Tracer study of water PhDs in South Africa

Doctoral graduates are considered the best qualified for creating, implementing and disseminating new knowledge and innovation. Consequently, information about the socio economic impact of their training is essential in knowledge-based and complex economies. In a first for South Africa, the Water Research Commission, through its research partners, undertook a survey of water and sanitation-related PhD degrees awarded between 2013 and 2017. The study sets an important baseline to benchmark and monitor against, both within the water sector and across sectors and disciplines.