Applications are now open for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for students from Commonwealth countries to pursue a Doctoral Degree in South Africa. Please note: South African citizens are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa).
• Must commence doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Value: ZAR 190,000 (South African Rand) – covering accommodation, living expenses, medical costs, and books.
• Additional Coverage: Return flight tickets and study visa costs.

This prestigious scholarship is designed to attract talented researchers who aspire to make meaningful contributions in their field while benefiting from the University of Pretoria’s world-class academic environment.

• Name of Institute: University of Pretoria
• Host Country: South Africa
• Sponsored by: UP Internal Bursary
• Eligible Countries: Commonwealth member states
• Application Deadline: 20 September 2025

Also check: ARES International Scholarships 2026-27 in Belgium

The Scholarship covers the following:

• Accommodation and living expenses
• Medical aid and related fees
• Return flight tickets
• Study visa costs
• Tuition fees
• Books and stationery
• Application fee
• Shuttle service upon arrival

The time period of the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is 3 years.

• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Theology and Religion
• Faculty of Veterinary Science
• Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries, except South Africa.
• Applicants must refer to the official list of Commonwealth member states.
• Intended studies must commence at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
• A separate application for admission to a UP doctoral program for the 2026 academic year is required.
• Candidates must have secured a potential supervisor at UP.
• Academic qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• A postgraduate or master’s degree must have been completed within the last two years.
• Applicants must be under 40 years old at the time of application.
• Current or former PhD and master’s students of the University of Pretoria are not eligible for this scholarship.

• Academic achievements to date.
• Capability to engage in high-level research work.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Proof of research contributions at the master’s level, such as published works.
• Awards and recognitions earned, if applicable.

• A motivation letter provided by the University of Pretoria supervisor.
• A one-page summary of the proposed research project.
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum of 3 pages).
• Official study leave approval from the applicant’s current employer.
• Photocopy of a valid passport.
• Academic transcripts for all completed degrees.
• Two recommendation letters from different supervisors familiar with the applicant’s work.

• 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 pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line “UP Commonwealth 2026“.