Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 3 August 2026
- Provider
- Rhodes Trust
- Study level
- Postgraduate, Undergraduate
- Academic year
- 2027
- Applications open
- 1 June 2026
- Last checked
- September 2026
The 2027 round for Southern Africa opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 3 August 2026.
VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 3 August 2026 Latest update ↓
The Rhodes Scholarship, run by the Rhodes Trust at the University of Oxford since 1903, is the oldest international postgraduate scholarship in the world. Ten are awarded each year in the Southern Africa constituency, which covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and eSwatini, and each funds two or more years of full-time study at Oxford in any field.
About the Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa
- Ten scholarships a year: four open to all South Africans, one for KwaZulu-Natal, one for Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and eSwatini, and four tied to specific schools and universities named in the founding bequest.
- Covers all Oxford university and college fees, a living stipend, return flights and the UK health surcharge.
- Two years of full-time postgraduate study, extendable to a third year for a doctorate.
- Scholars live at Rhodes House with a global cohort and join a lifelong alumni network.
Rhodes Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Citizen or permanent resident of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi or eSwatini, with at least five years’ residence there during the past ten years.
- Aged 19 to 25 on 1 October of the scholarship year. Candidates up to 28 may apply if they completed their first degree within the previous two years or hold a medical degree.
- An undergraduate degree completed, or to be completed, by July of the scholarship year, with results strong enough to enter Oxford: first-class honours, an average of 70% or more, or an honours degree from a university outside the home country.
- Evidence of energy, leadership, concern for others and the ambition to use your talents to the full.
How to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship
- Read the Information for Candidates for Southern Africa on rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk and check which constituency you qualify for.
- Ask four referees, at least three of them academic, to submit reports through the portal before the deadline.
- Complete the online application with a personal statement of up to 750 words, an academic statement of up to 350 words on your proposed Oxford course, transcripts and degree certificates, a Matric certificate, a CV on the Rhodes template, proof of citizenship or residence and a head-and-shoulders photo.
- Submit before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates attend a social event and interview in September or October.
Rhodes Scholarship closing date
3 August 2026 for 2027 (closed). Expect early August 2027 for 2028.
Contact details
- National Secretary for Southern Africa, Mr Ndumiso Luthuli: southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com
- Website: www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Graduates looking at international study should also see the Mandela Rhodes scholarship for study in Africa, the Chevening scholarship and the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships.
FAQs
1. When does the Rhodes Scholarship close for South Africans? +
The 2027 round for Southern Africa opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 3 August 2026. The 2028 round is expected to open on 1 June 2027 and close in early August 2027.
2. How many scholarships are there? +
Ten a year for the Southern Africa constituency: four open to all South Africans, one for KwaZulu-Natal, one for Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and eSwatini, and the rest tied to specific schools and universities named in the Rhodes Trust's founding bequest.
3. What does it cover? +
All Oxford university and college fees, a living stipend, return flights and health surcharge for two years of full-time postgraduate study, extendable to three for a doctorate.
4. Who qualifies? +
Citizens or permanent residents of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi or eSwatini who have lived there for five of the past ten years, aged 19 to 25 on 1 October of the scholarship year (up to 28 for medical graduates or those who finished their first degree late), with an undergraduate degree completed by July, ideally with first-class honours or a 70% average or higher.
5. How do I apply? +
Online through the Rhodes Trust portal with a personal statement of up to 750 words, an academic statement of up to 350 words, four referee reports, transcripts, a CV on the Rhodes template, proof of citizenship and a photo.
6. Is this the same as the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship? +
No. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship funds honours and Master's study in Africa. The Rhodes Scholarship funds study at Oxford.
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2027 round for Southern Africa opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 3 August 2026. Interviews run in September and October, with scholars-elect announced by November. The 2028 round is expected to open on 1 June 2027 and close in early August 2027. The details below are from the 2027 call.
This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.
Visit the provider’s website
About Rhodes Trust
Educational charity (University of Oxford scholarships)
The Rhodes Trust, based at Rhodes House in Oxford, administers the Rhodes Scholarship, which enables outstanding young people from around the world to undertake full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1902 under the will…
Read the full Rhodes Trust profile →- Website
- rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
