Deadline: September 20, 2025
Applications are open for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026. The University of Pretoria, recognised as a leading research-intensive institution, is committed to attracting exceptional doctoral candidates who can make meaningful contributions to its research mission.
In support of South Africa’s participation in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University has made funding available for up to two doctoral scholarships specifically for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South African citizens). These awards, known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships, will be granted on a competitive basis.
Scholarship
The value of this Doctoral Scholarship will be R190 000 p.a. This amount must be used to towards the following student costs:
- Accommodation and living costs p.a.
- Fees p.a.
- Medical Aid for 2027 & 2028 (2026 medical aid at your own expense)
- Books/Stationery.
Eligibility
- Open to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, excluding South African citizens.
- Applicants must intend to undertake their doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria, with commencement in the 2026 academic year.
- Applicants must have formally applied for admission to the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
- Each applicant must have identified a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
- Applicants are required to have submitted their academic qualifications for evaluation to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Applicants must have completed their postgraduate Master’s degree at least two years prior to applying for admission in 2026.
- Applicants older than 38 years of age at the time of application are ineligible for this scholarship.
- Current or former Master’s or PhD students of the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply
Selection Criteria
Award of this scholarship will be based on:
- Previous academic performance.
- Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
- Leadership qualities.
- Evidence of research accomplishment at the Masters’ level by means of publications.
- Prizes and honours received.
A selection process will be conducted by the University’s Institutional Selection Committee. The University reserves the right to amend, without prior notice to the Applicants, the regulations and scholarship values and/or conditions applicable to the awarding of this scholarship.
Application
In order to be considered for this scholarship, candidates must submit the Application form of the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship to the University of Pretoria with the following documentation attached:
- The UP Online application Ref “T” number or 2026 student number provided to the Applicants by UP on their UP Portal.
- A written motivation from the prospective Doctoral UP supervisor that you have identified. 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.
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Official academic transcripts for the most recently completed degree.
- Support from two different academics/supervisors who have knowledge of the Applicant’s
academic performance (1x A4 page)
For more information, visit University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship.
