The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for talented students from West African countries to pursue a fully funded postgraduate degree at the prestigious University of Oxford, UK. In conjunction with the Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship, this highly competitive program is designed to support emerging leaders with a passion for academic excellence, leadership, and social commitment.
This world-renowned scholarship aims to bring outstanding individuals to Oxford to foster intellectual development, global perspectives, and a commitment to making a difference. The Rhodes Scholarship is not only a platform for academic success but also a stepping stone to becoming a transformative leader on the global stage.
With full financial coverage, access to world-class education, and a dynamic international community at Oxford, the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for future changemakers from the West African region. You can also apply for the DAAD Berlin International Excellence Scholarship 2026 (Study in Germany)
Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 Details:
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- University: University of Oxford
- Funded By: The Rhodes Trust
- Degree Level: Master’s or PhD Programs
- Eligibility: Citizens of select West African countries
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 Principe, and Togo.
Benefits of the Rhodes Scholarship 2026:
- Full coverage of Oxford University tuition fees
- Stipend for living expenses (approx. £18,180/year)
- Economy-class airfare to and from Oxford at the start and end of the program
- Settling-in allowance and visa application fee coverage
- Access to leadership development programs
- Health insurance and academic support
- Membership in the prestigious Rhodes Scholar community
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a citizen of an eligible West African country.
- Have lived in one or more of the listed countries for at least five of the last ten years.
- Age requirements:
- 18–24 years (born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2007), OR
- 18–25 years for students in medicine, law, pharmacy, or engineering, OR
- Under 27 years if you completed your first degree after 1 October 2024.
- Hold a First Class Honours degree or equivalent.
- Meet the English language requirements of the University of Oxford.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Birth certificate or affidavit of birth
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (or waiver letter)
- Evidence of residency (e.g. school records)
- Completed CV section within the application
- Head-and-shoulders passport-style photograph
- Personal statement (max 1000 words)
- Academic statement of study (max 350 words)
- 4–6 reference letters (minimum 3 academic referees)
Referee Requirements:
- Academic Referees (min 3): Professors who taught and graded you.
- Character Referees (min 1): Mentors or supervisors who know your leadership and character.
- References must be written in English, confidential, and submitted online by 5 September 2025.
Timeline:
- Application Period: 2 June – 28 August 2025
- Reference Submission Deadline: 5 September 2025
- Preliminary Interviews: September–October 2025
- Final Interview & Social Event: November 2025 (Abuja, Accra, or Lagos)
- Scholarship Results: Announced by December 2025
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How to Apply for Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026?
Follow the steps below to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Access the Rhodes Scholarship Application Portal
- Create an Account: Sign up with your email to begin your application.
- Fill in the Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload Required Documents: Make sure all files are in English and properly formatted.
- Register Referees: Ensure they submit their references before the deadline.
- Submit Your Application: Before 28 August 2025 (GMT 23:59).
