Doctor of Philosophy (University of Pretoria, through CTBS) Course Requirements at CTBS
The Doctor of Philosophy (University of Pretoria, through CTBS) is a doctoral Degree offered by CTBS for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Minimum 2 years full-time (distance, research) to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Doctor of Philosophy (University of Pretoria, through CTBS) at CTBS
- A relevant master's degree with at least 65% for the research component
- applicants with 63 to 64% may be offered PhD preparatory studies
- An English language proficiency assessment
- Hebrew and Greek at second-year bachelor's level, or an admissions exam for Greek
- International applicants need SAQA verification of their qualifications
About this course
The PhD offered through CTBS is awarded by the University of Pretoria (UP programme code 06265082), with the seminary giving administrative and academic support. It is a research doctorate done by distance, with no need to attend UP in person.
Fields of specialisation:
- Biblical Studies (Old or New Testament)
- Church History and Church Polity
- Dogmatics and Christian Ethics
- Practical Theology
- Religion Studies
- Science of Religion and Missiology
The minimum duration is two years of full-time study. Candidates work on an original research project under supervision and submit a thesis for examination. An English language assessment is part of admission, and competence in Hebrew and Greek is expected.
The programme suits experienced pastors, lecturers and researchers who already hold a strong research master's degree and want to contribute new knowledge to theology. Candidates who narrowly miss the master's mark requirement may be offered PhD preparatory studies first.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Doctor of Philosophy (University of Pretoria, through CTBS)
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Doctor of Philosophy (University of Pretoria, through CTBS) doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Researcher. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like CTBS. Ask CTBS directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
CTBS’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with CTBS and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Contact CTBS on 021 637 9020 or info@ctbs.org.za to discuss your proposed research and supervision. Submit your master's degree, academic records and research results. Admission is subject to University of Pretoria rules.
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View all Courses at CTBS
- Duration
- Minimum 2 years full-time (distance, research)
- NQF Level
- 10
- Fees
- R20 315 per year, excluding books, accommodation and data (as listed by CTBS).
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.ctbs.org.za/index.php/programmes/doctor-of-philosophy-phd, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Cape Town Baptist Seminary before applying.