The Fully Funded UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship in South Africa is open to citizens of Commonwealth countries excluding South Africans for candidates who can significantly advance its research goals as part of South Africa’s commitment to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. The UP Commonwealth Scholarship is being offered based on leadership skills and academic achievements. 

UP has evolved into a vibrant academic community with faculty, staff, and students representing international societies and a variety of backgrounds and cultures. The goal of this scholarship is to establish an environment that supports innovation and high-quality education and is well known for its outstanding academic programs, especially when it comes to its significant research endeavors.

It offers a variety of top-notch academic programs aimed at empowering, inspiring, and revolutionizing the next generation of leaders. The research programs are offered in the fields of Law, Humanities, Education, Engineering, Built Environment and IT, Health Science, Veterinary Science, Economics and Management Science, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Theology and Religion.

The devoted academic instructors are passionate educators who are motivated to help students succeed in their careers. The purpose of academic programs is to support the passion of researchers and direct them toward a prosperous and opportunity-filled future. The Commonwealth scholarship program for international students is ideal for those aiming to enhance their academic careers and seeking a rewarding academic experience.

The benefits of the Fully Funded UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship in South Africa are:

• This value will include the cost of accommodation and living, tuition fees per year, meals and study materials including books and stationery.
• Medical facility will be given.
• Air ticket at the beginning of the program and return ticket at the completion of degree to home country will be provided.
• Shuttle service from airport to the university on arriving in South Africa.
• University fees, medical aid and visa costs will be refunded by university on providing the receipts.
• You can receive supplementary funds.
• Great opportunity for conducting research in a foreign country.

The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded UP Doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship in South Africa are stated below:

• Be citizens of Commonwealth countries excluding South Africans.
• Acquire their studies at the University of Pretoria and start in 2025.
• Submit an application to study at UP in 2025 academic year.
• Have selected a potential supervisor.
• Submit their academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
• Have completed their postgraduate/Masters degree in the previous two years to apply to UP for admission in 2025.
• Not be older than 40 years.
• PhD and Masters students who are registered or who have previously studied at the University of Pretoria can not apply for this scholarship.

How to Apply for UP Commonwealth Scholarship in South Africa:

• Candidates must submit the application form of scholarship to the University of Pretoria.
• Fill in the online application form with the student number given by the university on UP portal.
• Upload all the required documents in the form.
• Fill in all the information asked.
• Send all the required documents as a pdf file with the subject “UP Commonwealth 2025” at [email protected].
• Incomplete and late submissions will not be accepted.

Documents Required for Commonwealth Scholarship:

• A motivation letter from your Doctoral supervisor.
• 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 forms from 2 different supervisors who know the applicant.