The Rhodes Scholarships in Southern Africa is open to applicants from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini (formerly Swaziland).
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. The scholarship programme is inclusive and open to all disciplines.
Background:
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world. This scholarship is administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford. The Rhodes Trust funds over one hundred Scholars each year, enabling young leaders of outstanding intellect and character who are motivated to engage with global challenges. This scholarship is also suited for individuals who are committed to the service of others and have the potential of becoming value-driven, principled leaders in the future.
This scholarship looks at individuals who meet the following:
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Academic achievment and excellence;
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A commitment to make a difference for good in the world;
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Ambition for impact, clarity of purpose and intrinsic motivation;
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The courage and skills required to lead.
Eligibilty Criteria: (Kindly note that The Rhodes Trust may update the criteria before applications open)
* Nationality/citizenship: You must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini.
* Education/residency: You must have resided for at least five years within the period of ten years immediately preceding your application in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia or eSwatini.
* Age (please refer the eligibility criteria on The Rhodes Scholarship webpage).
* Academic achievement: You must have completed (or will have completed by July 2024) an undergraduate degree from a college or university (normally a Bachelor’s degree) to a sufficiently high standard to be admitted to postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. In this respect, please note carefully the requirements for your chosen course at Oxford
Application Procedure:
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You can apply online at https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/ via the scholarships tab once applications open.
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You must submit your application online, with all supporting documents, by the specified closing date.
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Before commencing your application, you should carefully read the general information, particularly that on the Scholarships tab on the Rhodes website, the Conditions of Tenure for the Rhodes Scholarship and the graduate admissions pages of the University of Oxford: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate.
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a social engagement (a dinner) and a final interview. You must be available to attend both, in person, as no accommodations can be made on date and time, or mode, of these events. Interviews will be held in the region to which you have applied, all interviews will have taken place by the end of November.
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All applicants will be emailed with the outcome of their application.
Documents and details to be submitted with application:
This is an online application and all documents must be attached to your online application. Incomplete applications submitted will result in the application being rejected. Furthermore, no hardcopies will be accepted. Please check the list of documents required in the Information for Candidates leaflet.
Selection Procedure:
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Selection for the Rhodes Scholarship is made without regard to financial means.
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The scholarship cannot be deferred.
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The Rhodes Scholarship is confirmed only upon successful admission to the University of Oxford.
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The decision of the Selection Committee is final.
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Selection for the Rhodes Scholarship is made without regard to marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, gender, religion, sexual orientation, social background, disability, caste or other irrelevant distinction.
Interested applicants are also encouraged to engage with Professor Mathabo Khau (Mathabo.Khau@mandela.ac.za) and Dr Margie Childs (Margie.Childs@mandela.ac.za) who are Rhodes Ambassadors at Nelson Mandela University, for any guidance related to the application process when applications open.