Prestigious Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026 for Transformative Postgraduate Study at the University of Oxford (Fully Funded) – Apply Now for Free!

About the Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026

The Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026 is a fully funded postgraduate award that enables exceptional young leaders from West Africa to study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship program. Administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, the program selects individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a strong commitment to service, and character strength. Each year, over 100 Scholars from around the world join the Rhodes community at Oxford.

Eligible Fields

Rhodes Scholars may pursue any full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Law
• Medical Sciences
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Public Policy and Global Affairs

Note: Applicants must meet the course-specific eligibility criteria set by Oxford.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026, candidates must meet the following conditions:

1. Nationality/Citizenship

Must be a citizen of one of these 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, or Togo.

2. Residency

Must have resided in one or more of the eligible countries for at least five of the last ten years.

3. Age

Candidates must fall into one of the following age brackets:

• 18–24 years as of 1 October 2025 (born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2007)
• 18–25 years (for those studying medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, or engineering)
• Under 27 years (born after 1 October 1998) and must have completed their first undergraduate degree after 1 October 2024

4. Academic Qualification

• Must have completed (or be on track to complete) a First Class Honours degree or equivalent by the application deadline.
• For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, a Distinction is considered equivalent to First Class.
• Medical applicants must have distinction in at least 3 out of these 5 subjects: Medicine & Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Gynaecology, Paediatrics.

Selection Criteria

Rhodes West Africa Scholarship Scholars are chosen based on a combination of the following:

• Academic excellence
• Energy to use talents fully (e.g., achievements in sports, music, debate, art, etc.)
• Moral character: truth, courage, sympathy, fellowship, and unselfishness
• Leadership and commitment to service and betterment of others

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be nationals of and residents (for at least five of the last ten years) in 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.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents (in English or with certified English translations):

1. Proof of citizenship, residency, and age (any two of the following):
   • Birth certificate or affidavit of birth
   • National identity card
   • Valid passport
   • Voter’s card
   • Notarized affidavit confirming citizenship
2. Official academic transcript(s) showing grades achieved to date
3. Evidence of residency (e.g., official school records) proving at least 5 years’ residence in eligible countries in the past decade
4. English Language Proficiency
   • Upload standardized English test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
   • OR request a waiver with a letter explaining how you meet Oxford’s exemption criteria (e.g., if your degree was taught in English)

Benefits of the Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026

The Rhodes Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full coverage of tuition fees at the University of Oxford
• Annual living stipend of £19,800 (approx. £1,650/month)
• Visa application fee and International Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Two economy-class flights (to and from the UK)
• Oxford application fee

Note: The stipend is intended to cover personal and living expenses for the scholar alone (not partners or dependents).

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Rhodes Trust website
2. Select the West Africa constituency and read the region-specific guidance for applicants and referees.
3. Prepare all required documents in the correct format.
4. Complete and submit your online application before the deadline: 28 August 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2026 present a life-changing opportunity for passionate, driven, and talented young West Africans to pursue advanced study at one of the world’s most respected universities. Beyond academic achievement, the program seeks individuals with a heart for service and leadership potential. If you meet the requirements and are ready to contribute meaningfully to your community and the world, don’t miss this opportunity to apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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