Less than half of African PhDs return from South Africa

Findings contradict earlier study that cleared South Africa of pilfering talent

Fewer nationals of other African countries who obtain their PhDs in South Africa return home than has been suggested in previous studies, new data reveals.

A 22 June webinar heard that 40 per cent of such students return home after completing their degrees—a much lower proportion than the two-thirds reported in a study published in January. That report was compiled by a group of authors including Michael Kahn, a science policy analyst and professor affiliated to the universities of Stellenbosch and the Western Cape, who also presented at the webinar.