University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded PhD Opportunity
Are you a citizen of a Commonwealth country seeking to pursue your PhD in Africa? The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded doctoral opportunity that covers tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, and more. This scholarship is designed for exceptional students who are ready to make significant contributions to research in their field.
With a generous award of up to R300,000 (USD $16,215) per year, recipients will have the financial freedom to focus entirely on their academic and research goals at one of South Africa’s leading universities.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: South Africa
- Institution: University of Pretoria
- Level: Doctoral (PhD)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded (includes tuition, stipend, accommodation, travel)
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa)
- Annual Stipend: R300,000 ($16,215)
- Deadline: September 20, 2025
- IELTS: Not required
About the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a research-intensive institution known for academic excellence across various disciplines. As part of South Africa’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, UP offers three competitive doctoral scholarships each year to students from Commonwealth countries.
These scholarships aim to support candidates who will engage in impactful research, helping to advance knowledge and innovation within their chosen fields.
We encourage you to Join us on our different channels if you want to be the first to learn about immigration and scholarship opportunities.
- Whatsapp: Naijonline Scholarship Updates
- Facebook: Naijonline Scholarship Updates
- Twitter: Naijonline Scholarship Updates
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country other than South Africa.
- Apply to study at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year (applications must be submitted in 2025).
- Have completed a postgraduate/Master’s degree within the last two years.
- Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
- Have identified a potential PhD supervisor at UP.
- Submit academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
- Not be currently registered or previously enrolled for a PhD at UP.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers:
- Annual stipend: R184,000 for accommodation, living costs, tuition fees, medical aid, and books.
- Additional allowances including:
- One return flight ticket from your home country to South Africa.
- Shuttle transfers from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria.
- Application, visa, and medical aid fees (refundable on proof of payment).
- The total value of all combined funding (including external awards) must not exceed R300,000 per year.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- UP online application reference number (“T” number) or 2025 student number.
- Written motivation from your identified UP doctoral supervisor confirming availability of research funding.
- One-page research proposal outline.
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages).
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Full academic transcripts of all qualifications.
- Two academic reference forms from current or recent supervisors.
- Proof of study leave (if employed).
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Apply for PhD admission at the University of Pretoria for the 2025 academic year.
- Identify and secure a potential supervisor for your doctoral research.
- Download and complete both the scholarship application form and reference forms.
- Compile all required documents into a single PDF file.
- Email the completed application to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject:
“UP Commonwealth 2026”.
Application Deadline: September 20, 2025
Why Apply?
This is more than just a scholarship — it’s an opportunity to gain your doctorate at one of Africa’s most prestigious universities without worrying about financial burdens. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have a strong research interest, the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 could be your gateway to an exceptional academic journey.
