๐ Host Country: South Africa
๐๏ธ Institution: University of Pretoria (UP)
๐ Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Nations
๐ฐ Funded By: UP Internal Bursary
๐
Application Deadline: 20 September 2025
๐ข Introduction to the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
If you dream of pursuing your Doctoral studies at one of Africaโs top research universitiesโcompletely free of costโthe University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is your golden opportunity. This fully funded scholarship program, offered by the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa, aims to support outstanding PhD candidates from Commonwealth countries.
From tuition fees and accommodation to medical aid and travel costs, this scholarship covers every essential expense, making it one of the most prestigious doctoral awards available in the Southern Hemisphere.
๐ก Key Highlights of the Scholarship
โ๏ธ Full Tuition Fee Coverage
โ๏ธ Return Flight Tickets from your home country to South Africa
โ๏ธ Accommodation & Living Allowance
โ๏ธ Medical Aid Coverage
โ๏ธ Books & Stationery Allowance
โ๏ธ Shuttle Service on arrival
โ๏ธ Application Fee & Medical Aid Fee paid
โ๏ธ Study Visa Costs Covered
๐ Scholarship Duration: Up to 3 years for doctoral study
๐ Why Study at the University of Pretoria?
Founded in 1908, the University of Pretoria is one of South Africaโs largest and most respected universities. It is ranked among the top universities in Africa and boasts world-class research facilities, diverse faculties, and strong international collaborations.
The university provides a multicultural academic environment where doctoral candidates are encouraged to contribute to groundbreaking research, policy development, and global innovation.
๐๏ธ Faculties Available Under the Scholarship
The UP Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is open across multiple faculties:
- ๐ Faculty of Law
- ๐ Faculty of Humanities
- ๐ Faculty of Education
- ๐๏ธ Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT
- ๐ฉบ Faculty of Health Sciences
- ๐พ Faculty of Veterinary Science
- ๐ผ Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences
- ๐ฑ Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
- โ๏ธ Faculty of Theology & Religion
๐ฅ Eligibility Criteria for 2026 UP Commonwealth Scholarship
To qualify for this fully funded doctoral scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country ๐
- Have completed a Masterโs degree in a relevant field ๐
- Meet the academic requirements for admission to UPโs doctoral programs
- Demonstrate academic excellence and research potential ๐
- Be under the age of 35 at the time of application (preferred)
- Provide proof of English language proficiency if required
๐ Important Dates
- Application Opening Date: Already Open
- Deadline: 20 September 2025 โณ
- Scholarship Start Date: Early 2026
๐ How to Apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply:
- Visit the Official Scholarship Page ๐ UP Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 ๐
- Check eligibility criteria and required documents ๐
- Prepare the following documents:
- Certified copy of passport
- Academic transcripts & degree certificates
- Research proposal ๐
- Two academic references
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Submit the online application form before the deadline ๐ฉ
- Wait for the selection outcome notification via email ๐ฌ
If you require any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com
๐ฌ Common Questions About UP Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
โ What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
All major expensesโtuition fees, accommodation, medical aid, travel costs, study visa fees, books, and stationeryโare fully covered.
โ Can I apply if I am currently enrolled in another PhD program?
No. You must be applying for new doctoral admission at the University of Pretoria.
โ Is there an age limit for applicants?
While not strictly enforced, preference is often given to candidates under 35 years old.
โ Do I need to secure a supervisor before applying?
Yes, doctoral applicants are usually expected to have a supervisorโs preliminary approval before final submission.
๐ Why This Scholarship is a Golden Opportunity
The UP Commonwealth Scholarship stands out because it doesnโt just pay for tuitionโit ensures that doctoral students can focus on world-class research without financial stress. With access to internationally recognized faculties, state-of-the-art labs, and a vibrant research community, recipients can advance their careers while contributing to global knowledge and innovation.
๐ Useful Links & Resources
- Official Scholarship Website: Apply Here
- University of Pretoria Website: https://www.up.ac.za
๐ข Final Thoughts
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is not just a funding programโitโs a gateway to academic excellence in Africa. By covering every expense for up to three years, this scholarship enables brilliant minds from across the Commonwealth to focus on innovative research, build international networks, and become leaders in their fields.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, donโt miss the 20 September 2025 deadline. Your journey to a world-class PhD in South Africa could start here.
๐งโ๐ Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash โ Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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