The Rhodes Trust is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026, offering exceptional young leaders from West Africa the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programme. Each year, 100 fully-funded scholarships are awarded for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford—one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The scholarship aims to empower visionary, value-driven leaders who are committed to engaging with global challenges and serving humanity.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on the following broad criteria:
Academic Excellence – Specific academic requirements are outlined in the eligibility section.
Energy and Drive – Evidence of making the most of one’s talents (e.g., in sports, arts, debate, or other pursuits involving teamwork).
Character and Leadership – Demonstrated truth, courage, devotion to duty, empathy, fellowship, and moral force of character.
Commitment to Service – A desire to lead and positively impact fellow human beings.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality/Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of one of the following West African countries:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Togo.
2. Residency
Applicants must have resided in one or more of the eligible countries for at least five of the last ten years.
3. Age
Applicants must meet one of the following age criteria:
Aged 18–24 on 1 October 2025 (i.e., born between 2 October 2000 and 1 October 2007).
For students in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, or Engineering: 18–25 on 1 October 2025 (i.e., born between 2 October 1999 and 1 October 2007).
For older applicants who completed their first degree later than usual: Under 27 on 1 October 2025 and must have completed their first degree on or after 1 October 2024.
4. Academic Achievement
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree (typically a Bachelor’s) by the application deadline.
A First Class Honours Degree or equivalent is required.
For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy applicants, a Distinction (or the highest classification awarded by your university) is acceptable.
Applicants must also have achieved distinction in at least three of the following five subjects:
Medicine & Surgery
Pathology
Pharmacology
Gynaecology
Paediatrics
Additional Advantage
Candidates will have a greater chance of admission to Oxford if they:
Hold an Honours degree from a university outside their home country, or
Have completed a Master’s degree in their home country (excluding applicants from Nigeria and Ghana, and certain medical students).
Scholarship Benefits
The Rhodes Scholarship provides comprehensive funding which includes:
Full coverage of University of Oxford course fees
Annual stipend of £19,800 for the 2025–26 academic year (approximately £1,650 per month) to cover living costs, including accommodation
Visa fees and International Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access in the UK
Two return economy-class flights (to and from the UK at the start and end of the programme)
Application fee for admission to the University of Oxford
Required Documents
All documents must be submitted in English. If your official documents are not in English, a certified English translation must be provided. Originals may be requested later.
To prove eligibility, submit at least two of the following:
Certified copy of birth certificate (or affidavit of birth)
National identity card
Valid passport
Voter’s card
Affidavit from a competent authority confirming citizenship
Additional documentation:
Official university transcript showing academic results
Proof of residency within the eligible region for at least 5 of the last 10 years (e.g., school records)
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS results) or a letter requesting a waiver if your degree was taught in English, with supporting evidence
Application Deadline: 28 August 2025
How to Apply
For full application guidelines and to begin your application, please visit the official Rhodes West Africa Scholarships webpage.
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