The University of Pretoria (UP) invites applications for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 in South Africa. This prestigious award is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and is aimed at exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence and proven leadership.

The program’s mission is to attract bright minds who can contribute to the university’s research goals while benefiting from a world-class education in a supportive, innovative environment.

🔆 Host Country
✅ South Africa

🔆 Host Organization
✅ UP Internal Bursary

🔆 Scholarship Location
✅ University of Pretoria

🔆 Scholarship Duration
✅ 3 years

🔆 Scholarship Level
✅ Doctoral (PhD)

🔆 Eligible Fields of Study
✅ Law
✅ Humanities
✅ Education
✅ Engineering, Built Environment, and IT
✅ Health Science
✅ Veterinary Science
✅ Economics and Management Science
✅ Natural and Agricultural Sciences
✅ Theology and Religion

🔆 Benefits
✅ Scholarship value: R190,000 per year for doctoral studies
✅ Covers:

• Accommodation and living expenses

• Tuition fees

• Medical aid (covered in 2027 & 2028; 2026 is self-funded)

• Books and stationery
  ✅ Additional costs covered:

• One-way flight to South Africa (with proof of study permit)

• Return flight home after program completion

• Shuttle service on arrival and departure

• UP application fee

• Study visa costs

🔆 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa)
✅ Must enroll at the University of Pretoria starting in 2026
✅ Must apply for admission to UP in the 2025 academic year
✅ Must have a potential supervisor at UP
✅ Must submit academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA)
✅ Must have completed a postgraduate/Master’s degree within the last two years
✅ Must be 40 years old or younger
✅ Applicants who are current or past UP PhD/Master’s students cannot apply

🔆 How to Apply
✅ Complete the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship Application Form
✅ Send the form to the University of Pretoria with:

• UP Online Application Reference “T” number or 2026 student number

• Written motivation from your chosen UP doctoral supervisor (confirming support & research funding availability)

• One-page research proposal outline

• CV (max 3 pages)

• Valid passport copy

• Official academic transcripts for your most recent degree

• Two academic reference letters (max 1 page each)

🔆 Required Documents
✅ UP Online Application Reference “T” number or 2026 student number
✅ Motivation letter from UP doctoral supervisor
✅ One-page research proposal outline
✅ CV (maximum 3 pages)
✅ Passport copy
✅ Official academic transcripts
✅ Two academic reference letters

🔆 Deadline
✅ 20 September 2024