Applications are now open for the 2026 Rhodes West Africa Scholarship for interested and qualified candidates.
The Rhodes Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for selected candidates from West Africa to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s degrees) at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and a generous living stipend.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: West African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £19,800 Stipend/Year | Accommodation | Travel Costs
- IELTS: Not Required
- Deadline: August 28, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 is part of the Rhodes Scholarship programme, the oldest and one of the most prestigious international scholarship schemes in the world, established in 1903. Administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, the programme awards 100 fully funded scholarships each year for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
The scholarship supports outstanding young leaders who demonstrate strong intellect, character, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. It is designed for individuals with the vision and potential to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality/Citizenship:
Applicants must be citizens of one of 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, or Togo. - Residency:
Applicants must have been residents in one or more of the eligible countries for at least five of the last ten years. - Age:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:- Aged 18–24 on October 1, 2025 (born between October 2, 2000 and October 1, 2007)
- For students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, or engineering: aged 18–25 on October 1, 2025 (born between October 2, 1999 and October 1, 2007)
- For applicants who completed their undergraduate degree later than usual: under the age of 27 on October 1, 2025 and must have completed their first degree on or after October 1, 2024
- Academic Achievement:
Applicants must have completed or be in the final year of an undergraduate degree with a First Class Honours or equivalent. For medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy students, a distinction or equivalent high classification is required. - Academic Advantage:
Applicants with an honours degree obtained from a university outside their country, or a master’s degree within their country (except Ghana and Nigeria), may have a greater chance of admission to Oxford.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fees at the University of Oxford
- Annual stipend of £19,800 (about £1,650 per month)
- Student visa fees and International Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Two economy-class flights to and from the UK
- University of Oxford application fee
Required Documents
Applicants must be ready to submit the following documents:
- Two or more of the following to confirm eligibility:
- Certified birth certificate or affidavit of birth
- National identity card
- Valid passport (with translation if necessary)
- Voter’s card
- Notarised affidavit confirming citizenship
- Academic transcript from previous or current university
- Evidence of residency in the region for at least five of the last ten years (e.g. school records)
- Evidence of English language proficiency:
- Upload results from a recognised English test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)
- Or submit a letter requesting a waiver, explaining how the requirement is met (if your degree was taught in English)
- All documents must be submitted in English or with certified English translations
How to Apply
To apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026:
- Visit the Rhodes Trust application portal
- Confirm your eligibility and begin your application
- Upload all required documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
Applicants may be required to present original documents at a later stage.
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