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PhD (​Animal Science)

Doctoral degree
ID:
0547_100_A106

The Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science focuses strongly on research and aims to discover new insights and knowledge in the field of Animal Production Systems. This knowledge increases your general intellectual and professional skills and promotes your adaptability to carry out advanced research in a specific field of study that links up with other fields of study. The programme will equip you at the highest academic level for entering the research industry or professional field.

Contact information
Dr JHC van Zyl
Programme Coordinator
+27 21 808 4746

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

Evidence of written academic work
A sample of your best written work (e.g., abstract of a research component completed during your Master's studies or a published journal article).

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Evidence of work / Copy of thesis / Summary of research

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.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Motivational letter / Essay

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

Compulsory Module
20826: Animal 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