The University of Pretoria (UP), one of Africa’s top research universities, is offering fully funded Commonwealth Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year. These prestigious scholarships are available to exceptional students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) who wish to pursue doctoral studies at UP.
As part of South Africa’s commitment to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, UP has allocated funding for three doctoral scholarships. This represents an incredible opportunity for aspiring researchers to conduct their PhD studies at a leading institution known for its academic excellence and impactful research endeavors.
Opportunity Summary
Category: Post Graduates
Sponsor(s): Commonwealth
Funding: Fully Funded (Excluding Family Expenses)
School: University of Pretoria (UP)
Location: Pretoria , Gauteng , South Africa
Application Deadline: 11th September, 2024
About the University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is a research-intensive university with a well-established reputation for academic excellence. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across nine faculties.
UP is committed to advancing research and innovation, with a focus on addressing societal challenges and contributing to the development of South Africa and the African continent. The university boasts world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and research centers.
Doctoral students at UP benefit from a supportive and stimulating research environment, with opportunities for collaboration, skills development, and networking. The university’s diverse and inclusive community fosters a global perspective and prepares graduates to become leaders in their fields.
Available PhD Programs
The University of Pretoria offers a wide range of doctoral programs across various faculties. Some popular PhD programs include:
- PhD in Engineering
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Education
- PhD in Health Sciences
- PhD in Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- PhD in Humanities
- PhD in Law
- PhD in Veterinary Science
For a complete list of available doctoral programs, visit the University of Pretoria Postgraduate Studies page.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship 2025-26, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, excluding South Africa
- Have applied to study at UP for the 2025 academic year and identified a potential supervisor
- Have submitted academic records to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Have completed their postgraduate/Master’s degree no less than two years prior to applying
- Be under 40 years of age
- Not be a current or former PhD or Master’s student at UP
Selection Process
The scholarships will be awarded competitively based on:
- Previous academic performance
- Potential to undertake advanced research
- Leadership qualities
- Evidence of research accomplishments at the Master’s level, such as publications, prizes, and honors received
UP’s Institutional Selection Committee will conduct the selection process. The university reserves the right to amend the regulations, scholarship values, and conditions without prior notice to applicants.
Scholarship Benefits
The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship provides generous funding and benefits, including:
- R184,000 per year to cover accommodation, living costs, fees, medical aid, and books/stationery
- Flight ticket to South Africa from the scholar’s home country (upon proof of study permit)
- Return flight ticket to home country upon completion of the program
- Shuttle service from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and back
- Reimbursement for UP application fee, medical aid fee, and study visa costs
Please note: The scholarship does not cover family expenses or additional baggage costs. Scholars may hold supplementary funding up to a maximum total value of R300,000 per year, with the UP Commonwealth Scholarship being the primary award.
Scholarship Duration and Renewal
The scholarship funding is for a maximum of three academic years, during which the awardee is expected to complete their doctoral studies. Renewal of the award is not guaranteed and is subject to satisfactory progress as indicated by the faculty each year.
Extension requests will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and must be supported by a written motivation from the supervisor.
The Senior Director of Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Education, along with other senior management, will review the request.
How to Apply
To apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship 2025-26, follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to a PhD program at UP for the 2025 academic year.
- Identify a potential supervisor for your doctoral studies.
- Submit your academic records to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for evaluation.
- Complete the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship application once it opens (dates to be announced).
- Submit all required documents, including proof of citizenship, academic transcripts, research proposal, and any publications or awards.
Successful applicants will be notified via email by the end of November 2024. If you do not receive written notification by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Deadline
11th September, 2024
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship 2025-26 is an incredible opportunity for talented students from Commonwealth countries to pursue fully funded PhD studies at a leading African university. With its commitment to research excellence and its vibrant academic community, UP provides an ideal setting for doctoral candidates to thrive and make significant contributions to their fields.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about advancing your research career, apply now for this prestigious scholarship. Don’t miss out on the chance to join UP’s dynamic research community and take your academic journey to new heights.
For more information about the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship 2025-26, visit the official website or contact the university’s Department of Research and Innovation.
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