The Rhodes Trust Scholarships 2025 for Southern Africa are now open for applications. The applications opened 01 June 2024.
Deadlines: Online applications for 2025 opened on 01 June 2024 and close on 01 August 2024.
Degree level: Masters and PhD
The Scholarship offers two years of fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Scholarships Overview
Described as “a globally inclusive and thoughtful community of leaders”, Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually to young graduates of outstanding intellect and character, with proven leadership abilities, a commitment to service, and the energy to fulfil their ambitions and potential.
The Scholarships are inclusive: awards are made to holistic all-rounders and are based on talent and excellence – irrespective of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic circumstances, university attended or field of study.
Ten Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually to graduates in the Southern African constituency (comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini), wishing to pursue Masters or Doctoral studies at Oxford University in most disciplines/fields of study.
What is covered by the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship, covering two years of study and most of the Scholar’s expenses in Oxford, including:
- The Oxford University application fee and annual tuition fees;
- An annual stipend (to cover accommodation fees and living expenses in Oxford);
- One return air flight (SA-UK-SA) per scholarship;
- Financial assistance with Student Visa and health insurance costs for the duration of the scholarship;
- A once-off settling in allowance;
- Superb wrap-around support and an in-house Character, Service and Leadership Programme.
The Trust does not provide Laptops or financial assistance for undergraduate degrees; or to postgraduate students who are studying at other universities in the UK or elsewhere; or to students who have not gone through the formal selection process for the Rhodes Scholarships in Southern Africa.
Who can Apply?
Graduates in the selected Southern African constituency (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini), who meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship, residency, academic and age criteria).
- Check your eligibility here:
- Link : Check your eligibility and apply – Rhodes Trust (ox.ac.uk)
Fields of Study Funded
Any postgraduate full-time course of study offered at Oxford University. Please read the Conditions of Tenure for more information.
How to Apply
The Oxford academic year commences on 01 October annually. The process to be followed:
- You first apply for the Rhodes Scholarship from 01 June (closing date 01 August);
- A review of applications, shortlisting process and interviews take place from 16 August to 15 November;
- Selection is completed by mid-November and the awards are announced;
- If you are successful you then apply to Oxford University for your chosen course of study, commencing 01 October 2025.
Applications for the Rhodes Scholarships can only be submitted using the online application system at: Check your eligibility and apply – Rhodes Trust (ox.ac.uk).
Documents to be submitted with your application
Applicants are required to submit ALL the following documents with their online application:
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- A copy of a valid passport or ID document.
- An official academic transcript from the college or university at which you are studying, or have studied, showing grades achieved (to date).
- A copy of your South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or A-Levels or IB or final Grade 12 School leaving academic results.
- Copies of your degree certificates.
- A full curriculum vitae which should include details about academic qualifications; prizes awarded or scholarship; positions of leadership; employment positions; involvement in student, voluntary, community or political activities; and any cultural, musical or sporting accomplishments. This should not exceed two A4 (12pt font size) pages in length and a template is provided.
- A head-and-shoulders colour photograph (jpg format).
- A personal statement of no more than 1000 words.
- An academic statement (as detailed in the Information Document).
- The names and contact details of four referees (as detailed in the Information Document for candidates).
Preparing to submit your application
To make sure that are as prepared as possible to start your application, you are encouraged to read the information on the Scholarships tab on the Rhodes House website, the Conditions of Tenure document, and the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions pages.
Contact
For more information about the scholarship, kindly contact Ms Beverley Johnson, Regional Manager – Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa:
E-mail: [email protected] |Tel: +27 (0)74 054 4300.
Documents and links
- 2024 Rhodes Scholarship Flyer
- 2024 Rhodes Scholarship Advert
- An introduction to the types of graduate degrees offered by Oxford University
- The University of Oxford’s English language proficiency guidance
- University of Oxford Graduate Admissions
- An A-Z list of the graduate courses at Oxford University
- List of the Rhodes constituencies
- Our Application Overview with videos to guide you through the application process
- Courses covered by the Rhodes Scholarship (Conditions of Tenure document)
- Privacy Policy and Data protection statement
The Rhodes Trust provides the Rhodes Scholarships in partnership with the Second Century Founders, John McCall MacBain O.C. and The Atlantic Philanthropies, and many other generous benefactors.
