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RHODES University Scholarship for west Africa 2027

By Simon Augustine

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world's most prestigious international scholarship programmes, enabling exceptional young people to study full-time at the University of Oxford. For West Africa, the scholarship is administered in conjunction with the Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship, with three scholarships awarded annually to candidates from the region.

Eligible Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Togo.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail Information

Study Level Postgraduate (Master's & PhD) at University of Oxford

Number of Awards 3 per year for West Africa

Application Opens 1 June 2026

Application Deadline 23:59 GMT, 27 August 2026

Funding Fully funded (tuition, living stipend, travel, visa, health costs)

What the Scholarship Covers

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded award that typically covers:

• University tuition fees
• Living stipend (approximately £20,400 per year)
• Travel expenses to and from Oxford
• Visa and health-related costs

Eligibility Criteria

Selection is guided by principles established since the scholarship's founding in 1902. Candidates are assessed on:

• Academic excellence and intellectual distinction
• Leadership experience and potential
• Commitment to public service and impact
• Character, integrity, and drive to contribute positively to society

Important: The Rhodes Scholarship is place-based, meaning eligibility criteria and application requirements vary slightly depending on the constituency. Candidates must carefully review the Information for Candidates document specific to West Africa.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review all official documentation

Read the Information for Candidates, Conditions of Tenure, and Guidance for Referees carefully.

Step 2: Confirm eligibility

Ensure you meet the nationality and academic requirements for the West Africa constituency.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Gather academic transcripts, a CV, and identify referees who can speak to your leadership and character.

Step 4: Complete the online application

Applications are submitted through the Rhodes Trust application portal, available between 1 June and 27 August 2026. The system is only active during this period.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline

Applications submitted outside the official window will not be considered.

Pro Tips for a Winning Application

• Start early: The application requires significant thought and preparation. Begin gathering documents and drafting your personal statement well before June.
• Demonstrate leadership: The selection committee looks for concrete examples of leadership experience, not just titles.
• Show commitment to service: Your application should clearly articulate how you plan to contribute to your community and country.
• Check course eligibility: Ensure your proposed course of study at Oxford is covered by the scholarship.

Official Contacts

• National Secretary for West Africa: Mr Ike Chioke
• Email: westafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com
• Official Website: www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk