Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Postgraduate Study at Oxford University
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities in the world, offering talented students from West African countries the chance to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. With full funding that covers tuition, living stipend, accommodation, and travel expenses, this scholarship enables exceptional individuals to pursue Master’s or PhD programs at one of the world’s top universities.
Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Oxford |
| Study Level | Postgraduate (Master’s & PhD) |
| Eligible Countries | West African Countries (listed below) |
| Scholarship Value | Full Tuition, £19,800 Annual Stipend, Accommodation, Flights |
| IELTS Requirement | Not always required (waivers available) |
| Deadline | August 28, 2025 |
About the Rhodes Scholarship
Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and one of the most respected international scholarship programs. Administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, it supports exceptional young leaders to study at the University of Oxford, aiming to develop individuals who will “fight the world’s fight” and contribute meaningfully to global progress.
Each year, the Rhodes Trust awards 100 fully funded scholarships to outstanding students worldwide. The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship specifically supports citizens and residents of selected West African countries to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of one of the following West African countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Saint Helena
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Togo
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality and Residency
- Must be a citizen of one of the eligible West African countries.
- Must have been resident in one or more of the eligible countries for at least five of the last ten years.
2. Age Criteria
- General: Aged 18-24 on 1st October 2025 (born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2007).
- For medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, and engineering graduates (allowing for internship completion): Aged 18-25 on 1st October 2025.
- For older candidates who completed their first degree later than usual: Under the age of 27 on 1st October 2025, with the first undergraduate degree completed on or after 1 October 2024.
3. Academic Achievement
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) by the application deadline.
- Academic performance should be equivalent to a First Class Honours Degree or distinction.
- Medical, Dentistry, and Pharmacy candidates must have distinctions in at least three of the following: Medicine & Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Gynaecology, Paediatrics.
Scholarship Benefits
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship is a fully funded award that covers the following expenses:
- Oxford University course fees in full.
- Annual stipend of £19,800 (£1,650 per month) for living expenses, including accommodation.
- Visa application fees and International Health Surcharge (IHS) for access to the UK’s National Health Service.
- Two economy-class flights – one to the UK at the start of the program and one back to the home country at completion.
- Access to a lifetime global network of Rhodes Scholars for mentorship and collaboration.
Note: The stipend is intended to cover the scholar’s expenses only and is not sufficient for dependents or partners.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Proof of citizenship and age (two of the following: birth certificate, national ID card, valid passport, voter’s card, or notarized affidavit of citizenship).
- Official university transcript(s) showing grades achieved to date.
- Evidence of residency in the eligible region for at least five of the past ten years (e.g., school records).
- Proof of meeting Oxford’s English language requirements (TOEFL/IELTS results or waiver request if applicable).
- Personal statement and CV highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, and community service.
- References from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and character.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the Rhodes Scholarship Application Portal.
- Review the eligibility criteria for the West Africa category and confirm your qualifications.
- Create an account on the application portal and fill in the personal, academic, and leadership information sections.
- Upload all required documents in English (translations must be provided for non-English documents).
- Submit the contact details of referees who will provide recommendation letters.
- Submit your application before the deadline: August 28, 2025.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Now
- Application Deadline: August 28, 2025
- Shortlisting and Interviews: October – November 2025
- Results Announcement: December 2025
- Program Start at Oxford: October 2026
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application early to allow time for gathering documents and securing strong references.
- Highlight leadership experiences and community service in your personal statement.
- Research your intended Oxford program and clearly explain how it aligns with your career goals.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing questions related to leadership, ethics, and global issues.
