Rhodes Trust Scholarships 2026 for Southern Africa
Closing Date: 01 August 2025
Reference Number: RHODES-SCHOLARSHIP-2026
Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Programme Type: Postgraduate Scholarship (Master’s/PhD, 2–3 Years)
Provider: Rhodes Trust
Stipend: ~R450,000/year
Study at Oxford with Rhodes Trust Scholarships 2026! Southern African youth (19–25) pursue Master’s or PhD with full funding, including tuition, R450,000/year stipend, and airfare.
About the Scholarship
Since 1903, the Rhodes Trust has awarded 10 fully funded postgraduate scholarships annually to exceptional graduates from Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, eSwatini). Scholars pursue Master’s or PhD studies at Oxford University, gaining access to world-class education, Rhodes House support, and leadership development.
Scholarship Purpose
The Rhodes Scholarship nurtures visionary leaders committed to service, fostering academic excellence, leadership, and global impact among Southern African youth, empowering them to address regional and international challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Pursue full-time Master’s or PhD studies in any Oxford University field.
- Participate in Rhodes House events and leadership development programs.
- Engage in academic and community activities to demonstrate service commitment.
Benefits
- Scholars: Full tuition, ~R450,000/year stipend, return airfare, UK visa and health insurance, settling-in allowance, leadership training.
- Region: Develops leaders to address Southern African challenges.
- Global: Builds networks for international collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen or permanent resident of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or eSwatini.
- Aged 19–25 by 1 October 2026 (or 27 for medical students/doctors).
- Bachelor’s degree completed by October 2026 with 65%+ average (first-class or high upper-second).
- Strong leadership, service commitment, and character (truth, courage, fellowship).
Required Skills
- Academic excellence in chosen discipline.
- Leadership in academic, community, or extracurricular activities.
- Communication and interpersonal skills for global engagement.
Preferences
- Candidates from diverse backgrounds (race, gender, socio-economic status).
- Holistic all-rounders with academic, leadership, and service achievements.
- Commitment to impacting Southern Africa post-study.
Why Apply?
The Rhodes Scholarship offers Southern African youth a transformative opportunity to study at Oxford University, develop leadership skills, and join a global network of scholars, driving change in their communities and beyond.
Application Process
Apply online via the Rhodes Trust portal from 1 June to 1 August 2025, selecting South Africa-at-Large, KZN, or BLMNS committee. Submit: birth certificate, ID/passport, National Senior Certificate, academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV (max 2 A4 pages), head-and-shoulders photo, personal statement (max 1000 words), academic statement (350 words), and 4 referees’ details (3 academic, 1 character). Email queries to southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com. Reference “RHODES-SCHOLARSHIP-2026”. Attend the virtual information session on 28 May 2025 at 12:00. Interviews occur from 16 August to 15 November 2025. Successful candidates apply to Oxford post-selection for October 2026 start. No fees are charged.
Contact Information
Rhodes Trust: southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com, +27 74 054 4300 (Ms Beverley Johnson), Johannesburg, South Africa.
