Join What'sApp group Share on WhatsApp

The University of Pretoria commonwealth scholarship 2026 offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for outstanding doctoral students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa). This scholarship supports talented individuals who are committed to advancing research and innovation in their respective fields. With a generous annual stipend, coverage of tuition and living expenses, return airfare, and support services, this program is designed to empower future researchers to make significant contributions both in South Africa and globally. Applicants must secure a doctoral supervisor at the University of Pretoria and submit all required documents before the deadline.

Founded in 1908, the University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s top research-intensive institutions. Located in South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria, UP is known for academic excellence, global partnerships, and cutting-edge facilities. The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs across faculties such as Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and more. UP’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and research development makes it an ideal place for international PhD candidates to pursue advanced studies and contribute to meaningful global change. 📚 Register now for our new programs at MK SCHOLARS.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire doctoral program.
• Annual living allowance/stipend to cover daily living expenses in South Africa.
• Accommodation allowance (or on-campus housing may be provided).
• Return economy airfare from the scholar’s home country to South Africa.
• Medical aid/health insurance for the duration of the study.
• Research support including access to laboratories, libraries, and relevant academic resources.
• Support from the University’s Graduate Support Hub including academic writing, counseling, and mentorship services.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa).
• Must apply for a full-time PhD program at the University of Pretoria, starting in 2026.
• Must have completed a Master’s degree within the past two years.
• Be under the age of 38 at the time of application.
• Secure a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria who will provide a motivation letter.
• Must not be currently enrolled or have previously completed a Master’s or PhD at the University of Pretoria.
• Have your academic qualifications evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
• Demonstrate academic excellence and research potential.
• Must be able to meet UP’s admission requirements for the chosen PhD program.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
• Completed UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship Application Form.
• Motivation letter from your prospective supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
• A one-page research proposal (summary of your intended PhD research).
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 3 pages).
• Study leave approval letter from your employer (if applicable).
• Clear copy of your valid passport.
• Certified academic transcripts for your previous qualifications (including Master’s degree).
• Two reference letters (from academic or professional referees).

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
• Apply for admission to a PhD program at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year here. .
• Secure a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria who agrees to supervise your research.
• Get your academic qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Complete the official UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship application form.
• Prepare all required documents (supervisor motivation letter, research proposal, CV, passport copy, transcripts, reference letters, study leave certificate if applicable).
• Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
• Email the complete application package to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line “UP Commonwealth 2026”.
• Submit your application by September 20, 2025.
• Wait for notification of the scholarship decision, usually by November 2025.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Selection is based on good grades, research ability, and leadership skills.
• The scholarship lasts for 3 years and can be extended in special cases.
• You can get extra funding from other sources, but the total should not go over R300,000 per year.
• You must show good academic progress each year to keep the scholarship.

📚 Register now for our new programs at MK SCHOLARS.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Application Deadline : September 20, 2025














#Mkscholars #Scholarshipapplications #Studyabroad #StudyinSouthAfrica #UniversityofPretoria