How to apply

How to Apply

The School of Government is committed to supporting the training and research needs of community based organisations, non-governmental organisations, trade unions and other institutions of the wider South African Society, to help the development of a balance between the state and civil society.

The SA-German Centre for Development Research offers generous two year DAAD merit scholarships for the Masters Degree in Public Administration in the School of Government, University of the Western Cape in Cape Town.

The Call for applications for the intake 2022 expired.

There will be NO CALL for the 2023 intake!

The online application form can be accessed below (see Application procedure) Please read this website carefully and especially start preparing the necessary documents as explained below.

Please understand that we don't have the capacity to answer those questions via email, that can be answered by reading the Call text on the Website carefully. So please refer first to the information given in the "How to apply sections" of each Programme, before asking questions via email.

Entry requirements:

  • Applicants should be from Sub-Sahara Africa

  • Applicants should have an outstanding academic record - at least 70% average- for your last degree

  • The study must have been completed at an internationally recognised university

  • The previous degree should have been an academic discipline which is related to public administration

  • South African students are required to have an honours degree in order to be admitted to a Masters degree course. Other students need the equivalent of a 4 year undergraduate degree.

  • Applicants must provide evidence of proficiency in English, both written and spoken. This can be TOEFL test or a similar standard test or a letter from an academic institution

  • Work and/or voluntary experience in your field of interest would be a recommendation

  • There is no formal age restriction, but applicants should apply within six years of completing their previous degree, unless they have a good reason for having been academically inactive for a period

  • Women are encouraged to apply

  • South African students are encouraged to apply
  • Applicants must be able to study fulltime at the UWC for the required period.

Application procedure:

You have to fill in an Online application form, which can be accessed here only during an open Call.The e-form can only be submitted ONCE, so please make sure that your application is complete before submitting it!!!

As you will have to upload certain documents, documents as follows should be already prepared:

  • a letter of application, motivating your application,
  • a copy of your passport
  • a CV, also indicating relevant work experience as intern or as employee: Please use the europass CV form available at https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/home
  • an academic transcript from your last university,
  • certified copies of all academic certificates,
  • an academic reference and if applicable a professional reference. In case that referees want to send the reference independently, they should send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., indicating the applicant's name.
  • MA applicants will have to write a one page paper about one of three given topics (to be uploaded in the e-form). Below you find the topics of the Call:

1 Write critical notes on how inequality can be measured. What do you regard as the causes of inequality in your country?

2 What are the prospects for a successful Developmental State model in any African country of your choice?

3 What do you see as the root causes of migration? How can these be addressed?

Attention:

Of course we screen all essays with an anti-plagiarism software and in case that an essay is only copy pasted from available literature the application is not eligible!!!

 In some cases, you may also be required to attend an interview and to complete an entrance test.

Wherever possible, please have all documents verified by a Commissioner of Oaths.

Please make sure that your application is complete, as no incomplete submissions will be considered.

In addition to the formal University processes, prospective MPA students will also be required to complete a separate School of Government application form. These can be obtained from the School's postgraduate office. (Tel: +27 21 959 3803/3860; E-Mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Please prepare as well

  • a certified copy of your identification document
  • a certified copy of your matric certificate
  • Moreover, certificates and transcripts that are in another language other than English or Afrikaans must be submitted together with an English translation thereof that has been certified by a Public Notary

Application Deadline for the intake 2022:

expired

Communication of selection outcome:

All applicants will be informed about their applications around end of August.

Tuition, registration and other costs:

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held between approximately 6-8 weeks after the expiration of the application deadline, either face-to-face or telephonically or via Skype. Please ensure that you will be available during this period if contacted for an interview.

Contact Details UWC:

south-africa
Address:
Belinda Du Plessis
School of Government, University of the Western Cape
Robert Sobukwe Road
Bellville
Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535
Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
 
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.