Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship at University of Pretoria

Applications are invited for the University of Pretoria 2026 Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship, an opportunity for doctoral studies at one of South Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions. This scholarship supports outstanding candidates from Commonwealth countries (excluding South African citizens) in pursuing doctoral degrees across various fields at the University of Pretoria, starting in the 2026 academic year.

The scholarship is fully funded, offering R190,000 per year to cover accommodation, living costs, fees, medical aid (for 2027 and 2028), and books/stationery. Additional benefits include flight tickets, shuttle services, and reimbursement of application and visa fees (with receipts). There is no application fee for the scholarship itself, but applicants must cover the University of Pretoria’s application fee and study permit costs (reimbursed upon arrival). You can also check PhD positions here

Key Details

• Target Group: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South African citizens)
• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Fields of Study: Any doctoral program offered at the University of Pretoria
• Funding: Fully funded, offering R190,000 per year to cover accommodation, living costs, fees, medical aid (for 2027 and 2028), and books/stationery
• Supplementary Funding: Allowed up to R300,000 total per year (including this scholarship)
• Application Deadline: 20 September 2025
• Application Fee: No fee for scholarship application; UP application fee applies (reimbursed upon arrival)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa).
• Plan to start your doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
• Have applied for admission to the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
• Have identified a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
• Have your academic qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• Have completed your Master’s degree at least two years before applying (i.e., by 2024).
• Be under 38 years old at the time of application.
• Not be a current or former Master’s or PhD student at the University of Pretoria.

Also check: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships

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.

Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London

Application Process

To apply, submit the University of Pretoria PhD Commonwealth Scholarship Application Form via this link with the following documents:

1. UP Online Application Reference: Your “T” number or 2026 student number from the UP Portal.
2. Supervisor’s Motivation Letter: A written statement from your prospective doctoral supervisor confirming their support and the availability of research funding.
3. Research Outline: A one-page (A4) summary of your proposed research.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum three pages.
5. Passport Copy: A valid passport.
6. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of your most recent degree.
7. Two Reference Letters: Support from two academics/supervisors familiar with your academic performance (each one A4 page).

Scholarship Benefits

Covered by the Scholarship (R190,000 per year):

• Accommodation and living costs.
• University fees.
• Medical aid for 2027 and 2028 (note: 2026 medical aid is at your own expense).
• Books and stationery.

Also check: Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarships For MS and PhD

Additional Benefits Covered by the University:

• Flight ticket to South Africa from your home country (upon proof of study permit).
• Return flight ticket to your home country after completing the program.
• Shuttle service on arrival in South Africa and return upon completion.
• Refund of UP application fee and study visa costs (submit receipts upon arrival).

Not Covered:

• Research running costs.
• Family expenses.
• Additional baggage costs.

Supplementary Funding

You may hold additional external bursaries, grants, or scholarships, but the total value (including this scholarship) cannot exceed R300,000 per year. The UP Commonwealth Scholarship must be your primary award.

Study in South Korea: CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
2. Get your academic qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
3. Identify a supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
4. Complete the scholarship application form and submit all required documents via the link provided below.