Are you a high-achieving student from West Africa with a passion for leadership and academic excellence? The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 in the UK opens the door for exceptional individuals from eligible West African countries to study at the University of Oxford, completely funded.
This prestigious program, backed by the Rhodes Trust in collaboration with the Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship, is one of the most competitive scholarships in the world and offers much more than financial support; it is a launchpad for emerging leaders determined to make a global impact.
Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship has long stood as a beacon of academic brilliance and leadership. With its expansion to West Africa, the program now supports students from across the region in accessing world-class postgraduate education. This includes both Master’s and PhD programs at the University of Oxford, one of the top-ranked universities globally.
Candidates are selected not only for their academic achievement but also for their integrity, leadership qualities, and commitment to service. The goal is to empower individuals who will go on to transform their societies and shape the future.
Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Institution | University of Oxford |
| Funded By | The Rhodes Trust (with Oxford-Morland partnership) |
| Scholarship Level | Master’s or PhD |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of select West African countries |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel, Visa, etc.) |
| Application Deadline | 28 August 2025 |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, On-Campus |
| Academic Year | Starting 2026 |
What Is the Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa?
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 was established to support talented individuals from across the West African subregion. It aims to strengthen leadership in Africa by empowering scholars with the education and resources to tackle pressing global and local challenges. By combining academic rigor with real-world impact, this program creates space for reflection, collaboration, and visionary thinking.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: Must hold citizenship in one of the eligible countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe, or Togo.
- Residency: Must have lived in one or more of the listed countries for at least five of the last ten years.
- Age:
- General applicants: Born between 1 October 2000 and 2 October 2007.
- Medical, legal, pharmacy, or engineering students: Born after 1 October 1999.
- Late graduates: Under 27 years of age if the first degree was completed after 1 October 2024.
- Academic Qualifications: A First Class Honours degree or equivalent, meeting Oxford’s entry standards.
- English Language: Must satisfy Oxford University’s English proficiency requirements (TOEFL, IELTS, or waiver based on prior education).
Scholarship Benefits
The Rhodes Scholarship offers a fully comprehensive support package, ensuring that scholars can focus on their education and development without financial distractions:
- Full tuition fees at the University of Oxford
- An annual living stipend (approximately £18,180 per year)
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Oxford
- Visa fees and associated costs covered
- Settling-in allowance upon arrival
- Full access to leadership and academic development programs
- Health insurance and university-wide academic support
- Lifetime membership in the global Rhodes Scholar network
This robust financial and personal support ecosystem places scholars in an environment designed to inspire, challenge, and nurture.
Rhodes Scholarship Requirement
Applicants will need to prepare and submit the following:
- A valid passport or national identity card
- Official birth certificate or affidavit of birth
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English language proficiency certificate (or waiver letter)
- Proof of residency (e.g., school records, utility bills)
- Curriculum Vitae (entered directly into the application)
- Passport-style photograph (head-and-shoulders)
- Personal Statement (maximum 1000 words)
- Academic Statement of Study (maximum 350 words)
- 4-6 reference letters (with at least 3 academic referees)
Referee Requirements:
- A minimum of three referees must be academics familiar with the applicant’s work.
- At least one referee must address the candidate’s leadership and character.
- All letters must be written in English and submitted online by 5 September 2025.
Rhodes Scholarship Application
To apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the Rhodes Trust Portal
Begin by accessing the official Rhodes Scholarship website and creating an account. - Complete the Application Form
Enter personal, academic, and professional details. Take care to provide accurate information. - Prepare and Upload All Documents
Ensure all required documents are properly formatted in English and uploaded before the deadline. - Register Referees
Inform your referees early and ensure they submit their letters online before the 5 September deadline. - Submit Your Application
Finalize and submit the complete application by 28 August 2025 (23:59 GMT).
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process for the Rhodes Scholarship is rigorous and multi-phased. It includes:
- Preliminary Review: All applications are initially screened.
- Preliminary Interviews: Held between September and October 2025 for shortlisted candidates.
- Final Interview and Social Event: Conducted in person in November 2025, likely in Abuja, Accra, or Lagos.
- Notification of Results: Final decisions are announced by December 2025.
Only candidates who reach the final stage will be invited for in-person interviews, and attendance at the associated social event is mandatory.
Interested candidates should begin preparing early. Visit the official Rhodes Scholarship application portal to get started and ensure that every part of your application reflects your vision, capability, and drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I’m currently studying outside West Africa?
Yes, provided you are a citizen of one of the eligible countries and have lived in the region for at least five of the last ten years.
Is the scholarship limited to specific fields of study?
No. Any postgraduate course offered at the University of Oxford is eligible, subject to academic qualifications.
What if I don’t meet the exact age requirement?
Exceptions are made for students in certain professional disciplines or for those who completed their degree late. Review the age guidelines carefully.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
While the number is limited, the exact figure is not disclosed. The process is highly competitive.
Can references be submitted after the application deadline?
No. All references must be submitted online by 5 September 2025. Late submissions will disqualify your application.
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