Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Science at NWU

NQF 10

qualification level

Poster showing admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Science doctoral degree at North-West University, with a link to studies.mycourses.co.za

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Science is a doctoral Degree offered by NWU for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Minimum 2 years, maximum 3 years from first registration. 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.

Do you qualify

Minimum Admission Requirements to study Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Science at NWU

A suitable master's degree or equivalent NQF9 qualification with an average of about 65% (60-65% considered after completing a doctoral preparation course)
a provisional project proposal and successful completion of a doctoral study programme are required, plus a proposal defence at a doctoral seminar

See which school subjects open which courses.

What you study

About This Course

A thesis-only doctorate for nurses seeking to lead advanced research and practice at the highest academic level, extending the discipline's knowledge base through original research. Graduates are expected to predict and shape future trends in nursing science and mentor others in advanced research methodology. It is overseen by the NUMIQ research focus area.

Course intelligence for Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Science

Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.

Not on the scarce-skills list

Job market outlook

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Science doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. 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.

Unlikely to be NSFAS-funded

NSFAS funding

NSFAS funding is generally limited to a student’s first undergraduate qualification, so a Doctoral Degree like this one doesn’t usually qualify. Postgraduate funding more often comes through NRF bursaries, university-specific scholarships, or an employer.

More accessible

Admission chances

NWU’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 NWU and NSFAS.

Step by step

How to Apply at NWU for 2027

Applications open 1 June 2026 . Closing date still to be announced by NWU.

Check that you qualify. Compare your marks against the requirements above before you pay an application fee.
Get your documents ready. Certified ID or passport, your latest results, and proof of payment if a fee applies.
Apply on the official portal. The button below opens North-West University’s own application page.
Track your application and reply quickly to any request for outstanding documents.

Ready to apply? This takes you straight to North-West University’s own official application page.

Apply Now

You will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with North-West University.

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements are: A suitable master's degree or equivalent NQF9 qualification with an average of about 65% (60-65% considered after completing a doctoral preparation course); a provisional project proposal and successful completion of a doctoral study programme are required, plus a proposal defence at a doctoral seminar.

Applications are made online through North-West University's own application portal, which the apply button on this page links to directly. You will usually need your ID, your latest results and proof of payment if an application fee applies.

What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?

Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.

Your best 6 subjects, marks as a percentage. Life Orientation isn’t counted, in line with the standard APS scale used across the site. Fill in at least 4 to get a score.