Application for UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026 in South Africa. Applications are solicited for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 in South Africa. All international candidates from Commonwealth nations, excluding South African nationals, are eligible to apply. The UP Commonwealth Scholarship offers diverse PhD programs in humanities, law, engineering, health sciences, and other disciplines, fostering an innovative and exceptional educational atmosphere. This scholarship is offered for the academic year 2026-27.
Established in 1908, the University of Pretoria (UP) is the largest public university in South Africa and ranks among the premier universities in Africa. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is ranked #354.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a preeminent institution in higher education, consistently ranked among the world’s foremost universities and positioned within the top 1.9% globally.
A core element of UP’s culture is its steadfast commitment to excellence, demonstrated by its focus on creating solutions that are both distinctly African and worldwide relevant. UP takes pride in its distinctive programs and tailored support systems designed to nurture and empower its student group. UP seeks to expedite career trajectories, cultivate entrepreneurial skills, foster job creation, enhance civic engagement, and promote profound social and cultural comprehension through a variety of tactics, including the implementation of practical skills and tailored training programs. These projects transcend mere academic endeavors; they are crucial for fostering student success and delivering tangible, enduring answers to the pressing issues confronting South Africa.
UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026 Details:
| Institute: | University of Pretoria |
| Degree Level: | PhD Degree |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | Commonwealth Countries |
| Award country: | South Africa |
| Last Date: | 20 September 2025 |
Financial Benefits of the UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026:
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded scholarship program for students in Commonwealth countries.
- Tuition fee waiver per year
- Support for accommodation and living expenses
- Free meals and study materials, including books and stationery
- Medical facilities
- Air Tickets (provided at the beginning and end of the program)
- Shuttle service (from the airport to the university)
- Waiver for university fees, medical aid, and visa costs upon providing receipts
- Chance to get supplementary funds
Documents Required for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026:
- Motivation Letter (from Doctoral Supervisor)
- One-page Research Outline
- CV (at least 3 pages)
- Certificate of Study Leave (if asked)
- Passport copy
- Academic Transcripts
- Two Reference Forms
Eligibility Criteria for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026:
The candidate must fulfill the conditions below to be eligible for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship.
- You must be nationals of Commonwealth countries, except for South Africa.
- You must plan to enroll in the University of Pretoria in 2026 to begin your studies.
- You must apply to be admitted to UP for the 2026–2027 school year.
- You are required to have selected a potential research supervisor.
- You must send your academic records to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for review.
- You must be eligible for admission to UP in 2026 if you have completed your postgraduate or master’s degree within the last two years.
- You must not be more than 40 years old at the time of applying.
- Those enrolled in doctoral programs or master’s programs at the University of Pretoria who have completed their education there in the past are not eligible to apply for this grant.
Application Deadline for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026:
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 for International Students has a last application date of 20th September 2025.
How do I apply for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship for Doctoral Studies 2026?
- Match eligibility criteria, including citizenship requirements and academic qualifications.
- Fill out the application for admission for the 2025 academic year.
- Gather all required documents and send them as a single PDF file to pgbursary@up.ac.za. Add “UP Commonwealth 2025” as the subject line of the email.
- Send application forms and required documents via the designated application portal as instructed by UP.
- Wait for notification from the university regarding the status of your application.
