University of Pretoria (UP) 2025 Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship

The University of Pretoria is a research-intensive university. Hence, it is seeking candidates for doctoral studies who will make significant contributions to its research endeavours. As part of South Africa's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University of Pretoria has made funds available for three doctoral scholarships for students coming from Commonwealth Countries (excluding South African students). This scholarship is known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship and will be awarded on a competitive basis. 

• Table of Content
• About University of Pretoria
• UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship
• Requirements for UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship
• 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

UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship

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.

Note:
The scholarship does not cover research running costs.
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 receipts upon arrival at UP

Costs not covered by the University:

• Family expenses.
• Additional baggage expenses.

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.

Requirements for UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship Qualification

• 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 2025.
• 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 2025 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.

Interview date, Process and Venue for UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship

• 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.

Documents Required for Application

• 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).

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028

Application Deadline

How to Apply

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 above documents should be sent as a single pdf document to [email protected] with a Subject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2025”.

For more details, visit UP website