The University of Pretoria is a research-intensive university. Hence, it 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:
University of Pretoria Information
Established in 1908, University of Pretoria is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Pretoria (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Gauteng. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Pretoria (UP) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Pretoria (UP) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 111 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Offered Benefits
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.
Note:
The scholarship does not cover research running costs.
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 receipts upon arrival at UP
Costs not covered by the University:
- Family expenses.
- Additional baggage expenses.
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.
Application Process
In order to be considered for this scholarship, candidates must submit the Application form of the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship to the University of Pretoria with the following documentation attached:
The above documents should be sent as a single pdf document to with a Subject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2025”.
Required 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).
Established in 1908, University of Pretoria is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Pretoria (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Gauteng. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Pretoria (UP) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Pretoria (UP) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 111 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.