The University of Pretoria, recognised as a leading research-intensive institution, is committed to attracting exceptional doctoral candidates who can make meaningful contributions to its research mission. In support of South Africa’s participation in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the university has made funding available for up to two doctoral scholarships specifically for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South African citizens). These awards, known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships, will be granted on a competitive basis.
The university enjoys a strong reputation for academic and research excellence, underpinned by its extensive and impactful research activities.
For more information about the university’s research focus areas, please visit the following website: https://www.up.ac.za/graduate-support-hub
https://www.up.ac.za/research-f o cus-area s / a r t icle/2745928/research-focus-areas
https://www.up.ac.za/supervisor
ELIGIBILITY
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is open to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, excluding South African citizens. Applicants must intend to undertake their doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria, with commencement in the 2026 academic year. Applicants must have formally applied for admission to the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
w Each applicant must have identified a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
w Applicants are required to have submitted their academic qualifications for evaluation to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Further information is available at www.saqa. org.za.
w Applicants must have completed their postgraduate master’s degree at least two years prior to applying for admission in 2026.
w Applicants older than 38 years of age at the time of application are ineligible for this scholarship.
w Current or former master’s or PhD students of the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Award of this scholarship will be based on:
w Previous academic performance.
w Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
w Leadership qualities.
w Evidence of research accomplishment at the masters’ level by means of publications.
w 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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
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:
w The UP Online application Ref ‘T’ number or 2026 student number provided to the applicants by UP on their UP Portal.
w A written motivation from the prospective Doctoral UP supervisor that you have identified. The said motivation must confirm the availability of research funding.
w An outline (one A4 page) of the proposed research work.
w Curriculum Vitae (CV) – no more than 3 pages.
w Copy of a valid passport.
w Official academic transcripts for the most recently completed degree.
w Support from two different academics/supervisors who have knowledge of the applicant’s academic performance (1x A4 page)
w Application and supporting documents to be submitted via the following https://forms. gle/9nhtuJrzRMVVobT48
VALUE OF DOCTORAL
SCHOLARSHIP
The value of this doctoral Scholarship will be R190 000 per annum (p.a) This amount must be used to towards the following student costs:
w Accommodation and living costs p.a.
w Fees p.a.
w Medical aid for 2027 and 2028 (2026 medical aid at your own expense)
w Books/stationery.
Note: The scholarship does not cover research running costs. Additional costs covered by the university:
w Flight ticket to RSA from home country on proof of study permit.
w Return flight ticket to home country at the end of the completion of the programme as confirmed by the faculty.
w Shuttle service on arrival in South Africa and return on completion of studies.
w UP application 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:
w Family expenses.
w Additional baggage expenses.
w Supplementary funds.
w The Commonwealth Scholarship holder may hold supplementary external bursaries/grants/ scholarships with a maximum total value of awards, including this scholarship, of R300 000 p.a. The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award.
PERIOD OF SUPPORT
The scholarship funding will be for a maximum period of three academic years. The awardee shall complete the doctoral studies within the minimum required period of three academic years.
w Renewal of the award is not guaranteed and is subject to a satisfactory progress indicator being uploaded by the faculty each year, indicating that the awardee can continue to the 2nd year or 3rd year.
w An extension request will only be considered under exceptional cases, the incumbent must submit a written motivation supported by the supervisor to the Department of Research and Innovation.
w The extension request will be considered by the Senior Director: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education and other Senior Management.
The motivation must indicate the following:
w The number of additional months that will be required (which may not exceed 12 months) to complete the doctoral studies.
w The research costs required for the extension period.
w The amount of financial support the supervisor will provide towards the extension period.
w The successful applicant will be sent an official award letter via email by the end of November 2025.
w Applicants, who have not received written notification by the end of November 2025 must consider themselves unsuccessful.
Terms and conditions support for the subsequent years will be subject to:
w Submission of a progress report three months before the end of each year of study.
w Confirmation by the supervisor that the scholar’s progress is satisfactory and supported by the head of department in which the student is registered.
w Progress Indicator updated on the UP system.
w On completion of the degree, the candidate will be expected to return to the home country, unless other opportunities such as employment or study have been made available and the candidate has complied with the laws of the country in this regard.
Successful awardee must be able to:
w Have the required permission/ leave from your workplace to take up a three-year scholarship at the time of applying (if applicable).
w Ensure that you will be eligible to apply for a study permit.
w Ensure you are able to pay for the medical insurance that is required for a study permit for 2026.
w Keep receipts of the UP and study permit application costs (These expenses will be reimbursed on arrival).
Leave a comment