Deadline
2025-09-20
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship, $16,215 Stipends, Accommodation & Travel Costs
$16,215
$16,215
Country Tenable
South Africa
Renewable
No
University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding candidates from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) to pursue doctoral studies at one of Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions.
As part of South Africa’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University of Pretoria will award three competitive doctoral scholarships to exceptional researchers who will contribute significantly to its academic and research excellence.
The scholarship provides up to R300,000 ($16,215) per year, covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, and medical aid.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa).
- Begin studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
- Have applied for admission for the 2025 academic year.
- Identify and secure a potential supervisor at UP.
- Have submitted academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
- Hold a Master’s degree obtained within the last two years.
- Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
- Not be currently registered or have previously studied for a PhD or Master’s at UP.
Scholarship Benefits
- Value: R184,000 per year (primary award), covering:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Medical aid
- Books and stationery
- Additional Costs Covered:
- One-way flight to South Africa and return flight upon completion.
- Airport shuttle transfers (OR Tambo ↔ Pretoria).
- UP application fee, medical aid fee, and study visa costs (refunded upon proof of payment).
Supplementary Funding:
- Awardees may receive additional bursaries or grants, provided the total annual funding (including this scholarship) does not exceed R300,000.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- UP application reference “T” number or 2025 student number.
- Motivation letter from the identified UP doctoral supervisor confirming research funding availability.
- One-page outline of proposed research.
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages).
- Proof of study leave (if applicable).
- Valid passport copy.
- Full academic transcripts (not certificates).
- Two academic reference forms from different supervisors/lecturers (using UP’s template).
Application Process
- Visit the official scholarship webpage.
- Download and complete the scholarship application form.
- Download and complete the reference form.
- Compile all required forms and documents into a single PDF.
- Submit the PDF via email to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line: UP Commonwealth 2026.
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