The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for outstanding young leaders from West Africa to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Established in 2017, this scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, accommodation, and flight costs, enabling scholars to join a global network of principled leaders.
The Rhodes Trust, founded in 1903, administers the Rhodes Scholarship, the oldest international scholarship programme in the world. Based at Rhodes House in Oxford, the Trust selects scholars based on academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service, fostering a community dedicated to tackling global challenges.
Rhodes West Africa Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition and college fees
- Annual stipend of £20,400 (approx. £1,700/month)
- Visa fees and International Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Economy airfare to Oxford at the start and return flight at the end of studies
Rhodes West Africa Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be citizens of one of the following West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé & Principe, Togo
- Have resided in one or more of these countries for at least five of the last ten years
- Meet age criteria: 18–24 years on 1 October 2025; 18–25 years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, and engineering students; under 27 years for older candidates who completed their first degree later than usual
- Hold an undergraduate degree with First Class Honours or equivalent
- Demonstrate leadership, service, and commitment to tackling global challenges
Required Documents
- Proof of citizenship, residency, and age (birth certificate, passport, national ID, voter’s card, or affidavit).
- Official university transcripts.
- Evidence of residency in West Africa for at least five of the last ten years.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or waiver request if degree taught in English).
- References (shared via Rhodes referee guidance).
How are Candidates Selected?
- Based on academic excellence, leadership, character, and service.
- Applications reviewed by Rhodes Trust; shortlisted candidates invited for interviews.
- Selection guided by the original Rhodes criteria (intellect, leadership, moral force of character, and commitment to service).
How to Apply for Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
- Review Information for Candidates – West Africa and Guidance for Referees
- Confirm eligibility and prepare required documents
- Apply online via the Rhodes Trust application portal between 1 June – 27 August 2026
- Submit all documents in English (translations required where necessary)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for outstanding young leaders from West Africa to study at the University of Oxford. It covers tuition, living expenses, accommodation, and flight costs, and is part of the prestigious Rhodes Trust programme.
Who is eligible to apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
Applicants must be citizens of eligible West African countries, have resided there for at least five of the last ten years, meet age criteria (18-24 or up to 27 in certain cases), hold a First Class Honours degree or equivalent, and demonstrate leadership and service.
What are the benefits of the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
The scholarship covers full tuition and college fees, an annual stipend of £20,400, visa fees, International Health Surcharge, and economy airfare to and from Oxford. It also provides access to a global network of scholars.
When is the deadline to apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
The application deadline is 27 August 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications open on 1 June 2026. Ensure you submit all required documents before the closing date.
Which countries are eligible for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
Eligible countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé & Principe, and Togo.
What study levels are covered by the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
The scholarship covers full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, including Master’s and PhD degrees. All postgraduate fields covered by the Rhodes Scholarship are eligible.
How many Rhodes West Africa Scholarships are awarded each year?
Three Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually for West Africa. The first Scholar arrived in October 2018, and the programme continues to support outstanding young leaders from the region.
How do I apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
To apply, review the Information for Candidates and Guidance for Referees, confirm eligibility, prepare required documents, and submit your application online via the Rhodes Trust portal between 1 June and 27 August 2026.
What documents are required for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship application?
Required documents include proof of citizenship, residency, and age (e.g., birth certificate, passport), official university transcripts, evidence of residency in West Africa, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or waiver request).
How are candidates selected for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership, character, and service. Applications are reviewed by the Rhodes Trust, and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, guided by the original Rhodes criteria.
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