DescriptioUniversity of Pretoria (UP) is a public university in South Africa. UP established in the early 20th century and has been proving itself as one of the top universities in the field of theology and religious studies. University of Pretoria Faculty of Theology and Religion is widely recognized as a top school in the field. It usually ranks among the top 100 universities in the field of Theology and Religion. Its faculty and staff are well published and respected scholars in their field. This ensures that those who are referred by ACTS to UP are held to the highest standards of scholarship and research.  n text goes here

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formally recognizes our ThM degree as an accepted prerequisite for admission consideration into the University of Pretoria’s PhD program. It creates a clear, streamlined pathway, but does not guarantee admission—all applicants must still meet University of Pretoria’s full admissions standards. This is specifically a pathway for our ThM graduates to pursue a PhD. Any PhD earned when applying means the degree will come from them, not ACTS.  

No. The MOU guarantees eligibility for consideration, not automatic acceptance. Students must still complete the application, meet GPA, turn in a writing sample (if required), complete interviews (if required), and satisfy all admissions standards. You can read more about this MOU, here: https://acts.edu/news/historic-partnership-acts-signs-mou

Yes. Only students who have successfully completed the full ACTS ThM program and meet all graduation requirements are eligible for this pathway. It is also recommended that if there is intention to do a PhD, that the field of study is determined early on. This will help with the ThM class selection and more importantly with the subject of the ThM thesis as this might be the building block for the PhD dissertation.  

The University of Pretoria sets its own admissions criteria. Specific GPA thresholds will be published by the University of Pretoria, not ACTS. You can visit their admissions page for the PhD here https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2026/THEO-faculty/DO-programmes  

Research areas and topics are very broad range, it includes but not limited to: Theology, New Testament, Old Testament, Patristics, church history, practical theology, pastoral family therapy, etc. Two important elements to consider when one thinks about the research topic. First, is that the MoU allows ACTS students to have co-supervisor from ACTS faculty; this will give a great leverage for students who are interested in areas that require the Coptic ethos. Second, is that most modern PhD studies are multidisciplinary, and most faculty supervisors can supervise several topics.  

Students apply directly to UP’s admissions office. Our role is to: 

• Verify your ThM completion 

• Ensure that you have a solid initial proposal for your dissertation 

• Provide any needed transcripts or letters 

• Support you through the process if you request assistance 

The admissions decision is made solely by UP. 

A PhD student should be able to work independently. However, at the beginning the process sounds intimidating, so ACTS staff will be ready to help whether in refining your proposal, communicating with UP, choosing a supervisor, or simply seeking resources on the PhD process.  

We invite all prospective or current ThM students—and all ThM alumni—to complete our Interest Form. This ensures you receive: 

• Updates about the pathway 

• Information sessions 

• Faculty guidance for preparing your research materials 

Note: Completing the form does not obligate you to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/253280537908160