How To Become A Professor In South Africa (2026)

This is information about every step of becoming a professor in South Africa: the educational pathway from undergraduate degree to PhD, the research and publication requirements, the different academic ranks, the NRF rating system, the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), and the salary expectations. The road is long, often ten years or more after your first degree. But the destination is a career of intellectual freedom and profound impact.

Professors are the custodians of knowledge. They do not just teach. They shape the minds of the next generation. They push the boundaries of human understanding through research. They publish, they mentor, they lead. It is a career that demands extraordinary dedication, years of study, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. But for those who have the intellect and the passion, it is one of the most fulfilling callings there is.

How To Become A Professor In South Africa

The Educational Pathway: From Matric To Doctorate

The journey to becoming a professor starts with education. Lots of it. You need to go from high school to the highest level of academic qualification: the PhD.

Step 1: Complete A Bachelor’s Degree

Your first step is a bachelor’s degree in a field that interests you. For example, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, economics, microbiology, or any other discipline you are passionate about. This degree gives you a broad understanding of your chosen subject and sets the stage for further studies. Work hard to get good grades, as this will be important later.

You need to align your undergraduate major with your intended teaching and research expertise. Typical routes include a BSc, BA, or BCom, often followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) if you want to solidify teaching credentials, though for university-level instruction, the focus shifts quickly to postgraduate studies.

Step 2: Pursue An Honours Degree

An honours degree is typically a one-year programme that follows your bachelor’s. It sharpens your subject focus and introduces you to research methodology. This is where you begin to transition from a consumer of knowledge to a producer of knowledge.

Step 3: Earn A Master’s Degree

A master’s degree allows you to specialise in a specific area of your field. During this time, focus on research, as it plays a big role in your future career. Engage with your professors, participate in seminars, and try to publish some of your research findings. This will build your academic profile.

The master’s degree typically has a robust research component, whether it is an MA, MSc, or MCom.

Step 4: Complete A Doctorate (PhD)

Earning a PhD is the most crucial step toward becoming a professor. A PhD is a research-focused degree that involves producing original work that adds to the knowledge in your field. In South Africa, a PhD can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete, depending on your area of study and the complexity of your research. During your PhD, you will work closely with a supervisor who will guide you through your research project.

A PhD is the non-negotiable requirement for a full professorship. Nearly all professors—81% according to salary data—hold doctorates. The qualification is registered at NQF Level 10.

The Academic Career Ladder: From Lecturer To Professor

Academia has a clear hierarchy. You do not become a professor overnight. You climb the ladder, rung by rung, proving your worth at each level.

Lecturer / Junior Lecturer

This is the entry-level position for academics who have a master’s degree or are completing their PhD. You focus heavily on teaching undergraduate courses, marking, and administrative tasks. Research expectations are lower than at higher ranks.

Senior Lecturer

At this level, you are expected to have completed your PhD. You take on more responsibility in curriculum development and begin supervising honours and master’s students. Research output becomes more important. According to a job posting for a Senior Lecturer in Economics, the minimum requirements include a PhD degree (NQF level 10), at least five years of teaching experience, plus a minimum of two research publications in an accredited journal, and at least one completed master’s supervision.

Associate Professor

This is a significant step up. You are expected to be a recognised researcher in your field with a sustained publication record. The requirements typically include a PhD, at least six years of teaching experience, plus a minimum of five research publications in accredited journals, and at least two completed master’s and one completed or in-process PhD supervision.

Associate professors also take on leadership roles within their departments, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the academic governance of the university.

Full Professor

This is the pinnacle of the academic career. A full professor is a leader in their field, both nationally and internationally. The requirements are stringent. The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s job posting for a Professor of Industrial Psychology requires a PhD degree, at least nine years of relevant experience, excellent and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, an excellent track record of successful attraction of external research grants, excellent and sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at master’s and PhD level, evidence of national and international recognition in a research area, and evidence of strong academic leadership.

Full professors are expected to shape the direction of their disciplines, influence policy, and serve as mentors to the next generation of academics.

The Pillars Of A Professorial Career

To be appointed as a professor, you must demonstrate excellence across several domains.

Research And Publications

This is the most important pillar. You cannot become a professor without a strong research record. Universities look for evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level. The number of publications required increases with rank.

You need to publish articles, papers, and books to build your reputation in the academic community. The more you publish, the more you will be recognised as an expert in your field. Attend conferences, present your research, and network with other academics. This will help you stay updated with the latest developments in your field and expand your professional connections.

Teaching And Supervision

While research is critical, you are still a teacher. You need to demonstrate a proven commitment to teaching and learning, including a willingness to become involved in students’ educational development and wellbeing.

You are expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum development, and supervise postgraduate students at master’s and PhD level. The number of successful supervisions is a key metric in promotion decisions. At the professor level, you need an excellent and sustained track record of successful supervision.

External Research Funding

Securing grants is essential. Universities want professors who can bring in money to support their research and the university’s research infrastructure. You need an excellent and sustained track record of successful attraction of external research grants.

