The University of Pretoria is a research-intensive university and it is seeking candidates for doctoral studies who will make significant contributions to its research endeavours. As part of South Africa's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University of Pretoria has made funds available for three doctoral scholarships for students coming from Commonwealth Countries (excluding South African students). This scholarship is known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship and will be awarded on a competitive basis.
Scholarship Value and coverage Scope
The value of the UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be R184 000 per annum. This amount must be used to cover the following student costs:
Accommodation and living costs.
Fees p.a.
Medical Aid.
Books/Stationery.
Additional Costs Covered:
Flight ticket to RSA from home country on proof of study permit.
Return flight ticket to home country at the end of the completion of the programme as confirmed by the faculty.
Shuttle service on arrival in South Africa from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and return from Pretoria to OR Tambo International Airport on completion.
UP application fee, medical aid fee and study visa costs which will be refunded to the Applicant based on proof of receipts upon arrival at UP.
Supplementary Funds
The Commonwealth Scholarship holder may hold supplementary external bursaries / grants /scholarships with a maximum total value of awards, including this scholarship, of R300 000.00 p.a. The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award.
Funding Duration and Conditions
The scholarship funding will be for a maximum period of three academic years. The awardee shall complete the Doctoral studies within the minimum required period of three academic years.
Renewal of the award is not guaranteed and is subject to a satisfactory progress indicator been uploaded by the Faculty each year indicating that the awardee can continue to the 2nd year or 3rd year.
An extension request will only be considered under exceptional cases, the incumbent must submit a written motivation supported by the supervisor to the Department of Research and Innovation.
The extension request will be considered by the Senior Director: Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Education and Senior Management.
Eligible Areas of Studies
The UP Commonwealth PhD scholarship will be offered for 3 students at any of the following Faculties of UP university:
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
Faculty of Health Science
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Faculty of Economic and Management Science
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Faculty of Theology and Religion
Eligibility Criteria
The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, except South Africa.
Applicants must conduct their studies at the University of Pretoria and commence in 2025.
Applicant must have submitted an application to study at UP for the 2025 academic year.
Each Applicant must have identified a potential supervisor.
Each Applicant must have submitted academic records to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
Applicants must have completed their postgraduate/Masters degree no less than two years prior to applying to UP for admission for 2025 academic year.
Applicants who are older than 40 years of age do not qualify for this scholarship.
PhD and Masters students currently registered or who previously studied at the University of Pretoria are not eligible to apply.
Application Procedure
In order to be considered for this scholarship, candidates must submit the Application form of the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship to the University of Pretoria with the following documentation attached:
The UP Online application Ref “T” number or 2025 student number provided to the Applicants by UP on their UP Portal (see downloadable content below)
A written motivation from the prospective Doctoral supervisor that you have identified from UP. The said motivation must confirm the availability of research funding.
An outline (one A4 page) of the proposed research work.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – no more than 3 pages.
Proof that study leave will be granted if the scholarship is awarded; if applicable by your place of current work.
Copy of a valid passport.
Full academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained (not certificates).
Two completed reference forms from two different academics/supervisors who have current knowledge of the Applicant’s academic performance (see downloadable content)
➢ The above documents should be sent as a single pdf document to (pgbursary@up.ac.za) with a Subject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2025”.
➢ Application Deadline: 11th September 2024
Downloadable Content:
LINK
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