Since 1903, the Rhodes Trust (UK) has awarded Rhodes Scholarships for post-graduate study at Oxford University to high potential young graduates from across the world.
Described as “a globally inclusive and thoughtful community of leaders”, each year 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded internationally to young graduates of outstanding intellect and character, with proven leadership abilities, a commitment to service, and the energy to fulfil their ambitions and potential.
The Scholarships are inclusive: awards are made to talented all-rounders, based on excellence and alignment to the selection criteria. Scholarships are awarded irrespective of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic circumstances, university attended or field of study.
Ten Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually to graduates in the Southern African constituency (comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini), wishing to pursue Masters or Doctoral studies at Oxford University in most disciplines/fields of study. Applications open each year on 01 June.
For detailed information on selection criteria and the region/selection committee to which you should apply, kindly visit the website: Southern Africa - Rhodes Trust (ox.ac.uk).
Degree level
Masters and PhD
Deadlines
Online applications for 2027 open on 01 June 2026 and close on Monday, 03 August 2026.
What is covered by the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship, covering two years of full-time study at Oxford University (United Kingdom). The Rhodes Scholarship covers the following costs:
- The Oxford University application fee and annual tuition fees for at least two years of full-time study;
- An annual stipend (to cover accommodation fees and living expenses in Oxford);
- One return air flight (SA-UK-SA) per scholarship;
- Financial assistance with the costs of: the Student Visa for the UK; TB test required; international health insurance (IHS) costs for the duration of the scholarship; and the cost of an English assessment test (if required by Oxford University);
- A once-off settling in allowance on arrival in Oxford;
- Superb wrap-around support and an in-house Scholar leadership programme.
The Trust does not provide Laptops; nor financial assistance for undergraduate degrees, or to postgraduate students who are studying at other universities in the UK or elsewhere; or to students who have not gone through the formal selection process for the Rhodes Scholarships in Southern Africa.
Who can apply?
University graduates in the Southern African constituency, comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini, who meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship, residency, academic excellence and age criteria).
Please note that there are dedicated Rhodes Scholarships for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, East Africa and West Africa. Further details are available on the Rhodes Trust website.
Check your eligibility here:
Link: Check your eligibility and apply - Rhodes Trust (ox.ac.uk)
Fields of Study Funded
Any postgraduate full-time course of study offered at Oxford University. Please read the Conditions of Tenure for more information.
Application process
The Oxford academic year commences on 01 October annually. The process to be followed:
- You first apply for the Rhodes Scholarship from 01 June (closing date 03 August);
- A review of applications, shortlisting process and interviews take place from mid-August to 15 November;
- Selection is completed by mid-November and the awards are announced;
- If you are successful you then apply to Oxford University for your chosen course of study, commencing 01 October 2027.
Applications for the Rhodes Scholarships can only be submitted using the online application system at: Check your eligibility and apply - Rhodes Trust (ox.ac.uk).
Documents to be submitted with your application:
Applicants are required to submit ALL the following documents with their online application:
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- A copy of a valid passport or ID document.
- A full, official academic transcript from the university at which you are studying, or have studied, showing grades achieved per year (to date).
- A copy of your South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or A-Levels or IB or final Grade 12 School leaving academic results.
- Copies of your degree certificates.
- A full curriculum vitae which should include details about academic qualifications; prizes awarded or scholarship; positions of leadership; employment positions; involvement in student, voluntary, community or political activities; and any cultural, musical or sporting accomplishments. This should not exceed two A4 (12pt font size) pages in length and a template is provided.
- A head-and-shoulders colour photograph (jpg format).
- A personal statement of no more than 1000 words.
- An academic statement, as detailed in the Information for Candidates document.
- The names and contact details of four referees (three academic referees and one character reference) as detailed in the Information for Candidates document.
Preparing to submit your application
To make sure that you are as prepared as possible to start your application, you are encouraged to read the information on the Scholarships tab on the Rhodes House website, the Conditions of Tenure document, and the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions pages.
Contact
For more information about the scholarship, kindly contact Ms Beverley Johnson, Regional Manager – Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa: E-mail:
Documents and links
- An introduction to the types of graduate degrees offered by Oxford University
- The University of Oxford’s English language proficiency guidance
- University of Oxford Graduate Admissions
- An A-Z list of the graduate courses at Oxford University
- List of the Rhodes constituencies
- Our Application Overview with videos to guide you through the application process
- Courses covered by the Rhodes Scholarship (Conditions of Tenure document)
- Privacy Policy and Data protection statement
Webinar on 28 May 2025 at 12 noon
Do sign up for the virtual Information Session, co-hosted by the Department of Higher Education & Training and the Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa, on 26 May 2026 at 12 noon. Register here
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
