The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity available to students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa). It supports exceptional PhD candidates who aim to contribute to world-class research at one of Africa’s top research-intensive institutions.
This competitive scholarship is part of South Africa’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and seeks to strengthen academic and research capacity across the Commonwealth.
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When is the Application Deadline:
📅 September 20, 2025
Which Fields are Eligible?
You can apply across all faculties of the University of Pretoria, including:
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Theology and Religion
Type:
🎓 Doctoral (PhD) Scholarship
🌍 Fully Funded | Research-Based | Study in Africa
Who Can Apply?
You must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa)
- Have completed a Master’s degree at least two years prior to the application
- Be under the age of 40
- Have applied to UP for admission for the 2026 academic year
- Have identified a prospective doctoral supervisor at UP
- Have submitted your qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Not be a current or past UP Master’s or PhD student
How are Applicants Selected?
🎯 Selection is competitive and based on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of research proposal
- Supervisor’s recommendation
- Alignment with UP’s research priorities
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌐 All Commonwealth countries, except South Africa
Where will the Award be Taken?
🏫 University of Pretoria, South Africa
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How Many Awards?
🎓 Three (3) doctoral scholarships available
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Fully Funded – Total value: R184,000 per year, covering:
- Tuition and fees
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Medical aid
- Stationery/books
Additional Support:
- One return flight (home country ↔ South Africa)
- Shuttle from/to OR Tambo International Airport
- Refund of application, medical aid, and visa fees (upon proof)
- May hold additional funding up to R300,000/year, with this scholarship as the primary award
How Long Will the Award Last?
📆 3 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress
How to Apply:
Follow these steps:
- Apply for a PhD programme at the University of Pretoria for 2026
- Identify and receive a written recommendation from a UP supervisor (confirming research funding availability)
- Prepare and compile all required documents
- Download and complete the:
- UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship application form
- UP Reference form (two referees required)
📩 Send a single PDF document with all the above to pgbursary@up.ac.za
Subject Line: “UP Commonwealth 2026”
Required Documents:
- UP Application Ref number or 2026 Student Number
- Written motivation from prospective supervisor
- 1-page outline of proposed research
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages)
- Proof of study leave (if applicable)
- Copy of valid passport
- Full academic transcripts (not just certificates)
- Two completed reference forms
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 https://www.up.ac.za/funding/
