The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 in South Africa (Fully Funded) offers exceptional students from Commonwealth nations a life-changing opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at Africa’s top-ranked university.
Scholarship Overview
✅ Host Institution: University of Pretoria (Ranked #1 in South Africa)
✅ Location: Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦
✅ Program Level:
- PhD (3 years)
✅ Financial Benefits: - Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend: ZAR 15,000
- Research grant: ZAR 30,000/year
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
✅ Sponsored by: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
✅ Application Deadline: September 20th, 2025
Also Check: NTU Emerging Scholars Forum 2025, Singapore (Fully Funded)
About the Scholarship
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship is Africa’s most prestigious academic award offering:
🎓 World-class education at SA’s top research university
🌍 Pan-African networking opportunities
🔬 Cutting-edge research facilities
🤝 Mentorship from leading academics
Priority Study Fields:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Public Health
- Engineering & Technology
- Sustainable Development
- Economic & Management Sciences
Also Check: ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27 (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements:
✔️ PhD applicants: Relevant Master’s degree (70%+ average)
✔️ Nationality: Commonwealth country citizen (except South Africa)
Additional Criteria:
📌 Maximum age: 40 (PhD)
📌 English proficiency (IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90)
📌 Commitment to home country development
Eligible Regions:
🌍 Africa (priority)
🌏 Asia
🌎 Caribbean & Pacific
Also Check: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)
Selection Criteria
Applications evaluated on:
⭐ Academic excellence (40%)
⭐ Research potential (30%)
⭐ Leadership qualities (20%)
⭐ Development impact (10%)
Required Documents
📄 Completed application form
📝 Research proposal (PhD: 2,500 words)
🎓 Certified academic transcripts
📑 Curriculum Vitae (CV)
✉️ 3 academic references
🇬🇧 English proficiency proof
🛂 Passport biodata page
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Apply for admission to UP degree program
2️⃣ Submit scholarship application via Commonwealth portal
3️⃣ Upload all documents (PDF only)
4️⃣ Meet deadline: September 20, 2025
Also Check: Dalarna University Scholarships in Sweden (Spring 2026 Intake)
Financial Coverage
| Benefit | PhD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full waiver |
| Stipend | ZAR 15,000/month |
| Research Grant | ZAR 30,000/year |
| Travel | Economy return flight |
Why Choose This Scholarship?
✔️ Study at Africa’s top research university
✔️ Access to 100+ research centers
✔️ Strong Commonwealth alumni network
✔️ Gateway to African career opportunities
Click Here to Apply for
University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026
🔗 Explore more Commonwealth scholarships at GOGEDU!
FAQs
❓ Can South Africans apply?
❌ No – only other Commonwealth nationals eligible
❓ Is there bond requirement?
✅ Yes – must return to home country for minimum 2 years
❓ How competitive is selection?
📈 3% acceptance rate (50 awards from 1,500+ applicants)
❓ Can I work while studying?
⚠️ Limited to 20 hrs/week with special permission
❓ Are family members allowed?
👪 Possible but requires additional financial proof
Also Check: AAUW International Fellowship 2026 (Study in USA & Globally)
Apply for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) – covering tuition, stipend & flights for Master’s/PhD students from Commonwealth countries.