Are you an ambitious researcher from a Commonwealth country seeking to pursue a doctoral degree without financial stress? The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 in South Africa offers you a unique opportunity to achieve your PhD in one of Africa’s top-ranked universities.
This fully funded program is designed for academically outstanding students with leadership potential who wish to contribute to global research while enhancing their academic and professional careers.
University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
The University of Pretoria (UP) Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious initiative that supports talented students from Commonwealth nations, excluding South Africa, to complete their doctoral studies at UP. Through this program, scholars gain access to advanced research facilities, internationally recognized faculty, and a vibrant academic community.
This scholarship not only provides full financial support but also promotes cross-cultural exchange by enabling students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on global challenges. It ensures that qualified students are able to focus entirely on their research goals without financial burdens.
University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | South Africa |
| Study Destination | University of Pretoria (UP) |
| Scholarship Type | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Funded By | UP Internal Bursary |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Accommodation, Living, Research, Travel) |
| IELTS/TOEFL Required | Yes (if applicable) |
| Application Deadline | September 20, 2025 |
| Number of Awards | Limited |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, On-Campus |
| Academic Session | 2026-2029 |
What Is the UP-Commonwealth Scholarship All About?
The Commonwealth Scholarship at the University of Pretoria is aimed at enhancing high-level research and supporting the university’s strategic mission of becoming a globally recognized institution of excellence. By targeting PhD candidates, the program fosters the creation of new knowledge that contributes to both national and international development goals.
The scholarship promotes academic collaboration between South Africa and the wider Commonwealth by training the next generation of researchers, policy leaders, and innovators. Through participation in this program, students gain access to world-class resources while contributing to research that addresses pressing challenges in fields such as science, technology, health, governance, and social development.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026:
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa).
- Must intend to begin PhD studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
- Must have applied for admission to the doctoral program at UP.
- Must have identified a potential supervisor at UP who supports their research proposal.
- Must submit academic qualifications for evaluation through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Must have completed a Master’s or postgraduate degree within the last two years.
- Must be under 40 years of age at the time of application.
- Must not currently be registered for or have previously studied for a PhD or Master’s degree at UP.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the UP-Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 will receive comprehensive support that covers all key expenses. These include:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the PhD program.
- Accommodation and living expenses allowance to ensure a comfortable stay in South Africa.
- Meal and study material support, including books and stationery.
- Access to UP medical facilities for healthcare services.
- Round-trip airfare at the beginning and end of the program.
- Airport shuttle service upon arrival in South Africa.
- Reimbursement of university fees, medical aid, and visa costs upon submission of receipts.
- Additional research funding to support fieldwork, data collection, or specialized academic needs.
This extensive financial support ensures that scholars can focus fully on their academic pursuits and research contributions.
Available Fields of Study
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 supports PhD studies in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Law
- Humanities
- Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Economics and Management Sciences
- Theology and Religion
This diversity enables scholars from various academic backgrounds to contribute to impactful research across multiple sectors.
Required Documents
To complete an application for the scholarship, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Motivation letter from the doctoral supervisor at UP.
- One-page research outline describing the proposed PhD research.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) not exceeding three pages.
- Certificate of study leave (if employed).
- Copy of passport showing nationality.
- Academic transcripts for all completed degrees.
- Two completed reference forms from academic or professional referees.
All documents should be combined into a single PDF file and submitted as per the application guidelines.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Here’s how to apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026:
Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements, including nationality, academic background, and age criteria.
Prepare Documents: Compile all required documents into a single PDF file for submission.
Apply for Admission at UP: Apply for PhD admission at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
Email Application: Send the application package to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line: “UP Commonwealth 2026”.
Submit on Official System: If required, complete the application process through the University of Pretoria’s official application platform.
Await Results: Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for interviews or further documentation before the final decision is made.
Due to the competitive nature of the scholarship, it is advisable to submit applications well before the deadline.
Why Study at the University of Pretoria?
- Academic Excellence: One of Africa’s top research-intensive universities with global recognition.
- Diverse Research Opportunities: Access to world-class facilities across multiple disciplines.
- International Collaboration: A multicultural environment that fosters innovation and partnerships.
- Supportive Infrastructure: Comprehensive student support services, including libraries, labs, and health care.
- Strategic Location: Situated in South Africa’s capital, providing rich cultural and academic experiences.
By studying at UP under this program, scholars join a global community of researchers committed to advancing knowledge and solving global challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UP-Commonwealth Scholarship 2026?
Only citizens of Commonwealth countries, excluding South Africa, are eligible.
What level of study is supported?
The scholarship supports doctoral (PhD) studies only.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 20th September 2025.
Does the scholarship cover travel expenses?
Yes, it includes round-trip airfare at the beginning and end of the program.
Can applicants over 40 years apply?
No, applicants must be under 40 years old at the time of application.
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