Abstract:
Globally, the importance of highly qualified human resources (holders of doctoral degrees) in
providing the requisite skills for knowledge economies is well acknowledged. Sadly, African
universities are reportedly lagging behind in terms of satisfying the required quantity and
quality of doctoral graduates (Harle, 2013). This study was aimed at providing empirical
evidence on the status of doctoral education in Zimbabwe as well as identifying the reasons
for the status quo. Documentary evidence and telephonic interviews were used to collect data
from all the 15 registered universities in Zimbabwe. The interviews involved doctoral
students enrolled in local universities as well as in foreign universities, aspiring doctoral
candidates and senior academics based in local universities.The findings showed that six out
of the 15 (40%) universities were offering programmes at doctoral level in 2014 giving a
share of 0.2%. The combined doctoral degree enrolment was 150 translating to a share of
0.18% of the total student enrolments. A total of 28 people graduated with doctorates from
Zimbabwean universities in 2014. Approximately 565 academics from Zimbabwean
universities were pursuing doctoral degrees at universities in the region notably in South
Africa and Zambia and yet only one university in Zimbabwe enrolled students from the
region. The reasons for this state of affairs included the stringent regulatory environment
regarding doctoral study in Zimbabwe, shortage of supervisors due to brain drain,
unavailability of doctoral programmes at 60% of the local universities and inadequate
funding and resources. The study the study recommends that ZIMCHE and universities
should revisit their standards and regulations. In addition, government needs to adequately
remunerate university staff and provide funding for research and doctoral studies.
