Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa
The Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious postgraduate awards, fully funding outstanding young leaders to study at the University of Oxford. It covers all Oxford tuition fees plus a generous living stipend for up to two years (three for a DPhil), and is open to citizens and long-term residents of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini. It is distinct from the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, which is run by a separate foundation for study within South Africa.
Eligible Fields of Study
Rhodes Trust (administered by the Southern Africa Regional Secretariat, Johannesburg) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Citizen or legal permanent resident of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini (refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa are also considered)
- ✓ Resident in one of those countries for at least five of the last ten years
- ✓ Standard age route: born after 1 October 2002 and on or before 1 October 2008 (roughly ages 19-24 at Oxford entry on 1 October 2027); older and medical graduates may apply up to age 28 under specified conditions
- ✓ Completed (or will complete by July 2027) an undergraduate degree that meets the entry requirements of the proposed Oxford course
- ✓ Strong academic record (typically First Class Honours or a GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher)
- ✓ Demonstrated leadership, service to others and strength of character
What's Included
- ✓ Full University of Oxford tuition/course fees
- ✓ Annual living stipend of GBP 20,400 (GBP 1,700 per month for 2025-26)
- ✓ Funding for up to two years of postgraduate study (up to three years for a DPhil/PhD)
- ✓ Oxford application fee, UK visa costs and the International Health Surcharge covered
- ✓ Two economy-class return flights between your home country and the UK
- ✓ Settling-in allowance and visa renewal assistance
- ✓ Membership of the global Rhodes Scholar community and alumni network
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Rhodes Trust (administered by the Southern Africa Regional Secretariat, Johannesburg) bursary application
- 1
Confirm your eligibility for the Southern Africa constituency (citizenship/residency, age and academic record)
- 2
Identify the Oxford course you wish to apply for and check its entry requirements
- 3
Create an account on the Rhodes Trust application portal during the open window (1 June to 3 August 2026)
- 4
Complete the online application form, including your personal statement and details of your proposed course
- 5
Arrange for your referees to submit their references and upload your supporting documents
- 6
Submit the application by 3 August 2026 at 23:59 SAST; ensure supporting documents and references are in by 17 August 2026
- 7
Separately apply to the University of Oxford for your chosen course by its own deadline
- 8
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview before final selection
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of ID or passport (proving eligible citizenship/residency)
- 📄 Full academic transcripts for all tertiary qualifications
- 📄 Degree certificate or proof of expected completion by July 2027
- 📄 Curriculum vitae (CV)
- 📄 Personal statement / motivation as set out in the application portal
- 📄 Academic and character references (typically several referees)
- 📄 Proof of application or details of the intended University of Oxford course
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa?
- Citizens or legal permanent residents of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini who have lived in one of those countries for at least five of the last ten years. Refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa are also considered. You must meet the age criteria and have a strong academic record (typically First Class Honours or a GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher).
- How is this different from the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?
- They are run by separate organisations. The Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa is administered by the Rhodes Trust and funds study at the University of Oxford in the UK. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is run by the separate Mandela Rhodes Foundation and funds Honours or Master's study at a South African university.
- What does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?
- It covers all University of Oxford tuition/course fees plus a living stipend of GBP 20,400 per year (GBP 1,700 per month for 2025-26) for up to two years, or up to three years for a DPhil. It also covers your Oxford application fee, UK visa costs, the International Health Surcharge, two return flights, and a settling-in allowance.
- When does the Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa close?
- For the 2027 intake (2026 application cycle), applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 3 August 2026 at 23:59 SAST. Supporting documents and references must be submitted by 17 August 2026. The online form is only available during the open window, so apply early.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 3 August 2026
Apply on Rhodes Trust (administered by the Southern Africa Regional Secretariat, Johannesburg)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Rhodes Trust (administered by the Southern Africa Regional Secretariat, Johannesburg):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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