Univen Postgraduate Studies

The University of Venda (Univen) in Thohoyandou offers honours degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, master's degrees and doctorates. All postgraduate applicants, South African and international, apply online, and Univen does not charge an application fee. Here is how postgraduate study at Univen works, based on its official pages.

How to apply

1. Research your programme and its admission requirements.
2. For a master's or doctorate, contact the department about your proposed field of study and a supervisor.
3. Apply online through Univen's application system.
4. Upload your documents, including your degree or diploma certificates, academic records and your ID or passport.
5. Monitor your application and complete registration if you are accepted.

Application fee and closing date

Univen's 2026 fees booklet states that no application fee applies, and its FAQ says applicants should not be asked for a fee at any stage. The booklet gives 30 September 2026 as the closing date for applications. Univen's earlier postgraduate application forms said master's and doctoral applications could be made throughout the year. Closing dates can change between cycles, so check the current notice and ask your faculty.

Research proposals

Univen's postgraduate application form asks about your proposed field of study and intended degree. Faculties hold proposal defences for postgraduate research after admission, as listed in Univen's academic calendar.

Fees in 2026

• BA Honours: R33,130 for the first year
• BEd Honours: R35,870 a year in most specialisations
• Master of Arts: R37,740 for the first year and R18,840 for the second
• Master of Education: R37,740 for the first year
• PhD: R45,010 for the first year and R22,390 for the second
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education: R79,640
• Master's and PhD in Gender Studies or African Studies: R40,540 and R45,010 for the first year

Fees are higher in the first year of master's and doctoral study and lower in later years. Self-funded students pay a registration amount before they register.

Accommodation

Univen's 2026 booklet also lists residence fees. For example, a single room in the Mvelaphanda residences cost R48,330 for the year. Apply for a room early, because residence space is limited.

Postgraduate support

Univen's Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies office provides forms, ethics guidance and research support for postgraduate students. Contact it for help with your research once you are registered.

Funding

Apply to external funders, such as the National Research Foundation, using their own deadlines. For fee questions, email studentfinancesupport@univen.ac.za.

Related pages

See Univen fees, Univen bursaries and how to apply to Univen.