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Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is a research-intensive programme comprising an independent research project and dissertation under academic supervision, aimed at making an original contribution to the field.

Contact information
Prof Hugh Patterton
Programme leader

Programme overview

Duration
Three years
Campus
Stellenbosch
Type
Dissertation

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Research Master’s and PhD applicants are strongly advised to consult the relevant department before applying to discuss their proposed research topic and confirm the availability of a suitable supervisor.

Minimum admission requirements

To be admitted to a PhD programme in the Faculty of Science you must have a recognised master’s degree in a relevant field from this University or another university, approved by Senate for this purpose.

Supporting application documents

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Curriculum vitae (CV)

Confirmation of prospective supervisor
Applicants must make contact with a prospective academic supervisor who is active in their field of research interest. Please provide details of a prospective supervisor and evidence, in a form of an email, of contact with this supervisor. Upload the email evidence (in a .msg format or as a pdf) as part of your formal application to the University.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Confirmation of prospective supervisor

Statement of research interest / Outline
This is a brief summary of the doctoral research proposal (1-3 pages in length) which outlines your area of research, aims of the research project and the research methodology you plan to use.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Research project / Outline / Proposal

Programme structure

A publication-ready dissertation containing the results of your independent research is required.

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Mar 2027

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Mar 2027