Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa (Study in the UK)

The Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa is now accepting applications for the 2027 cohort. This is the oldest international scholarship program in the world, established in 1902, and it remains one of the most prestigious. The program is fully funded for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, including tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and a settling-in allowance. The scholarship is administered by the Rhodes Trust and selects candidates based on academic excellence, energy, character, and leadership potential.

The West Africa constituency covers 19 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea‑Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena (Ascension and Tristan da Cunha), Senegal, Sierra Leone, and São Tomé and Príncipe. You must be a citizen of one of these countries and have been a resident there for at least five of the last ten years. The selection criteria are the following: Academic excellence; demonstrated energy and mastery in sports, music, debate, dance, theater, or arts (including teamwork); integrity, courage, duty, compassion, kindness, and fellowship; moral character, leadership instinct, and genuine interest in others.

This scholarship program is for master’s and PhD degree students. The selection process includes preliminary virtual interviews, then final in‑person interviews in Abuja, Accra, or Lagos in November 2026. Travel expenses within West Africa and accommodation for finalists are covered. Up to 70 candidates are longlisted, up to 35 shortlisted, and up to 15 finalists are invited to the final round.

Program Details

• Host institution: Oxford University, in the United Kingdom.
• Fields of Study: Any full-time graduate course at Oxford that meets the scholarship’s conditions of tenure (see the Conditions of Tenure document).
• Number of Awards: Variable; up to 15 finalists, with final selection announced after interviews.
• Duration: At least two years (covers the full duration of your chosen course, up to the standard period).
• Eligible countries: This scholarship program is open for citizens of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea‑Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena (Ascension and Tristan da Cunha), Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Togo.

Rhodes Scholarship For West Africa Benefits

Selected candidates for this Europe scholarship program will have the following coverage:

1. All University and College fees for the duration of your course.
2. A living stipend : the amount is reviewed annually and is sufficient to cover living expenses and accommodation in Oxford.
3. One economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship, and one economy flight back to your home country at the conclusion.
4. A settling‑in allowance on arrival in Oxford. Scholars transitioning to a second course also receive assistance for visa renewal and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa Eligibility

To apply for this United Kingdom scholarship program, candidates must meet the following criteria.

• Nationality/citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the countries listed above.
• Residency: You must have been resident in one or more of the listed countries for at least five of the last ten years.
• Age: You must meet one of the following:
  • Standard age: 18‑24 on 1 October 2026 (born after 1 October 2001 and before 2 October 2008).
  • Extended age for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, and engineering students: 18‑25 on 1 October 2026 (born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2008) – to allow completion of professional internship.
  • Older candidates who completed their first degree later than usual: Under 27 on 1 October 2026 (born after 1 October 1999) AND completed your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2025 (date on degree certificate is what counts).
• Academic achievement: You must have completed an undergraduate degree (usually a Bachelor’s) by the application deadline, with a first‑class honours degree or equivalent. For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, the highest classification your university awards (e.g., Distinction) is considered equivalent, and you must have achieved a distinction in at least two of five main subject areas (Medicine & Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Gynecology, and Pediatrics). Candidates with an honors degree from a university outside their country, or with a Master’s degree, have a greater chance of successful admission to Oxford.
• English language proficiency: You must meet the University of Oxford’s higher‑level English language requirements. Unless you qualify for a test waiver (e.g., your undergraduate degree was taught and assessed in English), you must upload valid test results (IELTS or equivalent) that meet Oxford’s scores.

If unsuccessful in your first application, you may re‑apply only once more (in the same constituency), subject to meeting all eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa

Those who would like to be considered for this university scholarship should click on the apply button below and follow the instructions to submit their applications. There is no application fee. You should apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying to Oxford. If selected, the Rhodes House team will support you with the Oxford graduate application.

All documents must be in English. If your official documents are in another language, upload official English translations. The application form will guide you through each section.

Required Documents and Information

1. Proof of citizenship, residency, and age : at least two of the following: birth certificate (certified copy or affidavit), National Identity Card, valid passport (with translation if needed), voter’s card, or a notarized affidavit confirming citizenship.
2. Official transcript(s) from your university showing grades achieved to date.
3. Evidence of residency in the region for at least five of the last ten years (e.g., official school records).
4. English language test results (or a letter requesting a waiver, explaining how you meet Oxford’s criteria).
5. CV section : completed within the application form (you cannot upload a separate CV). You can add up to 5 entries in each category: Professional/research experience; volunteering, community involvement, and leadership; publications and presentations; awards, prizes, and scholarships; skills, hobbies, and extracurricular activities; other achievements.
6. A head‑and‑shoulders colour photograph (jpg format). This is only used for the scholar biographies page after final selection.
7. Academic Statement of Study : maximum 450 words, presenting a clear academic plan for the full two years. Address: academic direction and long‑term goals; course plan and trajectory; and your preparation and readiness for the course(s).
8. Personal Statement : maximum 1000 words, weaving together responses to three guiding questions: which Rhodes Scholar quality you display most strongly; how you hope to contribute to and learn from communities at Oxford; and how you will use your energy and talents to address humanity’s pressing challenges.

Important guidance on generative AI: Read the Rhodes Trust’s guidance on the types of assistance you may receive when putting together your personal and academic statements. You are expected to write these in your own voice, and authenticity matters.

References

You must nominate four to six referees (minimum four). At least three should be academic referees who have formally taught and graded you. At least one should be a character referee who can write about your involvement in extracurricular, service, or leadership activities. Referees should not be personal friends, peers, or relatives.

After you register a referee’s name and institutional email address, they will receive an automated email with a unique link to submit their reference online. References are confidential. You can track progress and send reminders from within the application form. All references must be submitted by 03 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT.

Selection Process Timeline

• 01 June – 27 August 2026: Applications open and close.
• 03 September 2026: Reference deadline.
• September – October 2026: Eligibility check, longlisting, and preliminary virtual interviews.
• November 2026: Final in-person interviews and social engagement event in Abuja, Accra, or Lagos. Travel expenses within West Africa and accommodation are provided. Finalists must be available – no date or mode changes.
• December 2026: All applicants are emailed with outcomes. The Scholarship is confirmed only upon successful admission to Oxford.

The application deadline is 27 August 2026 at 23:59 GMT. References are due 03 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT. For full details on the Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, please visit the official website.