University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (South Africa)

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. 

• Table of Content
• About University of Pretoria
• UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships
• Requirements for UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships

Aim and Benefits of UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships

Value of Doctoral Scholarship 

• The value of this Doctoral Scholarship will be R190 000 p.a. 
• This amount must be used to towards the following student costs: 
• Accommodation and living costs p.a. 
• Fees p.a. 
• Medical Aid for 2027 & 2028 (2026 medical aid at your own expense) 
• Books/Stationery. 
• Note: The scholarship does not cover research running costs. 

Additional costs covered by the University: 

• Flight ticket to RSA from home country on proof of study permit. 
• Return flight ticket to home country at the end of the completion of the programme as confirmed by the faculty. 
• Shuttle service on arrival in South Africa and return on completion of studies. 
• UP application fee and study visa costs which will be refunded to the Applicant based on proof of receipts upon arrival at UP. 

Supplementary Funds 

The Commonwealth Scholarship holder may hold supplementary external bursaries/grants/scholarships with a maximum total value of awards, including this scholarship, of R300 000.00 p.a. The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award. 

Requirements for UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships Qualification

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. 
• Each applicant must have identified a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria. 
• Applicants are required to have submitted their academic qualifications for evaluation to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 
• Applicants must have completed their postgraduate Master’s degree at least two years prior to applying for admission in 2026. 
• Applicants older than 38 years of age at the time of application are ineligible for this scholarship. 
• Current or former Master’s or PhD students of the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply. 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit University of Pretoria Scholarship webpage