University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
The University of Pretoria has an established reputation for research quality and excellence, with its research strategy focused on societal challenges, in particular the challenges faced by Africa and developing regions in the global south.
This scholarship is available to students who wish to pursue a Doctoral Degree Program. To be eligible for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship 2026, an applicant must start their studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
The Value of the scholarship is 190000 (South African Rand), which will be used towards Accommodation, Living expenses, medical, and books. The University of Pretoria will also cover the Return Flight Tickets and study Visa costs for the applicants.
Faculties
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
- Faculty of Health Science
- Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Faculty of Economic and Management Science
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Theology and Religion.
Overview of the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
- Type: PhD scholarships
- Country to study: South Africa
- School to study: University of Pretoria
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Sponsored by: UP Internal Bursary
- Duration: 3 years
- Benefits: Return Flight tickets, Accommodation and living costs, Visa costs Application Fees, Medical Aid…etc
- Deadline: 20th September, 2025
Eligibility Requirements for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
- Open to the Residents of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa).
- A list of Commonwealth Member Countries.
- Plan to start studying at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
- Must have submitted a separate application for admission to a UP doctoral program for the 2026 academic year.
- Secured a potential supervisor at UP.
- Have your academic records evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Completed your postgraduate or Master’s degree within the past two years.
- Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
- PhD and Master’s students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
The Scholarship covers:
- Return Flight tickets
- Accommodation and living costs
- Fees
- Medical Aid
- Books/Stationery
- Shuttle service on arrival
- Application Fee
- Medical aid fee
- Study Visa cost
Selection Criteria
- Previous academic performance.
- Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
- Leadership qualities.
- Evidence of research accomplishment at the Master’s level through publications.
- Prizes and honors received, if any.
Required Documents
- A motivation letter from the supervisor of the UP is needed.
- An outline of the intended research work of one page.
- CV (less than 3 pages).
- Certificate of study leave from your current work organization.
- Copy of passport.
- Academic transcripts of all educational degrees.
- Two reference letters from 2 different supervisors who know the applicant.
Application Procedures for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
The Step-by-Step application process:
- Download and fill out the official UP Commonwealth Scholarship application form.
- Submit a separate application for admission to a doctoral program at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
- Prepare the Required Documents given above. Ensure they are combined into a single PDF file.
- Send your complete application package (scholarship application form and combined PDF of documents) to [email protected] with the subject line “UP Commonwealth 2026“.
Deadline: 20th September, 2025
