Rhodes Trust Scholarship for Southren Africa

The Rhodes Trust Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate awards, offering exceptional students the chance to pursue full-time study at the University of Oxford. Established over a century ago, this scholarship continues to support young leaders from around the globe who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Rhodes Scholarship is fully funded and includes:

• All course and university fees at Oxford
• A living stipend to cover personal expenses (around £19,800 per year)
• Economy-class flights to and from the United Kingdom
• Visa costs and health surcharge fees
• A settling-in allowance when you arrive in the UK
• Additional allowances if you continue into a second course of study
  

Scholars typically receive funding for two years, with the possibility of an extension for a third year depending on the course.

Who Can Apply from Southern Africa

The Southern Africa constituency includes citizens and residents of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Eswatini. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship or Residency: You must be a citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee/asylum seeker in one of the eligible countries.
  
• Residency Duration: You must have lived in one of the eligible countries for at least five of the last ten years.
  
• Age Requirement: You should be between 19 and 25 years old by 1 October 2026. If you already hold your first degree and are under 28, you may still be eligible.
  
• Academic Qualifications: You must have completed, or be completing, an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results that meet Oxford’s entry requirements.
  

Number of Scholarships Available

Each year, the Southern Africa region awards:

• Eight scholarships open to applicants from across South Africa
• One scholarship for a candidate from KwaZulu-Natal
• One scholarship for a candidate from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or Eswatini
  

Applicants from private schools that previously had separate scholarship routes must now apply through the general regional selection process.

What the Selection Committee Looks For

Beyond academic excellence, the Rhodes Scholarship values individuals who demonstrate:

• Strong leadership potential
• Moral character and integrity
• Commitment to community or public service
• Ambition to make a difference in the world
  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a regional interview and networking event, where final selections are made.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 intake open on 1 June 2025 and close at midnight (SAST) on 1 August 2025. The application process is fully online and includes submitting:

• Proof of identity and residence
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• A certified copy of your matric certificate
• A detailed CV using the official Rhodes template
• A recent photo
• A personal statement (max 750 words)
• An academic statement (max 350 words)
• Four letters of reference, including academic and character references
  

Important Dates to Remember

Application Opens	1 June 2025
Application Deadline	1 August 2025 (23:59 SAST)
Interviews (Regional)	September–October 2025
Final Selection & Events	November 2025
Oxford Course Begins	October 2026

Winning the Rhodes Trust Scholarship is a transformative achievement. It not only provides access to one of the world’s most renowned universities but also connects you to a global network of leaders committed to service, scholarship, and social change. If you are driven, academically excellent, and eager to shape a better future, this could be the opportunity that changes your life.