Applications are open for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship for 2025! This is your chance to contribute to cutting-edge research at a renowned institution. Scholarships are available for students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa).
About University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship
The University of Pretoria is a research-intensive university. Hence, 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.
The University of Pretoria has an established reputation for academic excellence, particularly in relation to its major research activities. Information about these research activities can be obtained from the following website of the University:
https://www.up.ac.za/graduate-support-hub
https://www.up.ac.za/research-focus-areas/article/2745928/research-focus-areas
Benefits of University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship
The value of this Doctoral Scholarship will be R184 000 p.a. This amount must be used to cover the following student costs:
- Accommodation and living costs.
- Fees p.a.
- Medical Aid.
- Books/Stationery.
Note:
The scholarship does not cover research running costs.
Additional costs covered by the University:
- 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
Costs not covered by the University:
- Family expenses.
- Additional baggage expenses.
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5. 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.
University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship Requirments
- The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, except South Africans.
- 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 the 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.
2. Selection Criteria
Award of this scholarship will be based on:
- Previous academic performance.
- Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
- Leadership qualities.
- Evidence of research accomplishment at the Masters’ level by means of publications.
- Prizes and honours received.
A selection process will be conducted by the University’s Institutional Selection Committee. The University reserves the right to amend, without prior notice to the Applicants, the regulations and scholarship values and/or conditions applicable to the awarding of this scholarship.
Period of support
- 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 other Senior Management.
The motivation must indicate the following:
- The number of additional months that will be required (which may not exceed 12 months) to complete the Doctoral Studies.
- The research costs required for the extension period.
- The amount of financial support the Supervisor will provide towards the extension period.
The successful Applicant will be sent an official award letter via-email. Applicants, who have not received written notification by end of November 2024 must consider themselves unsuccessful.
7. Terms and Conditions
Support for the subsequent years will be subject to:
- Submission of a Progress Report three months before the end of the each year of study.
- Confirmation by the Supervisor that the scholar’s progress is satisfactory and supported by the
- Head of Department in which the student is registered.
- Progress Indicator updated on the UP system.
On completion of the degree the candidate will be expected to return to the home country, unless other opportunities such as employment or study have been made available and the candidate has complied with the laws of the country in this regard.
8. Successful Awardee must be able to:
- Have the required permission/leave from your work place to take up a three year scholarship at the time of applying (if applicable).
- Ensure that you will be eligible to apply for a study permit.
- Ensure you are able to pay for the medical insurance that is required for a study permit for the.year 2025.
- Keep receipts of the UP and study permit application costs (These expenses will be reimbursed on arrival).
Application Date and Process
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.
- 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 (Reference form attached).
The above documents should be sent as a single pdf document to [email protected] with a Subject Heading “UP Commonwealth 2025”.
Attachments
Application Deadline
11 September, 2024
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University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship
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