’s research excellence and long‑term impact.

GEM further supports candidates through two annual development events. The February Orientation Week introduces new and returning PhD students to key aspects of doctoral scholarship, including literature searching, research design, ethics, project management, and data analysis. Mid‑year, the PhD Winter School—co‑hosted with the Stellenbosch Business School—offers advanced methodological training across quantitative, qualitative, and experimental approaches, alongside sessions on AI‑assisted research, visual analytics, and academic writing. In addition, the GEM also hosts annual research events within the faculty that support and strengthen our research community and provide platforms for peer-based interaction, including the faculty's annual Research Day. Together, these events build research capability, foster community, and guide candidates through critical stages of their PhD journey.

Contact
Dr Jaco Franken - Head of the GEM: [email protected]

Ms Tanja Malan - GEM Postgraduate Manager: [email protected] 

Physical address
A.I. Perold building
Room 1017
Merriman Avenue 
Stellenbosch​

Open Day

The on-campus (in-person) Open Day will take place on Saturday, 18 April 2026 from 8:00 to 15:00 

On our annual SU Open Day, we welcome grade 11 and 12 learners, their parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to our Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. View our exhibitions, attend demonstrations and information sessions, and engage with our faculty staff, all while experiencing our vibrant campuses and student communities and exploring the available housing options.

Open Day Information

NextGen Maties

Find out what makes you a NextGen Matie.

Maties Information

Social Media

Stay connected - follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.

Where to find us

+27 21 808 9564
CGW Schumann building, Bosman Street, Stellenbosch