The Rhodes Trust is inviting applications from the Southern African constituency (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini) for the Rhodes Scholarships to study full-time at the University of Oxford (Master’s or PhD level). Ten scholarships are awarded annually for this constituency.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Rhodes Trust (Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa)
Opportunity type: Fully funded postgraduate scholarship (Master’s / PhD at Oxford University)
Who it’s for: Graduates in the Southern African constituency who meet eligibility criteria (citizenship/residency, academic excellence and age criteria)
Closing date: Applications open 01 June 2026 and close Monday, 03 August 2026
Last verified: 15 May 2026 (checked the DHET International Scholarships listing page dated 17 April 2026)
High-value notes (read this first)
- This is for postgraduate study at Oxford (Master’s or PhD). It is not for undergraduate degrees.
- You apply for the Rhodes Scholarship first (closing 03 August 2026). If selected, you then apply to Oxford for study starting 01 October 2027.
- The DHET page notes an information session on 26 May 2026 (12:00).
About the sponsor
The Rhodes Trust has awarded Rhodes Scholarships since 1903 for postgraduate study at Oxford University. The programme selects candidates based on academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service, and awards are made irrespective of background.
Official application route (source link): Applications must be submitted via the Rhodes Trust online application system (linked from the DHET listing).
What it covers
The DHET listing describes the Rhodes Scholarship as fully funded and includes:
- Oxford University application fee and annual tuition fees (for at least two years)
- Annual stipend (accommodation and living expenses in Oxford)
- One return flight (SA–UK–SA) per scholar
- Assistance with UK Student Visa costs, TB test, IHS (health surcharge), and an English test if required
- Once-off settling-in allowance
- Leadership development and wrap-around support
Eligibility
The DHET listing states applicants must be university graduates in the Southern African constituency (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini) who meet Rhodes eligibility criteria including citizenship/residency, academic excellence and age criteria. The page links to the official Rhodes eligibility checker for the detailed rules.
Fields of study supported
Any postgraduate full-time course of study offered at Oxford University (subject to the Rhodes “Conditions of Tenure”).
Documents to prepare
The DHET listing states applicants must submit all of the following with the online application:
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport or ID document
- Full official university transcript (showing grades achieved per year)
- School leaving results (e.g., SA NSC / A-Levels / IB / Grade 12 final results)
- Degree certificates
- CV (max 2 A4 pages; template provided)
- Head-and-shoulders colour photo (JPG)
- Personal statement (max 1000 words)
- Academic statement (per “Information for Candidates”)
- Referees: names and contact details of four referees (three academic + one character reference)
Closing date
Applications for 2027 open 01 June 2026 and close Monday, 03 August 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the 03 August 2026 deadline (Rhodes applications close before Oxford applications).
- Submitting without all required documents (the listing states “ALL” documents are required).
- Over-length CV or personal statement (stick to the stated limits).
How this opportunity was verified
Verified using the official DHET International Scholarships listing for “UNITED KINGDOM: The Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa for 2027”, including the stated dates, coverage, document list, and the linked Rhodes application system.
How to apply
- Review the Rhodes Scholarships information and eligibility for the Southern Africa constituency (use the Rhodes eligibility checker link on the DHET page).
- Prepare all required documents (ID/passport, transcripts, certificates, statements, referees, etc.).
- Submit your application via the Rhodes Trust online application system between 01 June 2026 and 03 August 2026.
- If selected, apply to Oxford University for your chosen course (study begins 01 October 2027).