University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2024-25 in South Africa (Fully Funded)

The University of Pretoria, one of Africa’s premier educational institutions, is now accepting applications for its prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship program for the 2024-25 academic year. This fully funded opportunity is designed to attract exceptional international students from Commonwealth countries to pursue doctoral studies in South Africa.

Established in 1908, the University of Pretoria has cemented its position as South Africa’s largest public university and ranks among the top educational institutions in Africa. Its recent placement at 354 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 further underscores its commitment to academic excellence and global impact.

 Scholarship Details

The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship offers a unique chance for talented individuals to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to their fields of study. Here are the key details:

Degree Level	PhD
Eligible Nationalities	Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa)
Host country	South Africa
Host Institution	University of Pretoria
Academic Year	2025-26

 Award Coverage

This scholarship is fully funded, providing comprehensive support to successful applicants:

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Accommodation and living expenses stipend

• Free meals and study materials (including books and stationery)

• Access to medical facilities

• Round-trip air tickets (at the beginning and end of the program)

• Airport shuttle service

• Waiver for university fees, medical aid, and visa costs (upon submission of receipts)

• Potential for additional funding opportunities

 Fields Offered

The scholarship supports a wide range of doctoral programs across various disciplines, including:

Humanities

Law

Engineering

Health Sciences

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Applicants are encouraged to explore the university’s full range of PhD offerings to find a program that aligns with their research interests.

 Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South Africa)

• Plan to enroll at the University of Pretoria for the 2025-26 academic year

• Have completed a postgraduate or Master’s degree within the last two years

• Be no older than 40 years at the time of application

• Have identified a potential research supervisor at the University of Pretoria

• Submit academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) for evaluation

• Not be currently enrolled in a doctoral or master’s program at the University of Pretoria

• Not have completed previous studies at the University of Pretoria

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

Motivation letter from the prospective doctoral supervisor

One-page research outline

Comprehensive CV (minimum 3 pages)

Certificate of study leave (if applicable)

Copy of passport

Academic transcripts

Two completed reference forms

 Application Deadline

The final date to submit applications for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2024-25 is September 11, 2024.

 How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:

• Verify that you meet all eligibility requirements, including citizenship and academic qualifications.

• Complete the University of Pretoria admission application for the 2025 academic year.

• Compile all required documents into a single PDF file.

• Email the PDF file to pgbursary@up.ac.za with the subject line “UP Commonwealth 2025”.

• Submit additional application forms and documents through the university’s designated application portal, following their specific instructions.

• Await notification from the University of Pretoria regarding your application status.

This prestigious scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for ambitious researchers to contribute to global knowledge while experiencing South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. Don’t miss this chance to further your academic career at one of Africa’s leading universities.