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University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 in South Africa

South AfricaUniversity of Pretoria Commonwealth
South AfricaScholarshipFully FundedRolling deadlinephd
3 min readOpportunity Station

Program details

Key facts at a glance

Host country
South Africa
Region
Africa
Institution
University of Pretoria Commonwealth
Study level
PhD
Funding
Fully Funded

Program overview

Full description, requirements, and what to expect

Program overview The University of Pretoria (up) Commonwealth Scholarship 2026

  • Host country: South Africa
  • Name of Institute: University of Pretoria
  • Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
  • Sponsored by: UP Internal Bursary
  • Application deadline: 20th September 2025

Funding Package

Selected recipients typically receive

  • Return Flight tickets
  • Accommodation and living costs
  • Medical Aid
  • Books/Stationery
  • Shuttle service on arrival
  • Application Fee
  • Medical aid fee
  • Study Visa cost

Scholarship Duration

The duration of the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is 3 years.

Faculties

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

Selection Criteria

  • Previous academic performance.
  • Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
  • Leadership qualities.
  • Evidence of research accomplishment at the Master’s level through publications.
  • Prizes and honors received, if any.

How to apply For the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026.

The Step-by-Step application process

  • 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“.

Requirements & preparation

Review eligibility, benefits, and documents before you apply

Eligibility criteria

21 requirements to review

  • Open to the Residents of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa).
  • A list of Commonwealth Member Countries.
  • Plan to start studying at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
  • Must have submitted a separate application for admission to a UP doctoral program for the 2026 academic year.
  • Secured a potential supervisor at UP.
  • Have your academic records evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • Completed your postgraduate or Master’s degree within the past two years.
  • Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
  • PhD and Master’s students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Selection Criteria

  • Previous academic performance.
  • Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
  • Leadership qualities.
  • Evidence of research accomplishment at the Master’s level through publications.
  • Prizes and honors received, if any.
  • A motivation letter from the supervisor of the UP is needed.
  • An outline of the intended research work of one page.
  • CV (less than 3 pages).
  • Certificate of study leave from your current work organization.
  • Copy of passport.
  • Academic transcripts of all educational degrees.
  • Two reference letters from 2 different supervisors who know the applicant.

How to apply For the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026.

Required documents

Prepare these before you apply

  1. 1A motivation letter from the supervisor of the UP is needed.
  2. 2An outline of the intended research work of one page.
  3. 3CV (less than 3 pages).
  4. 4Certificate of study leave from your current work organization.
  5. 5Copy of passport.
  6. 6Academic transcripts of all educational degrees.
  7. 7Two reference letters from 2 different supervisors who know the applicant.
  8. 8How to apply For the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026.

Important dates

Deadlines and listing updates

  • Application deadlineRolling — applications accepted on an ongoing basis
  • Published on Opportunity StationAug 12, 2025
  • Last updatedJul 8, 2026

Participating location

Where this opportunity takes place

South Africa · Africa

scholarshipfully-fundedzauniversitypretoriacommonwealth20262027
Next step

Ready to apply?

Use the official application website to submit your application directly to the program organizer. The link opens in a new tab so you can keep this guide open.

https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/

Apply Here
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