University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Master in Applied Development Economics

South Africa 1 year Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Tuition 60% below the typical master's
  • Applications currently open

Introduction

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, known as Wits, is a prominent research-intensive university founded in 1922 and located in one of Africa’s most vibrant cities. With a student body exceeding 42,000 and a diverse international community, Wits offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. Its urban campus provides access to cultural institutions, industry partners, and public sector organizations for experiential learning.

Wits is recognized for rigorous research and strong professional programs, offering 322 distinct programs that combine theoretical depth with practical training. The university’s academic environment supports innovation through research centers, clinical training partnerships, and industry collaborations that help students build professional networks. International students benefit from dedicated support services, orientation programs, and resources to assist with visas, accommodations, and academic advising, helping them integrate into campus life and pursue career ambitions.

Campus life at Wits is dynamic, with active student societies, sporting opportunities, and cultural events that reflect Johannesburg’s diversity. Graduates join a broad alumni network and often find career pathways in South Africa and abroad. Prospective students should explore program-specific entry requirements, funding and scholarship options, and early engagement with faculty to tailor their study plans to research interests or professional objectives.

About the Program

The Master in Applied Development Economics is a one-year program at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for students with a Bachelor's degree. This Master's degree in Economics helps students gain advanced knowledge in development economics.

The curriculum includes compulsory courses like Political Economy of Development, Microeconomics, and Advanced Macroeconomics for Policy. Students also choose from electives such as The Economics of Competition and Regulation, Development, and Environmental Economics and Policy. A research report is a key component of the program.

Graduates can pursue careers as Economic Policy Analysts, Development Economists, or Research Economists in industries like government, finance, or international organizations. They may work as Public Economists, Applied Econometricians, or Energy Economists, applying their skills in data analysis and economic modeling.

This program's tuition is 60% below the typical master's in South Africa.

Median tuition for that cohort is 3,121 USD, across 137 programs on Global Admissions.

Compare South Africa master's programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 6.5-7.5. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

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105–120

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TOEFL iBT
79–93
PTE Academic
58–64
CEFR level
B2
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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