UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
full · phd
- Full tuition + stipendFunding type
- ~R200,000 / year living allowance (est.)Stipend guide
- 9 facultiesFields covered
- Under 38 years oldAge limit
- Commonwealth citizens (excl. South Africa)Eligibility
- Doctoral (PhD) levelDegree level
At a glance
full
Funding
€0k
Max amount
Sep 20, 2026
Deadline
Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa)
Country
University of Pretoria
Provider
The University of Pretoria (UP) Commonwealth PhD Scholarship funds doctoral study in South Africa for citizens of Commonwealth countries other than South Africa. UP is one of the largest research universities in Africa and offers the award across nine faculties, from Law and Humanities to Engineering, Health Sciences, Veterinary Science, and the Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The scholarship is fully funded: it covers full tuition, provides a monthly living allowance, and includes research support and supervision, with access to UP laboratories and academic resources. As a guide, a full doctoral living allowance at a major South African university is in the region of ~R200,000 per year (est.), but the exact stipend is confirmed in the official bursary conditions. To qualify, applicants must hold a master's degree completed at least two years earlier (by 2024 or before for the 2026 round), be under 38 at the time of application, be a citizen of a Commonwealth country excluding South Africa, and not be a current or former master's or doctoral student at UP. The application window for the cycle runs from late July to 20 September. Read the official UP bursary conditions PDF and confirm the exact amounts and dates before applying.
What's covered
- Tuition — Full coverage of doctoral tuition fees at the University of Pretoria.
- Living allowance — A monthly living allowance for the duration of the scholarship; as a guide a full doctoral allowance is around ~R200,000 per year (est.).
- Research support — Research support and supervision from UP faculty, plus access to advanced facilities and academic resources.
- Academic resources — Access to UP libraries, laboratories, and digital research infrastructure.
- Research community — Integration into an international research community at one of Africa's top research universities.
How to apply
Applicants review the official bursary conditions and apply online during the published application window.
- Read the bursary conditions — Download and read the official University of Pretoria bursary conditions PDF for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship.
- Confirm eligibility — Check the master's-degree timing, age limit, nationality, and prior-study conditions before applying.
- Prepare your documents — Gather your master's certificate, transcripts, research proposal, and proof of citizenship.
- Apply online — Submit your application through the University of Pretoria online application system within the window.
- Submit before the deadline — Complete and submit your application by the closing date of around 20 September.
Eligibility
QualificationA master's degree completed at least two years before applying (by 2024 or earlier for the 2026 round).
AgeUnder 38 years of age at the time of application.
NationalityCitizen of a Commonwealth country, excluding South Africa.
Prior UP studyMust not be a current or former master's or doctoral student at the University of Pretoria.
South African citizens are not eligible. Applicants should review the official UP bursary conditions PDF for the full list of conditions before submitting.
Eligible countries
Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa)
Deadlines
2026 round (study from 2027)~20 September 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection is based on academic record, the strength and feasibility of the research proposal, and fit with available supervision at the University of Pretoria, subject to the eligibility conditions on qualification, age, nationality, and prior UP study. Applicants who meet all conditions and submit a complete application by the deadline are considered for the award.
Verified sources
- University of Pretoria Postgraduate Bursaries (official)up.ac.zaofficial
- University of Pretoria Online Application (official)up.ac.zaofficial
About the provider
The University of Pretoria is a public research university in Pretoria, South Africa, founded in 1908, and one of the largest contact universities on the African continent, offering doctoral programmes across nine faculties.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship?
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Citizens of Commonwealth countries excluding South Africa who hold a master's degree, are under 38, and are not current or former UP master's or doctoral students.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
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Yes. It covers full tuition, provides a living allowance, and includes research support and supervision.
Can South African students apply?
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No. South African citizens are not eligible.
What is the age limit?
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Applicants must be under 38 years of age at the time of application.
Do I need a master's degree?
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Yes. You must have completed a master's degree at least two years before applying.
Can current UP students apply?
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No. Current or former master's and doctoral students at the University of Pretoria are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
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The deadline is around 20 September; for the 2026 round confirm the exact date in the official bursary conditions.
What fields of study are covered?
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The award spans nine UP faculties, from Law and Humanities to Engineering, Health Sciences, Veterinary Science, and the Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
How do I apply?
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Review the official UP bursary conditions PDF, then apply online through the University of Pretoria application system within the window.
How large is the living allowance?
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The exact stipend is set in the bursary conditions; as a guide a full doctoral allowance is around ~R200,000 per year (est.).
When does doctoral study begin?
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Successful applicants typically start in the following academic year, around 2027 for the 2026 round.
Where can I confirm the exact amounts and dates?
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In the official University of Pretoria bursary conditions PDF and the postgraduate bursaries page for the current cycle.