The Rhodes Trust invites exceptional students from Southern Africa to apply for the Rhodes Scholarships for the 2026 academic year, offering a life-changing opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 1 August 2025
Study Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Commencement Date: October 2026
About the Rhodes Trust Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarships are prestigious, fully funded awards supporting outstanding students from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini for postgraduate study at Oxford. Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, leadership, commitment to service, and strength of character.
Types of Rhodes Trust Awards
The following scholarships are available:
- 4 scholarships for applicants from South Africa
- 1 scholarship for an applicant from KwaZulu-Natal
- 1 scholarship for an applicant from Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, or eSwatini
- 1 scholarship for alumni of the following schools:
- Bishops Diocesan College (and partner schools: St Cyprian’s School, St George’s Grammar School, Herschel Girls School, LEAP 1 School)
- Paul Roos Gymnasium (and partner schools: Rhenish Girls’ High School, Bloemhof Girls’ High School)
- South African College School (and partner schools: Sans Souci Girls’ High School, Rustenburg High School for Girls)
- St Andrew’s College (and partner school: Diocesan School for Girls)
Shortlisted candidates will attend a social engagement and final interview in the region where they applied.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, or eSwatini
- Have lived in one of these countries for at least 5 of the past 10 years
- Be aged 19 to 25 on 1 October 2026 (some exceptions up to 28 years for professional degree holders)
- Hold (or expect to hold) a completed undergraduate degree by July 2026
- Meet Oxford University’s English language and academic entry requirements
- Plan to study full-time postgraduate studies at Oxford for at least two years
Preference Will Be Given To Applicants Who:
- Have a First Class Honours Degree or equivalent
- Hold a GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher
- Completed an Honours or Master’s outside their home country
- Completed Master’s study within their country
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Birth certificate and ID/passport
- Proof of citizenship or residency status
- Official transcripts and degree certificates
- School leaving certificate
- Rhodes Trust CV Template
- Passport-style photo (JPG format)
- Personal statement (max 750 words)
- Academic statement of study (max 350 words)
- 4 referee letters
How to Apply
Submit your application online here:
Apply for Rhodes Trust Scholarships 2026
Be sure to carefully read the Rhodes Trust Scholarship Information for Candidates before applying.
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