Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships 2026: The University of Pretoria is offering fully funded Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) aiming to pursue a PhD degree. This opportunity aims to attract outstanding doctoral students who can significantly contribute to the university’s research initiatives.
- 🎓 Prestigious University: University of Pretoria is a leading research-intensive institution globally, committed to attracting outstanding doctoral students.
- 🌍 Commonwealth Scholarships: Supports South Africa’s participation in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan; funding available for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa).
- 💰 Fully Funded: Scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, books, medical assistance, return flights, visa, and other related costs.
- 📅 Application Timeline: Applications are open for students starting their PhD in 2026; deadline is 20th September 2025.
- 🏛️ Eligible Faculties: Humanities, Law, Health Science, Engineering/Built Environment/IT, Natural & Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Science, Theology & Religion, Economic & Management Science.
- ✅ Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be under 40, from a Commonwealth country (not South Africa), have a postgraduate degree within last 2 years, secured a potential UP supervisor, and submitted a PhD admission application for 2026. Current or past UP students are ineligible.
- 📜 Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership qualities, publications, awards, and honors.
- 📝 Application Requirements: CV (<3 pages), supervisor’s motivation letter, 1-page research outline, passport copy, study leave certificate, academic transcripts, and two reference letters.
- ✈️ Scholarship Duration & Funding: 3 years with full coverage including accommodation, living costs, study fees, books, medical, shuttle service, and return tickets.
- 🔗 Additional Resources: Applicants are advised to check the official PDF call for full details and application submission links. Social media channels provide updates on other global scholarship opportunities.
Designation
Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship
Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Institution | University of Pretoria |
| Study Level | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded Scholarship |
| Eligible Nationalities | Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) |
| Sponsor | University of Pretoria |
| Application Deadline | 20th September 2025 |
Research Area
- Applicable Faculties:
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Health Science
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Faculty of Theology and Religion
- Faculty of Economic and Management Science
Location
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa).
- Plan to commence PhD studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
- Have submitted a separate application for admission to a UP doctoral program for the academic year 2026.
- Secure a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
- Have their academic credentials evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Hold a postgraduate or master’s degree completed within the last 2 years.
- Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
- Not be currently registered in PhD or Master’s degrees or have previously studied at UP.
Description
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships offer a comprehensive funding package for successful candidates, covering accommodation, living costs, return flights, tuition fees, books, medical assistance, and visa costs. Each scholarship is designed to support candidates throughout their three-year doctoral journey. Applicants will be assessed based on their potential for advanced research, academic performance, leadership qualities, and research accomplishments.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following documents along with the application form:
- CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Motivation letter from a supervisor at the University of Pretoria
- One-page outline of the intended research
- Copy of passport
- Certificate of study leave from current work
- Academic transcripts from all educational qualifications
- Two reference letters from different supervisors familiar with the applicant’s work
Last Date for Apply
20th September 2025
For more detailed information or inquiries, please visit the University of Pretoria official website or contact the scholarship office directly.
