Study in South Africa: University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2025

The Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship is a fully funded graduate scholarship that provides a fund of R300,000 ($16,215) per year to cover the costs of study, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.

We will outline the scholarship’s specifics, qualifications, advantages, and application process in this post for those who are interested.

When is Application Deadline:

Deadline: September 11, 2024

Tell Me About the Award:

The University of Pretoria is a research-intensive university. Through the Commonwealth Scholarship, the university is seeking candidates for doctoral studies who will make significant contributions to its research endeavours.

As part of South Africa’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University of Pretoria has made funds available for three doctoral scholarships for students coming from Commonwealth Countries (excluding South African students). This scholarship is known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship and will be awarded on a competitive basis.

The University of Pretoria has an established reputation for academic excellence, particularly in relation to its major research activities. Information about these research activities can be obtained from the following website of the University

Which Fields are Eligible?

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

Type:

Commonwealth scholarship

Who can Apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship?

To be considered for the Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship, you must:

• The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, except South Africans.
• Applicants must conduct their studies at the University of Pretoria and commence in 2025.
• Applicant must have submitted an application to study at UP for the 2025 academic year.
• Each Applicant must have identified a potential supervisor.
• Each Applicant must have submitted academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
• Applicants must have completed their postgraduate/Masters degree no less than two years prior to applying to UP for admission for the 2025 academic year.
• Applicants who are older than 40 years of age do not qualify for this scholarship.
• PhD and Masters students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply.

Which Countries are Eligible?

All Commonwealth nations:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Australia
3. Bahamas
4. Barbados
5. Belize
6. Botswana
7. Brunei Darussalam
8. Cameroon
9. Canada
10. Cyprus
11. Dominica
12. The Gambia
13. Ghana
14. Grenada
15. Guyana
16. India
17. Jamaica
18. Kenya
19. Kiribati
20. Lesotho
21. Malawi
22. Malaysia
23. Maldives
24. Malta
25. Mauritius
26. Mozambique
27. Namibia
28. New Zealand
29. Nigeria
30. Pakistan
31. Papua New Guinea
32. St Lucia
33. St Vincent and the Grenadines
34. Samoa
35. Seychelles
36. Sierra Leone
37. Singapore
38. Solomon Islands
39. South Africa
40. Sri Lanka
41. Swaziland
42. Tonga
43. Trinidad and Tobago
44. Uganda
45. United Kingdom
46. United Republic of Tanzania
47. Zambia

Where will Award be Taken?

South Africa

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of Award?

• The value of this Doctoral Scholarship will be R184 000 p.a. This amount must be used to cover the following student costs:
  • Accommodation and living costs.
  • Fees p.a.
  • Medical Aid.
  •  Books/Stationery.
• Additional costs covered by the University:
  • Flight ticket to RSA from home country on proof of study permit.
  • Return flight ticket to home country at the end of the completion of the programme as confirmed by the faculty.
  • Shuttle service on arrival in South Africa from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and return from Pretoria to OR Tambo International Airport on completion.
  • UP application fee, medical aid fee and study visa costs which will be refunded to the Applicant based on proof of receipt.
• Supplementary Funds:
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship holder may hold supplementary external bursaries/grants/scholarships with a maximum total value of awards, including this scholarship, of R300 000.00 p.a.
  • The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award.

Required Documents for Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• The UP Online application Ref “T” number or 2025 student number provided to the Applicants by UP on their UP Portal.
• A written motivation from the prospective Doctoral supervisor that you have identified from UP. The said motivation must confirm the availability of research funding.
• An outline (one A4 page) of the proposed research work.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – no more than 3 pages.
• Proof that study leave will be granted if the scholarship is awarded (if applicable) by your place of current work,
• Copy of a valid passport.
• Full academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained (not certificates).
• Two completed reference forms from two different academics/supervisors who have current knowledge of the Applicant’s academic performance (Reference form attached).

How to Apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship:

To apply for the 2025 Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should;

• Click on the button below to visit the scholarship webpage
• Download and fill the scholarship application form
• Download and fill also, the Reference Form
• Submit the Application form for the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship to the University of Pretoria with the required documentation attached.
• The above forms and documents should be sent as a single PDF document to pgbursary@up.ac.za with a
  Subject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2025”

CLICK HERE TO APPLY