The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international postgraduate scholarship in the world, administered by the Rhodes Trust at Oxford. The Southern Africa constituency selects outstanding young people connected to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, in almost any field the University offers. Selection is overseen by the National Secretary, Ndumiso Luthuli. Scholars join a global community of more than 4,500 living Rhodes Scholars across over 100 countries. The minimum commitment is two years of study at Oxford, beginning in October 2027.
Benefits & funding
- University of Oxford course and college fees for the chosen postgraduate course
- Annual living stipend of £20,400 (about £1,700 per month) for 2025-26, covering accommodation and living costs
- Oxford application fee, student visa fees and the UK International Health Surcharge
- Two economy-class flights to and from the UK, at the start and end of studies
- A settling-in allowance on arrival, plus visa-renewal and IHS support for a second course
- Funding runs up to three years (fees and stipend) for a DPhil (PhD); other courses follow the Conditions of Tenure
- Note: the stipend is not intended to support partners or dependents
Eligibility
- Citizen or legal permanent resident of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini; refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa are also considered
- Must have been resident in one or more of those six countries for at least 5 of the last 10 years
- Standard age: at least 19 and not yet turned 25 on 1 October 2027 (born after 1 October 2002 and on or before 1 October 2008); an older-candidate route admits those who have not turned 28 on 1 October 2027 (born after 1 October 1999) and completed their first undergraduate degree after 1 October 2025. Medical and other health-sciences graduates completing compulsory internship or community service follow the higher age limit with National Secretariat approval. Age limits are set by the constituency and are immovable
- Must have completed, or be about to complete, an undergraduate degree by July 2027 and meet the entry requirements of the chosen Oxford course; a First Class Honours degree or GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher improves the chance of Oxford admission
- Must meet Oxford’s English-language proficiency requirements at the higher level
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
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Eligible nationalities
South Africa · Botswana · Lesotho · Malawi · Namibia · Eswatini
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Residence required
South Africa · Botswana · Lesotho · Malawi · Namibia · Eswatini
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor
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Age requirement
19–27 yrs
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Confirm eligibility against the Southern Africa constituency criteria and the Information for Candidates document
- 2Submit the online application through the Rhodes Trust portal, with transcripts, a CV on the provided template, a personal statement, references, and proof of age and citizenship or residency
- 3References are submitted shortly after the candidate deadline; ensure referees are briefed early
- 4Shortlisted candidates attend interviews overseen by the National Secretary and their team
- 5Selected Scholars secure an Oxford course place and begin study in October 2027
Program timeline
Applications open for the Southern Africa constituency
Jun 1, 2026
Candidate application deadline (23:59 SAST)
Aug 3, 2026
References due
Early August 2026
Shortlisting and interviews
Autumn 2026
Scholars begin postgraduate study at Oxford
2027-10