The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded graduate opportunity awarded to candidates seeking to contribute significantly to research endeavours.
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship provides a fund of R300,000 ($16,215) per year to cover the costs of study, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
Requirements
To be considered for the Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship, you must:
- The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, except South Africans.
- Applicants must conduct their studies at the University of Pretoria and commence in 2026.
- Applicant must have submitted an application to study at UP for the 2025 academic year.
- Each Applicant must have identified a potential supervisor.
- Each Applicant must have submitted academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
- Applicants must have completed their postgraduate/Masters degree no less than two years prior to applying to UP for admission for the 2026 academic year.
- Applicants who are older than 40 years of age do not qualify for this scholarship.
- PhD and Masters students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply.
Benefits
- The value of this Doctoral Scholarship will be R184 000 p.a. This amount must be used to cover the following student costs:
- Accommodation and living costs.
- Fees p.a.
- Medical Aid.
- Books/Stationery.
- Additional costs covered by the University:
- Flight ticket to RSA from home country on proof of study permit.
- Return flight ticket to home country at the end of the completion of the programme as confirmed by the faculty.
- Shuttle service on arrival in South Africa from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and return from Pretoria to OR Tambo International Airport on completion.
- UP application fee, medical aid fee and study visa costs which will be refunded to the Applicant based on proof of receipt.
- Supplementary Funds:
- The Commonwealth Scholarship holder may hold supplementary external bursaries/grants/scholarships with a maximum total value of awards, including this scholarship, of R300 000.00 p.a.
- The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- The UP Online application Ref “T” number or 2025 student number provided to the Applicants by UP on their UP Portal.
- A written motivation from the prospective Doctoral supervisor that you have identified from UP. The said motivation must confirm the availability of research funding.
- An outline (one A4 page) of the proposed research work.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – no more than 3 pages.
- Proof that study leave will be granted if the scholarship is awarded (if applicable) by your place of current work,
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Full academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained (not certificates).
- Two completed reference forms from two different academics/supervisors who have current knowledge of the Applicant’s academic performance (Reference form attached).
Method of Application
- Click on the button below to visit the scholarship webpage
- Download and fill the scholarship application form
- Download and fill also, the Reference Form
- Submit the Application form for the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship to the University of Pretoria with the required documentation attached.
- The above forms and documents should be sent as a single PDF document to pgbursary@up.ac.za with a
Subject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2026”
Click Here to Apply
Application Deadline: September 20, 2025.
