Rhodes Trust Scholarships 2026 – Now Open for Southern Africa
Deadline to Apply: 1 August 2025
Study At: University of Oxford, UK
Start Date: October 2026
About the Scholarship
The Rhodes Trust is offering fully funded scholarships to top-performing students from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, and eSwatini.
These scholarships support postgraduate study at Oxford University, aimed at students who show academic excellence, leadership potential, integrity, and a strong commitment to service.
Available Scholarship Slots
- 4 for students from South Africa
- 1 for a student from KwaZulu-Natal
- 1 for a student from Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, or eSwatini
- 1 for past learners of these partner schools:
- Bishops Diocesan College (+ partner schools like Herschel, St Cyprian’s)
- Paul Roos Gymnasium (+ Rhenish, Bloemhof)
- South African College School (SACS) (+ Sans Souci, Rustenburg Girls)
- St Andrew’s College (+ Diocesan School for Girls)
Shortlisted applicants will take part in an interview and a social event in their region.
✅ Who Can Apply?
You must:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of one of the eligible countries
- Have lived in your country for at least 5 out of the last 10 years
- Be between 19 and 25 years old by 1 October 2026 (some exceptions for professional degree holders up to age 28)
- Have completed or be finishing your undergraduate degree by July 2026
- Meet the University of Oxford’s entry and English requirements
- Intend to study full-time at Oxford for at least two years
Preferred Applicants
Those who:
- Achieved First Class Honours or equivalent
- Have a GPA of 3.70 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
- Completed postgraduate studies outside their home country
- Completed a Master’s within their home country
📄 What You’ll Need to Apply
- Birth certificate & ID or passport
- Proof of citizenship/residency
- Degree certificates & official transcripts
- High school certificate
- Rhodes CV (use their template)
- Passport-style photo (JPG)
- Personal Statement (max 750 words)
- Academic Statement (max 350 words)
- 4 letters of recommendation
How to Apply
Apply online here: Rhodes Trust Application Portal
📖 Read the full Rhodes Scholarship Info for Candidates before applying.