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 aSubject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2026”
Click Here to Apply
Application Deadline: September 20, 2025.
