DPhil (Optometry) Course Requirements at University of Johannesburg

University of Johannesburg · Faculty of Health Sciences

Doctoral Degree Health & Medicine

The DPhil (Optometry) is a doctoral Degree offered by University of Johannesburg for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Full-time: minimum 2 years and maximum 4 years. Part-time: minimum 2 years and maximum 5 years. 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 DPhil (Optometry) at University of Johannesburg

A relevant Master's Degree (refer to the University of Johannesburg's Academic Regulations).

About this course

This research-only doctorate builds Optometry graduates' capacity for independent, original and creative scientific research. It aims to contribute significant new knowledge to optometric science.

Course intelligence for DPhil (Optometry)

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

DPhil (Optometry) 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.

Moderately competitive

Admission chances

This course sits in the middle for competitiveness. With its published admission requirements, you have a reasonable chance if you apply in good time, though it’s not a sure thing. Don’t leave your application to the last week.

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 University of Johannesburg and NSFAS.

Applications for 2027 studies: Open: 1 April 2026; Close: 31 October 2026

Duration: Full-time: minimum 2 years and maximum 4 years. Part-time: minimum 2 years and maximum 5 years.
NQF Level: 10

Apply via University of Johannesburg

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