Hey future academic rockstars! Dream of diving deep into research and earning your PhD? We’ve got some incredible news for you, especially if you’re from a Commonwealth country and aspire to study in South Africa!
The **University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Bursary 2026** is officially open for applications! This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a fully funded opportunity designed to attract top doctoral candidates from across the Commonwealth (excluding South African citizens) to one of South Africa’s leading research institutions, the University of Pretoria (UP).
The University of Pretoria is super keen on boosting its research game, and they’re looking for brilliant minds like yours to join their doctoral programmes. As part of South Africa’s commitment to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, UP has set aside funding for up to two highly competitive doctoral bursaries. If you’re ready to make a significant contribution to research and want to study at a world-class university, this bursary could be your golden ticket!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this fantastic bursary, make sure you tick all these boxes:
- You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (excluding South African citizens).
- You need to be planning to undertake your doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria, starting in the 2026 academic year.
- You must have already formally applied for admission to the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year.
- You should have identified a potential supervisor at the University of Pretoria.
- Your academic qualifications must have been submitted for evaluation to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- You must have completed your postgraduate Master’s degree at least two years prior to applying for admission in 2026.
- You must be 38 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Unfortunately, if you are a current or former Master’s or PhD student of the University of Pretoria, you are not eligible to apply for this bursary.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is designed to make your doctoral journey smoother, covering quite a bit! Here’s what’s included:
- **Value:** The bursary is valued at R190 000 per annum.
- **What this amount covers:** This R190 000 is to be used towards your accommodation and living costs, university fees, medical aid for 2027 & 2028 (Note: 2026 medical aid will be at your own expense), and books/stationery.
- **Important Note:** This scholarship does NOT cover research running costs.
But wait, there’s more! The University of Pretoria also covers some additional big-ticket items:
- Your flight ticket to South Africa from your home country (upon proof of study permit).
- Your return flight ticket to your home country at the end of your programme (as confirmed by your faculty).
- Shuttle service on your arrival in South Africa and for your return journey upon completion of studies.
- Your UP application fee and study visa costs will be refunded to you based on proof of receipts upon your arrival at UP.
You can also hold supplementary external bursaries or grants, as long as the total value of all awards (including this bursary) doesn’t exceed R300 000 per annum. The UP PhD Commonwealth Bursary must be your primary award.
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Here’s how you can throw your hat in the ring for this amazing opportunity:
The application deadline for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Bursary 2026 is **20 September 2025**.
Make sure you visit the official University of Pretoria website for all the detailed information and to start your application process. Don’t miss this chance to fund your doctoral dreams!
Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships here!
If this sounds like the perfect next step for your academic journey, don’t just dream about it – act now! This is a fantastic chance to get fully funded for your doctoral studies at a top South African university. Ready to make your mark? Apply today, and remember to check out Bursaries Room for even more incredible bursary opportunities that can help fund your future!