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”, Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually 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 holistic all-rounders and are based on talent and excellence - 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)
Masters and PhD
Online applications for 2025 open on 01 June 2024 and close on 01 August 2024.
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship, covering two years of study and most of the Scholar’s expenses in Oxford, including:
The Trust does not provide Laptops or 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.
Graduates in the selected Southern African constituency (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini), who meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship, residency, academic and age criteria).
Check your eligibility here:
Link : Check your eligibility and apply - Rhodes Trust (ox.ac.uk)
Any postgraduate full-time course of study offered at Oxford University. Please read the Conditions of Tenure for more information.
The Oxford academic year commences on 01 October annually. The process to be followed:
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:
Preparing to submit your application
To make sure that 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.
For more information about the scholarship, kindly contact Ms Beverley Johnson, Regional Manager - Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa:
E-mail: southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com |Tel: +27 (0)74 054 4300.
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.