This scholarship is known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship and will be awarded on a competitive basis.
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 students coming from Commonwealth Countries (excluding South African students).
The University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. UP produces socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. They have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online, or in communities. They have support in place for their students to graduate on time as well rounded, responsible citizens fully prepared for the world beyond university.
University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship 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 Commonwealth Scholarship holder may hold supplementary external bursaries/grants/scholarships with a maximum total value of awards, including this scholarship, of R300,000 p.a. The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award.
Eligibility
The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be awarded to the following:
- Citizens of Commonwealth countries, except South Africans.
- Applicants conducting 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.
- Applicants 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.
Eligible 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
Application process
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 documentations:
- 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).
Application deadline
September 11, 2024.
All the documents should be sent as a single pdf document to pgbursary@up.ac.za with a subject heading “UP Commonwealth 2025”.
Visit the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship website for more details.
