Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa

1. 1

   Confirm your eligibility for the Southern Africa constituency (citizenship/residency, age and academic record) using the Information for Candidates document

2. 2

   Identify the Oxford course you wish to apply for and check its entry requirements and the Conditions of Tenure

3. 3

   Create an account on the Rhodes Trust application portal during the open window; the form is only available between the opening and closing dates (for 2027 entry, 1 June to 3 August 2026)

4. 4

   Complete the online application form, including your personal statement, a CV on the Southern Africa template and details of your proposed course

5. 5

   Share the Guidance for Referees with your referees and make sure references and supporting documents reach the Trust by the stated deadline

6. 6

   Separately apply to the University of Oxford for your chosen course by its own deadline

7. 7

   Shortlisted candidates are invited to a social event and panel interviews before final selection

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa?

Citizens or legal permanent residents of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini who have lived in one of those countries for at least five of the last ten years. Refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa are also considered. You must meet the age criteria and have a strong academic record (typically First Class Honours or a GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher).

How is this different from the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?

They are run by separate organisations. The Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa is administered by the Rhodes Trust and funds study at the University of Oxford in the UK. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is run by the separate Mandela Rhodes Foundation and funds Honours or Master's study at a South African university.

What does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?

It covers all University of Oxford course fees plus a living stipend, which is GBP 21,060 a year (GBP 1,755 a month) for 2026-27, for up to two years, or up to three years for a DPhil. The Rhodes Trust also covers your Oxford application fee, UK visa costs, the International Health Surcharge, two economy-class flights and a settling-in allowance.

When does the Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa close?

For 2027 entry, applications opened on 1 June 2026 and closed at 23:59 SAST on 3 August 2026. Dates for 2028 entry had not been announced as of 12 October 2026. The online form is only available while the window is open, so check the Rhodes House Southern Africa page for the next window.