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Closed · Closed 03 Aug 2026

The Rhodes Trust

Rhodes Trust Postgraduate Scholarship

Apply now Rhodes Trust CV template (PDF)

Closes

3 August 2026

Value

Full tuition, stipend and travel

Level

Postgraduate (Master's / PhD)

For

Southern African citizens & residents

Sector

International Education

Type

Scholarship

About this bursary

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award that enables exceptional students from Southern Africa to pursue full-time degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Administered by the Rhodes Trust, it is one of the oldest international scholarship programmes in the world.

The scholarship aims to support individuals with outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive difference in society. Seven scholarships are allocated annually to candidates from Southern Africa, covering South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini.

Applicants must meet strict age limits and academic criteria set by both the Rhodes Trust and the University of Oxford. Selected scholars will begin their studies at Oxford in October 2027.

Courses of study covered

Postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Studies (MSt)
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil / PhD)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)

What the bursary covers

Full university and college tuition fees at the University of Oxford
An annual living allowance (stipend)
Economy class airfare to and from Oxford at the start and end of the scholarship
Settling-in allowance and student visa fee coverage
Health insurance coverage under the International Student Health Surcharge

Who can apply

You qualify if

  • You must be a citizen, legal permanent resident, or recognized refugee in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or eSwatini.
  • You must have resided in one of these countries for at least 5 of the past 10 years.
  • You must intend to undertake full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford starting October 2027 for a minimum of 2 years.
  • You must be aged between 19 and 25 on 1 October 2027, or up to 28 if you completed your first undergraduate degree within the last 2 years.
  • Graduates in MBBCh, MBChB, or health sciences completing internship or community service may also apply up to age 28.
  • You must hold an undergraduate degree or complete one by July 2027, meeting Oxford's academic and English proficiency requirements.
  • Strong preference is given to candidates with a First Class Honours degree, a minimum GPA of 3.70/4.0, or equivalent high achievement.

You do not qualify if

  • Applicants older than 25 on 1 October 2027 who completed their first degree more than 2 years prior.
  • Candidates who do not satisfy the minimum 5-year residency requirement in Southern Africa.
  • Students intending to study at any institution other than the University of Oxford.

Documents you need to submit

  • Copy of birth certificate
  • Copy of South African ID document or international passport
  • Proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status if applicable
  • Official full academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended
  • Copies of completed degree certificates
  • Copy of matric or secondary school leaving certificate
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae completed on the official Rhodes Trust CV template
  • Colour head-and-shoulders photograph in JPG format
  • Personal statement (maximum 750 words)
  • Academic statement of study (maximum 350 words)
  • Contact details for 4 nominated referees

Submit all compulsory documents through the online portal before the closing deadline.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Read the candidate information and referee guidelines carefully on the Rhodes Trust portal.
  2. 2
    Download and complete the official Rhodes Trust CV template.
  3. 3
    Draft your personal statement and academic statement of study according to the official guidelines.
  4. 4
    Register an account on the official Rhodes online application system.
  5. 5
    Complete the online application form and upload all requested supporting documents.
  6. 6
    Provide contact details for four academic and personal referees who will submit references on your behalf.
  7. 7
    Submit your completed application online before 3 August 2026 at 23:59.

Incomplete applications or applications missing referee submissions will not be considered.

How you are selected

1
Regional selection committees review applications and shortlist candidates.
2
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a social engagement and a final interview.
3
Interviews for KwaZulu-Natal, regional, and school-specific quotas take place in September and October.
4
Main regional interviews take place by the end of November.
5
Successful candidates are notified directly by email following final committee decisions.

Forms, downloads and links

Application form

rhodes.embark.com/apply/2026

Register application account

rhodes.embark.com/login/register?target=2027

Rhodes Trust CV template (PDF)

rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/media/xkghwn35/pdf-cv-southern-africa-new.pdf

Email the bursary team

[email protected]

Rhodes Trust Conditions of Tenure

rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/files/conditions-of-tenure

Information for Southern Africa candidates

rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/files/southernafricainforcandidates

Referee guidelines

rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/files/southernafricarefereeguidance

Oxford course list

ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/courses-a-z-listing

English proficiency requirements

graduate.ox.ac.uk/englishproficiency

Rhodes Trust FAQs

rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/any-questions
Last verified: September 2026   ·   Category: General   ·   Reviewed by grantZA Editorial
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