Academic Leadership

Professors are leaders. You need evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within your department, school, college, or university. This includes mentorship and coaching of junior staff.

National And International Recognition

You need to be known beyond your own university. This means having evidence of national and international recognition in your research area. This recognition comes from invited talks, editorial boards, conference organisation, and the impact of your publications.

The NRF Rating System: Measuring Your Research Impact

The National Research Foundation (NRF) rating system is a crucial part of an academic’s career in South Africa. It benchmarks the quality of your research against the rest of the world. NRF ratings consider a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact as perceived by international peer reviewers.

Having an NRF rating is often a prerequisite for promotion to associate professor and professor. It signals that you are a leader in your field.

The NRF rating system encourages researchers to publish high quality outputs in high impact journals. Rated researchers as supervisors will impart cutting-edge skills to the next generation of researchers. Ratings are based primarily on the quality and impact of research outputs over the past eight years.

The NRF rating system is part of the NRF’s goal to build a globally competitive science system in South Africa. Several South African universities use the outcomes of the NRF evaluation and rating process to position themselves as research-intensive institutions, while others provide incentives for their staff members to acquire and maintain a rating and give special recognition to top-rated researchers.

To apply for an NRF rating, you need to work on the CV section on the NRF Online Submission system. This can take a while to complete when one has lots of research outputs. The call for ratings typically opens with specific deadlines, and applications undergo an internal review process before being submitted to the NRF.

The New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP)

If you are a young, aspiring academic, there is a special programme designed for you. The New Generation Academics Programme (nGAP) is a six-year programme aimed at recruiting and retaining young academics into permanent positions. It is mainly funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) under the Staffing South African Universities Framework (SSAUF).

The nGAP requires that an applicant possesses at least an NQF 9 qualification (a master’s degree), and will be funded for their doctoral and/or postdoctoral studies. Lecturers in the nGAP are appointed across the 26 public universities in South Africa.

This programme is a fantastic opportunity for young scholars to fast-track their academic careers while receiving mentorship and support. It addresses the challenge of an ageing professoriate in South Africa and aims to create a new generation of academics who reflect the country’s demographics.

Salary Expectations

Professors are among the highest-paid professionals in South Africa, but the salary varies by rank, experience, and institution.

According to salary survey data, the average gross salary for a full professor at a university in South Africa is R829,429 per year. An entry-level professor (1-3 years of experience) earns an average of R586,379. A senior-level professor (8+ years of experience) earns an average of R1,038,291. The estimated salary potential for professors will increase 17% over five years.

The average gross salary for an associate professor is R648,440 per year. An entry-level associate professor (1-3 years of experience) earns an average of R464,414. A senior-level associate professor (8+ years of experience) earns an average of R809,730.

These figures represent base salaries. Professors may also receive additional benefits, including housing allowances, medical aid contributions, and pension fund membership, depending on the institution.

The Personal Qualities You Need

A PhD and a long publication list are essential, but they are not enough. Professors need specific personal qualities.

Intellectual curiosity is the engine of a professorial career. You must genuinely love learning and discovering new things. If you are not curious, the endless hours of research will crush you.

Resilience is essential. Your papers will be rejected. Your grant applications will be turned down. Your students will disappoint you. You need the emotional strength to keep going.

Communication skills matter. You must be able to explain complex ideas to first-year students, to write clearly for academic journals, and to speak persuasively at conferences.

Leadership is non-negotiable at senior ranks. You will lead research teams, supervise PhD students, and serve on university committees. You need to inspire and guide others.

Patience is key. A PhD takes years. Promotion takes years. Recognition takes years. You cannot rush the academic career ladder.

Mentorship is a gift you give to the next generation. The best professors are remembered not just for their research but for the students they helped along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a professor in South Africa?
From the start of your bachelor’s degree to appointment as a full professor, expect approximately 10 to 15 years or more. This includes a bachelor’s degree (3-4 years), honours (1 year), master’s (1-2 years), PhD (3-7 years), and then 6-9 years climbing the ranks from lecturer to associate professor to professor.

Do I need a PhD to be a professor?
Yes. A PhD is the minimum requirement for appointment as a senior lecturer, associate professor, or full professor.

What is the difference between a lecturer and a professor?
A lecturer is a junior academic focused primarily on teaching. A professor is a senior academic who is expected to lead research, supervise doctoral students, secure external funding, and provide academic leadership. The title of “professor” is earned through years of demonstrated excellence.

What is the nGAP programme?
The New Generation Academics Programme (nGAP) is a six-year, government-funded initiative to recruit young academics into permanent positions at public universities. It funds doctoral and postdoctoral studies and provides mentorship.

How much do professors earn?
Full professors earn an average of R829,429 per year, with senior professors earning over R1 million. Associate professors earn an average of R648,440 per year.

Do I need an NRF rating to become a professor?
Many South African universities require an NRF rating for appointment or promotion to associate professor and professor. The rating benchmarks your research quality against international standards.

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