Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2027 at Oxford University (Fully Funded)
If you are a young West African leader with outstanding intellect, character, and a burning desire to change the world, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Applications are officially open for the 2027 Rhodes West Africa Scholarship.
Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and arguably most prestigious international postgraduate award in the world. Administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, it fully funds exceptional students to pursue their Master’s or PhD degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Below is a complete breakdown of what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, and exactly how to apply before the August 27, 2026 deadline.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Host Institution: University of Oxford
- Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s / PhD)
- Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition, living stipend, flights, and visa fees)
- Annual Stipend: £20,400 per year (£1,700 per month)
- Application Deadline: August 27, 2026
What Does the Rhodes Scholarship Cover?
The Rhodes Scholarship is exceptionally generous. It aims to ensure that financial barriers do not stop you from excelling. The package includes:
- Full Tuition Coverage: All Oxford University course fees are fully paid.
- Generous Living Stipend: You will receive £20,400 annually to cover accommodation and day-to-day living expenses. (Note: This stipend is structured for a single student and does not cover dependents).
- Settling-In Allowance & Travel: Two economy-class flights are covered—one to get you to the UK at the start of your studies and one to bring you home after graduation.
- Visa & Health Surcharges: The Rhodes Trust covers your UK Student Visa fees alongside the International Health Surcharge (IHS), granting you full access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Eligibility Requirements
To stand a chance at securing this highly competitive scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality and Residency
- You must be a citizen of one of these West African nations: 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 Principe, or Togo.
- You must have lived in one or more of these countries for at least five of the last ten years.
2. Academic Excellence
- You must hold a First Class Honours Degree or its absolute equivalent by the time you apply.
- For Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy graduates: Your university distinctions and awards will be evaluated. You must have achieved a distinction in at least three of these five areas: Medicine & Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Gynaecology, or Paediatrics.
3. Age Brackets (As of October 1, 2025)
- Standard Track: Aged 18 to 24 (Born after Oct 1, 2000, and before Oct 2, 2007).
- Professional Internship Track: (For medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, and engineering fields) Aged 18 to 25 (Born after Oct 1, 1999, and before Oct 2, 2007).
- Older Candidates: If you completed your undergraduate degree later than usual, you can be up to 27 years old, provided your first degree was completed on or after October 1, 2024.
Required Documents
Make sure you have scanned, English-translated copies of the following documents ready before starting your application:
- Identity & Citizenship (At least two): Birth certificate (or affidavit of birth), National Identity Card, valid International Passport, or Voter’s Card.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Detailed transcripts from your undergraduate institution showing all grades achieved.
- Proof of Residency: Official school records or documents proving you spent 5 of the last 10 years in West Africa.
- English Language Proficiency: A recognized test score (like IELTS or TOEFL). If your entire degree was taught and assessed in English, you can instead write a formal English Waiver Request Letter detailing your educational background.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process must be done entirely online. Because this is a highly rigorous selection process, you are advised to gather your reference letters, polish your personal statement, and submit well before the deadline.
1.Check Eligibility & Choose an Oxford Course:Step 1.
Review the Rhodes criteria carefully and verify that your desired program of study is offered and supported at the University of Oxford.
2.Prepare Your Documents and Essays:Step 2.
Gather your identification papers, request official transcripts, and draft your personal statement. If your documents are not in English, obtain certified translations.
3.Secure Academic and Personal Referees:Step 3.
Reach out to professors or mentors who can write compelling letters of recommendation regarding your academic abilities and leadership potential.
4.Submit Online Application:Step 4.
Access the application portal, fill out the required sections, upload all files, and submit before the final cutoff on August 27, 2026.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Click the official link below to access the application platform, read the detailed information manual for West Africa, and begin your journey to Oxford.
www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/west-africa/
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