University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026

The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship has made funding available for up to two doctoral scholarships specifically for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South African citizens). 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.

• Table of Content
• About University of Pretoria
• University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship
• Requirements for University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) was established in 1908 with just four professors and 32 students, in a little house called Kya Rosa. Today, it is one of the largest research universities in South Africa. UP has transformed into a dynamic university community of staff and students who come from a range of diverse backgrounds and cultures showcasing South African and global societies. The University was born from a vision to create a space for quality education and for new ideas to flourish. Over the course of its existence, and through different phases of political power and social change, UP ... continue reading

University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of University of Pretoria Commonwealth 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
• 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 and return on completion of studies.
• UP application fee and study visa costs which will be refunded to the Applicant based on proof of receipts upon arrival at UP.

Requirements for University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship Qualification

• The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is 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). Further information is available at www.saqa.org.za.
• 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

Documents Required for 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)

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Application and supporting documents to be submitted via the following https://forms.gle/9nhtuJrzRMVVobT48

For more information about the University’s research focus areas, please visit the following website:

https://www.up.ac.za/graduate-support-hub

https://www.up.ac.za/research-focus-areas/article/2745928/research-focus-areas

https://www.up.ac.za/supervisor

Application Guideline Pdf

For more details, visit University of Pretoria Scholarship webpage