Patrick & Margaret Flanagan Scholarship for Overseas Study

1. 1

   Watch Rhodes University's Overseas Study funding page for the next call and read its eligibility criteria document

2. 2

   Decide on your intended overseas university and research focus

3. 3

   Write a letter of motivation covering why you want to study at an international university, your plans after the Master's or PhD, your intended research focus, and which university you want to attend and why

4. 4

   Prepare a detailed academic CV with email contact details for three academic referees, one of whom must be a Head of Department or Dean

5. 5

   Add a certified full academic transcript and a certified ID or passport copy

6. 6

   Combine everything into a single PDF named 'Your Surname P&M Flanagan Scholarship Application' and email it to the address given in the call before the closing date (the 2027 call used tasmin.jones@ru.ac.za and closed on 24 September 2026)

7. 7

   Under the General Conditions, the Selection Committee shortlists about 13 applicants and requests referee reports, then invites the top four to a dinner and interview at Rhodes University, usually at the end of November; the Trust pays interviewees' travel within South Africa and their accommodation

8. 8

   Late and incomplete applications are not considered; if you have not been contacted for an interview by 30 October, treat your application as unsuccessful

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Patrick & Margaret Flanagan Scholarship?

Under the late Margaret Ellen Flanagan's will, the scholarship is for women graduates who are English-speaking; Rhodes University's eligibility criteria say proficiency in English for tertiary study is enough. Preference goes to applicants of South African descent (a preference, not an absolute citizenship rule). Selection weighs academic merit, character, leadership potential and financial need, and the award funds full-time Master's or doctoral study at an international university. There is no formal age limit.

How much is the scholarship worth and what does it cover?

The 2027 call advertised full-cost funding for international Master's and doctoral study. Rhodes University's General Conditions set the value at up to R750,000 per year for a maximum of two years, towards tuition, residence fees, book and clothing allowances and pocket money. For 2027, Rhodes University says scholars must pay their own travel, relocation and visa costs, nothing is paid before registration, and allowances are paid quarterly after registration.

When is the deadline?

The 2027 call ran from 24 August to 24 September 2026 and has closed. Earlier calls closed on 29 September 2023 and 31 August 2024. Dates for the 2028 call had not been announced as of 12 October 2026, so check Rhodes University's Overseas Study funding page.

How do I apply?

Email a single PDF named 'Your Surname P&M Flanagan Scholarship Application' to the address given in the call (tasmin.jones@ru.ac.za for the 2027 call). It must contain a letter of motivation, a detailed academic CV with three academic referees (one a Head of Department or Dean), a certified academic transcript and a certified ID or passport copy. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at Rhodes University.

Is this the same as the Rhodes Scholarship?

No. This scholarship is separate from the Rhodes Scholarship, which the Rhodes Trust runs for study at Oxford. The Flanagan Scholarship is funded by the bequest of the late Margaret Ellen Flanagan and administered by Rhodes University's Postgraduate Funding Office. It funds study overseas but is administered in South Africa, with preference for applicants of South African descent.