PhD - PhD in Theology - Pretoria/VST

VST has partnered with the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria in the Republic of South Africa to deliver a PhD program for North American students.

Students in the program will work toward a University of Pretoria PhD, completing the degree in a three-year time span. Both the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Theology and Religion, as well as VST, will appoint qualified directors for students.

This program is an attractive option for those wishing to expedite their education by focusing on research. It is distinct from other North American doctoral programs that require course work.

One of the most distinguishing features of this joint program is its international range and the opportunity to do cross-cultural research on Truth and Reconciliation for Indigenous and other students. This research PhD is world-class yet is affordable by Canadian standards.

Please familiarize yourself with the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria.

NOTE: Those planning to study from WITHIN Canada must be Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents due to the unavailability of Canadian study permits for this program.

Program Length
Outcomes
Admissions
Distance Learning

Length of Program

The international research PhD program through Pretoria/VST is a three-year program for full-time students, although extensions may be granted by successful petition to Pretoria. This program is unique in that it does not distinguish between full and part-time study. It is expected that all students will be working and have other life obligations during the course of their research degree and that they will finish within the typical three year allotment. Students are also expected to participate in the academic culture of VST, in the classroom as teaching assistants (if they live locally to VST), in the research colloquium, and in conferences hosted by VST.

This program is for permanent residents and citizens of Canada, or other North American students who do not plan to study from within Canada.

Outcomes

Useful information—requirements, costs, expectations and faculty—about the PhD program in Theology and Religion at Pretoria can be found online: University of Pretoria

Admissions

Detailed Steps

1. If you are interested in this PhD program, please submit your draft research proposal to Rebecca Simpson. She will share your proposal with the Research Studies Committee at VST to determine an appropriate director on the VST faculty. If you are unable to find a director on the VST faculty who will support you in your proposed research, entry into the PhD program is not possible.

Information on the VST PhD proposal can be found here.

2. Once a student has confirmation that a VST faculty member will support them in their research, they will apply directly to the University of Pretoria Faculty of Theology and Religion joint PhD program with VST. A copy of the application should be sent to the VST Registrar.

3. Applications to Pretoria require the following, BEFORE applying:

a. A current passport
b. An assessment of academic transcripts from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

NOTE: SAQA assessments of foreign academic transcripts can take up to 6 months to process. Begin this process as early as possible, as application to the University of Pretoria is not possible without the prior completion of the SAQA assessment.

4. The South African school year runs January to December. New applications are welcomed from April to the end of November for a study start date of January/February in the following year. Please note that in South Africa, seasonal terminology for semesters (eg. “winter, summer”) will match southern hemisphere seasons and refer to different months than “winter, summer” semesters at Canadian institutions.

NOTE: Complete applications are due to Pretoria no later than November 30.

5. Pretoria will inform candidates of the decision on their application in four to six weeks after it is submitted.

6. Students accepted into the program by Pretoria will then also receive a formal acceptance to the joint Pretoria/VST PhD program from VST. Admission at Pretoria and VST are necessary for this program. And they will occur in that order—first Pretoria and then VST will notify you of your acceptance to the program.

7. Student fees and tuition are invoiced by Pretoria and paid to the Vancouver School of Theology. The tuition rate for 2024 is $6000 CAD/year + student fees. Students should use research skills to secure funding through the sources available to them and by using the graduate funding inventory provided through the financial aid office.

NOTE: As the PhD is a program of the University of Pretoria, students are not eligible for Canadian student loans.

8. For further details regarding the application process, forms and dates, and entry requirements see the University of Pretoria website.

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Distance Learning

The PhD in Theology through the University of Pretoria is open to all North American students.

NOTE: Those planning to study from WITHIN Canada must be Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents due to the unavailability of Canadian study permits for this program.