The Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa 2025–2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
If you are a dynamic, academically excellent, and community-driven young person from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or eSwatini, the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship offers you a life-changing opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. Applications for the 2025–2026 Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa are now officially open!
This world-renowned scholarship empowers emerging leaders to study at Oxford while fostering a community committed to addressing global challenges. The Rhodes Trust selects candidates with not only academic prowess but also a proven commitment to service, leadership, and moral courage.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Host Institution: Rhodes Trust & University of Oxford
Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s, DPhil, or a Second BA with Senior Status)
Target Group: Citizens or legal residents of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or eSwatini
Fields of Study: All full-time postgraduate courses offered at the University of Oxford
Funding: Fully funded – includes tuition, living stipend, visa, airfare, and more
Award Duration: Typically 2 years (can be extended for certain DPhil programmes)
Application Deadline: 01 August 2025, 23:59 SAST
Start Date: October 2026
Eligible to: Young leaders born between 2 Oct 2001 and 1 Oct 2007 (with some exceptions up to 28 years old depending on degree path)
🧾 Scholarship Overview
The Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually to ten exceptional candidates from Southern Africa:
Eight scholarships for South Africa-at-Large
One scholarship for KwaZulu-Natal
One scholarship for the BLMNS region (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini)
Scholarship holders will undertake full-time postgraduate study at Oxford in any field. The selection process is rigorous and emphasizes not only academic achievement but also leadership potential, commitment to service, and character strength.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Full coverage of Oxford University and college fees
An annual stipend (approx. £18,180 per annum for living expenses)
One economy-class airfare to and from Oxford
Visa and health surcharge costs covered
Opportunity to participate in leadership development programmes at Rhodes House
Membership in an exceptional global alumni network
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
Be a citizen or legal resident of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or eSwatini
Have been resident in one of these countries for at least 5 of the last 10 years
Meet age requirements:
Generally 19–24 years (born between 2 Oct 2001 and 1 Oct 2007)
Up to 28 years for those who completed their undergraduate degree later or are in medical/community service
Have completed (or be due to complete) an undergraduate degree by July 2026
Demonstrate academic excellence, typically with:
First Class Honours or equivalent
GPA of 3.7/4.0 or higher
Be proficient in English (Oxford language requirements may apply)
📋 Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted online via the Rhodes Trust portal by 01 August 2025.
📂 Key Documents to Prepare:
Completed online application form
Birth certificate and valid passport or national ID
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
School leaving certificate
Completed Rhodes CV template (max 2 pages)
Head-and-shoulders color photo
Academic Statement of Study (max 350 words)
Personal Statement (max 1000 words)
Four referees:
Three academic
One character referee
Note: Referees must submit their letters by 15 August 2025.
🧑🏫 Selection Process
Application Review – August 2025
Shortlisting – August to September 2025
Final Interviews – Between 26 September and 9 November 2025
Includes social engagement and in-person interview
Travel and accommodation within Southern Africa covered
Results Notification – By December 2025
📅 Important Dates
Applications Open 01 June 2025
Application Deadline 01 August 2025, 23:59 SAST
Reference Deadline 15 August 2025
Interviews 26 Sept – 9 Nov 2025
Oxford Entry October 2026
🌍 Structure and Activities at Rhodes House
Rhodes Scholars join a tight-knit, global community at Rhodes House, Oxford. Activities include:
Leadership workshops and retreats
Scholar-led talks and conferences
Cross-cultural dialogues
Mentoring and career development
Social and community engagement opportunities
ℹ️ For queries, contact: southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com
📎 Additional Information
📝 Final Note
Only one application is permitted per year and per region. If unsuccessful, you may apply again only once. Please ensure all information submitted is accurate—misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.
The Rhodes Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Selection is made without regard to financial means, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
OFFICIAL LINK
