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PhD (Horticultural Science)

Doctoral degree
ID:
0547_100_A112

The Doctor of Philosophy in Horticultural Science is a practically oriented research project in Horticultural Science, leading to innovation or problem-solving through high-level research in Horticultural Science and in the industry concerned. The research project will equip you at the highest academic level with the knowledge and expertise you need for entering the research industry or professional field.

Contact information
Dr E Crouch
Programme Coordinator
+27 21 808 4763

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 Agrisciences 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.

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.

Letter of motivation
​One-page document explaining what factors are motivating you to apply for the specific programme(s) and describing what makes you a suitable candidate.

Summary of Master's research
A structured, formal document summarising the research question that was stated, hypotheses that were tested, research methodology and results/recommendations presented (3-5 pages in length).

Programme structure

Compulsory Module
39632: Horticultural Science
978(360): Doctoral dissertation

Assessment and Examination
After completion of the research you must submit a dissertation to the satisfaction of the examiners and present a seminar. You will be expected to defend your dissertation during this seminar.

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 Oct 2026

International students
Applications open:
1 Apr 2026
Applications close:
14 Sept 2026