Here comes the Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in South Africa. Applications are open for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026. It is a fully funded scholarship for students from Commonwealth countries. South African citizens can not apply for this scholarship. This scholarship is available to students who wish to pursue a Doctoral Degree Program. To be eligible for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship 2026, an applicant must start their studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026. The Value of the scholarship is 190000 (South African Rand), which will be used towards Accommodation, Living expenses, medical, and books. The University of Pretoria will also cover the Return Flight Tickets and study Visa costs for the applicants. Further details are given below.
Details About the University of Pretoria (UP) Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
- Host Country: South Africa
- Name of Institute: University of Pretoria
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Sponsored by: UP Internal Bursary
- Deadline: 20th September 2025
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Financial Coverage
The Scholarship covers:
- Return Flight tickets
- Accommodation and living costs
- Fees
- Medical Aid
- Books/Stationery
- Shuttle service on arrival
- Application Fee
- Medical aid fee
- Study Visa cost
Also Check: Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026 in UK (Fully Funded)
Scholarship Duration
The duration of the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is 3 years.
Faculties
- 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.
Also Check: Chevening Scholarship 2026 in the UK
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to the Residents of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa).
- A list of Commonwealth Member Countries.
- Plan to start studying at the University of Pretoria in 2026.
- Must have submitted a separate application for admission to a UP doctoral program for the 2026 academic year.
- Secured a potential supervisor at UP.
- Have your academic records evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Completed your postgraduate or Master’s degree within the past two years.
- Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
- PhD and Master’s students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Also Check: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)
Selection Criteria
- Previous academic performance.
- Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
- Leadership qualities.
- Evidence of research accomplishment at the Master’s level through publications.
- Prizes and honors received, if any.
Required Documents
- A motivation letter from the supervisor of the UP is needed.
- An outline of the intended research work of one page.
- CV (less than 3 pages).
- Certificate of study leave from your current work organization.
- Copy of passport.
- Academic transcripts of all educational degrees.
- Two reference letters from 2 different supervisors who know the applicant.
Also Check: ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27 (Fully Funded)
How to Apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026?
The Step-by-Step application process:
- Download and fill out the official UP Commonwealth Scholarship application form.
- Submit a separate application for admission to a doctoral program at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
- Prepare the Required Documents given above. Ensure they are combined into a single PDF file.
- Send your complete application package (scholarship application form and combined PDF of documents) to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line “UP Commonwealth 2026“.
VISIT HERE TO APPLY FOR THE UP COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP
