IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce Course Requirements at Varsity College
Varsity College · Faculty of Commerce
The IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce is a doctoral Degree offered by Varsity College for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 2 years full-time online (3-year fee plan listed) 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 IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce at Varsity College
- A master's degree at NQF Level 9 in a cognate commerce field with an average of at least 65% and evidence of research experience
- An interview with IIE academics, an approved concept document, completion of the Proposal Development for Doctoral Studies programme and a successful proposal defence
- International applicants need SAQA evaluation certificates
- RPL may be considered
About this course
The IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce is a research doctorate for people who want to make an original contribution in a commerce discipline. It carries 360 credits at NQF Level 10 (SAQA ID 125159) in the Faculty of Commerce and is studied online, with a February intake.
There is no coursework. The degree consists of one component, a doctoral thesis in commerce, supported by a supervisor. Before registration you must complete the Proposal Development for Doctoral Studies short learning programme, which has its own fee, and successfully defend your research proposal.
Selection is thorough. It includes an interview with IIE academics, the development and approval of a concept document, and evidence that you already have research experience. Places depend on supervisor availability.
The PhD suits holders of a master's degree in commerce or a related field who want to lecture, lead research or bring research-based problem solving into senior roles in business or government. RPL may be considered for candidates with strong research experience who lack the formal requirements.
Possible careers
Graduates work as academics and researchers in commerce, or as senior research-led professionals in business, consulting and government.
Course intelligence for IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce 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.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Varsity College. Ask Varsity College directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Varsity College’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 Varsity College and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply through the Emeris online postgraduate portal and upload a certified academic transcript, certified copies of your previous qualifications, a CV and a copy of your ID or passport. Research degrees also require a statement of intent or concept document and completion of the proposal development programme, so contact the faculty early. Final admission depends on supervisor availability and approval of your research proposal.
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- Duration
- 2 years full-time online (3-year fee plan listed)
- NQF Level
- 10
- Fees
- 2027 tuition R49 680 a year (3-year programme, full settlement); check the master's and doctoral fee schedule
- Application deadline
- February intake; check the programme page
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.emeris.ac.za/qualifications/online/doctor-of-philosophy-in-commerce, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Varsity College before applying.