Study Free in South Africa - University of Pretoria (UP) Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-2026 for PhD

The University of Pretoria (UP) Commonwealth Scholarship 2025 is now open for applications. This fully funded scholarship is for students from Commonwealth countries, excluding South African citizens. UP is a highly respected university in Pretoria, South Africa's capital, and this scholarship is specifically for those pursuing a doctoral degree. Hence, it's named the “University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship.”

To be eligible, applicants must start their studies at UP in 2025, find a supervisor, and apply to UP for the 2025 academic year. The scholarship is worth 184,000 South African Rand, covering accommodation, living expenses, medical costs, and books. Additionally, UP will cover return flight tickets and study visa costs. More details are provided below.

Benefits of the Scholarship:

1. Return flight tickets
2. Accommodation and living expenses
3. Tuition fees
4. Medical aid
5. Books and stationery
6. Shuttle service upon arrival
7. Application fee
8. Study visa cost

Faculties

1. Faculty of Law
2. Faculty of Humanities
3. Faculty of Education
4. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
5. Faculty of Health Science
6. Faculty of Veterinary Science
7. Faculty of Economic and Management Science
8. Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
9. Faculty of Theology and Religion

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be a resident of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa). Check the list of Commonwealth Member Countries.
2. Plan to start studies at the University of Pretoria in 2025.
3. Have submitted a separate application for admission to a UP doctoral program for the 2025 academic year.
4. Have secured a potential supervisor at UP.
5. Have your academic records evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
6. Completed your postgraduate or Master’s degree within the past two years.
7. Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
8. PhD and Masters students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria:

1. Strong academic performance.
2. Ability to conduct advanced research.
3. Leadership qualities.
4. Research achievements at the Master’s level, such as publications.
5. Any awards or honors received.

Required Documents:

1. Motivation letter from your UP supervisor.
2. One-page outline of your intended research.
3. CV (less than 3 pages).
4. Study leave certificate from your current employer.
5. Copy of your passport.
6. Academic transcripts from all degrees.
7. Two reference letters from different supervisors familiar with your work.

How to Apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2025:

1. Download and fill out the official UP Commonwealth Scholarship application form.
2. Submit a separate application for admission to a doctoral program at the University of Pretoria for the 2025 academic year.
3. Prepare the required documents listed above and combine them into a single PDF file.
4. Email your complete application package (scholarship application form and combined PDF of documents) to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line “UP Commonwealth 2025”.

visit here to apply 

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