INTRODUCTION
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 endeavour. As part of South Africa's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University of Pretoria has made funds available for two 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 website of the University:
https://www.up.ac.za/postgraduate-study-and-research
https://www.up.ac.za/graduate-support-hub
https://www.up.ac.za/research-focus-areas/article/2745928/research-focus-areas

1. Eligibility
• The UP Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who are citizens of Commonwealth countries.
• Applicants must conduct their studies at the University of Pretoria to commence in 2023.
• Applicant must have submitted an application to study at UP for the 2023 academic year.
• Applicants must have completed the degree that will give them admission to a doctoral programme no more than two years prior to their application for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship.
• Applicants must not be older than 35 years of age at the time of application.
• PhD and Masters students currently registered at the University of Pretoria are not eligible for the Doctoral Scholarship.

2. Value of Doctoral Scholarship
The value of this Doctoral Scholarship will be R170 000 p.a.
This amount must be used to cover the following student costs:
2.1 Accommodation and living costs
2.2 Fees p.a.
2.2 Medical Aid
2.3 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 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 on completion.
• UP application fee and Visa costs which will be refunded on proof of receipts at arrival.
Costs not covered by the Institution:
• Family expenses
• Additional baggage expenses

3. Supplementary Funds
The holder of this scholarship may hold supplementary external bursaries/ grants/scholarships.
Maximum value of awards allowed is R300 000.00 p.a. The UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship must be the primary award.

4. Period of support
The scholarship funding will be for a maximum period of support of three academic years. Awardee to complete the Doctoral studies within the minimum required period of three academic years.
An extension request will only be considered under exceptional cases by the incumbent submitting a written motivation supported by the supervisor.
The extension request will be considered by the University’s Institutional Selection Committee in October.
The motivation must indicate the following:
4.1 The number of additional months that will be required (which may not exceed 12
months)
4.2 The research costs required for the extension period.
4.3 The amount of financial support the Supervisor can provide towards the
extension period.

5. Application Procedure
In order to be considered for this scholarship, candidates must submit the following documentation to the University of Pretoria;
• Application form for the UP PhD Commonwealth Scholarship
Attached to the application form the following:
• The UP Online application Ref “T” number or 2023 student number provided to you by UP on your UP Portal
• A written motivation from the prospective Doctoral supervisor that applicant will be supervised by them and research funding is available.
• 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)
• Copy of passport
• Full academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained. (not certificates)

Above documents to be sent as a single pdf to [email protected]
Subject Heading : UP Commonwealth
• 2x completed reference forms from two different academics/supervisors who have current knowledge of the applicant’s academic performance. (Reference form attached)
Note: Referees form to be sent directly to [email protected]

6. 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 supported by the Head of Academic Department in which the student is registered
On completion of the degree the candidate will be expected to return to there home country.

7. Selection Criteria
Award of this scholarship will be based on:
• Academic performance.
• Potential to undertake advanced research activities.
• Leadership qualities.
• Evidence of research accomplishment at the masters’ level by means of publications or other appropriate products of the work undertaken.
• 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, the regulations and scholarship values and/or conditions applicable to the awarding of this bursary.
The successful applicant will be sent an official award letter via-email. Applicants, who have not received written notification by end of November 2022 must consider themselves unsuccessful.

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.(keep receipts as these expenses will be reimbursed on arrival)

9. Closing Date
The closing date : 28 August 2022
.
No late and incomplete applications will be considered.