Eyeing a PhD abroad can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, wondering where to place that first step. But, for standout doctoral candidates from Commonwealth countries (yes, excluding South Africa), the 2027 UP Commonwealth Scholarship could be the trailhead.
Imagine you’re at one of Africa’s leading research universities, supported to pursue a PhD that could push ideas forward—whether in engineering, theology, health sciences, or beyond. The University of Pretoria launched this program to bring in brilliant minds from the Commonwealth, fostering international collaboration and research strength. It’s about creating a global academic community, where your work can leave real footprints across disciplines and borders.
Program: Commonwealth Scholarship (PhD)
Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, travel, more)
Nationality: Commonwealth countries (except South Africa)
Degree Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Duration: Up to 3 years
Host Country: South Africa
Eligibility
This is where we filter the dreamers from the doers. Here’s what you need:
- You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country—just not South Africa.
- You must have completed your master’s degree at least two years before applying for admission in 2027.
- At the time of application, you should be younger than 38 years.
- If you are currently or have previously been a Master’s or Doctoral student at UP, you’re not eligible.
If that sounds like your profile, keep reading—this could be your match.
Benefits
Let’s talk perks—this isn’t just a scholarship, it’s a launchpad:
- It’s fully funded for your doctoral studies—everything’s bundled up.
- You get financial support for up to three academic years, as long as you complete within the minimum required timeframe.
While the official details are clear on the duration and funding model, in general you can expect UP to cover tuition, possibly a living stipend, and basic support typical of a full bursary at the university.
Check out:centennial-college-canada-entrance-scholarships-winter-2026-for-international-students/
Fields of Study
You have choices—lots of them:
Eligible faculties include:
- Law
- Humanities
- Education
- Engineering, Built Environment & IT
- Health Sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Economic & Management Science
- Natural & Agricultural Sciences
- Theology & Religion
So whether your passion is climate-smart agriculture or digital ethics, there’s a scholarly home for it.
Deadlines & Application Period
Applications are closed for the academic year 2026. Keep an eye on official website for new openings and deadlines.
Check out:uns-indonesia-scholarship-2026-fully-funded/
Application Process
Here’s the walkthrough—no fluff:
- Apply separately for admission to a UP doctoral program for 2026.
- At the same time, apply for the UP Commonwealth Scholarship—likely via the funding section or bursary portal.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including age and prior master’s completion.
- You’ll need to line up all your documents—think CV, proposal, transcripts, supervisor support, maybe motivation letters. Details likely in the bursary conditions PDF.
- Submit everything by 20 September 2026.
The exact communication route (email, portal, etc.) will be in the official bursary conditions—so keep an eye out for that.
Why This Matters
Getting a fully funded scholarship isn’t just financial relief—it opens doors. You’re set to engage in high-impact research, collaborate internationally, and elevate your career trajectory. Plus, being at a diverse university like UP offers a richly grown academic and cultural environment.
Some Final Thoughts
Feeling slightly overwhelmed? Totally normal. Application season can be chaotic. Here’s what you could do right now: sketch an outline for your PhD idea, feel out potential supervisors at UP, gather your academic records. That way, when the portal opens, you’re not sprinting—you’re stepping in smooth and confident.
Warm encouragement to apply:
Your research could shape futures—whether it’s reimagining health systems or designing sustainable infrastructure. If you meet the criteria, you’ve already unlocked a big part of the path. Breathe deeply, gather your material, and take that step. This could be your moment—don’t let it slip.
Official program website: https://www.up.ac.za/funding/3335924/2026-up-commonwealth-scholarship-for-doctoral-studies