The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship is one of the most respected fully funded awards open to young leaders from the region. Run by the Rhodes Trust at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, the West Africa stream was established in 2017 to bring outstanding postgraduate candidates from the region into Oxford’s global community of scholars.
For an ambitious West African graduate, this is a rare chance to study at Oxford without worrying about the cost. The award covers tuition and college fees, a living stipend, visa and health surcharge costs, and economy flights to and from Oxford. Three scholarships are awarded each year for West Africa.
It is more than money for fees. Rhodes Scholars join a worldwide network of principled leaders, and selection is built around academic excellence, leadership, character, and a genuine commitment to service.
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition and college fees
- Annual stipend of £20,400 (about £1,700 per month)
- Visa fees and the International Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Economy airfare to Oxford at the start and a return flight at the end of your studies
- Funding for the full duration of your chosen Master’s or PhD programme
- Membership of the global Rhodes Scholar network
Eligibility checklist
✔ Be a citizen of an eligible West African country: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé & Príncipe, or Togo
✔ Have lived in one or more of these countries for at least five of the last ten years
✔ Meet the age criteria: 18–24 on 1 October 2025; 18–25 for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, and engineering students; under 27 for candidates who completed their first degree later than usual
✔ Hold an undergraduate degree with First Class Honours or the equivalent
✔ Be able to demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to tackling global challenges
✔ Provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS, or a waiver request if your degree was taught in English)
Application tips for African students
- Sort out your English test early. If you need IELTS or TOEFL, book it well ahead of the August deadline; if your degree was taught in English, prepare your waiver request and supporting letter in advance.
- Gather citizenship, residency, and age documents now. Birth certificate, passport, national ID, voter’s card, or affidavit can take time to obtain or correct, so start before applications open on 1 June.
- Request official transcripts from your university early, and arrange certified English translations where any document is not in English.
- Build clear evidence that you have lived in an eligible West African country for at least five of the last ten years — this is a hard requirement, so document it carefully.
- Approach your referees early. Share the Rhodes referee guidance with them and give them time to write strong, specific letters about your leadership and service.
- Write an honest, focused statement that shows intellect, character, and a real commitment to service — Rhodes selectors look for substance, not slogans.
- Read the official “Information for Candidates – West Africa” document before you start, and submit well before 23:59 GMT on the deadline rather than at the last minute.
How to apply
Start by reviewing the “Information for Candidates – West Africa” and the “Guidance for Referees” documents, then confirm your eligibility and prepare your required documents. Applications are submitted online through the Rhodes Trust application portal between 1 June and 27 August 2026, with all documents in English (translations required where necessary). Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews. Apply and find full details at the official Rhodes West Africa page.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship?
Citizens of the listed West African countries who have resided there for at least five of the last ten years, hold a First Class Honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent), meet the age criteria, and show strong leadership and service.
What does the scholarship cover?
It is fully funded: tuition and college fees, an annual stipend of £20,400, visa fees and the International Health Surcharge, and economy flights to Oxford at the start and back at the end of your studies.
What level of study does it support?
It supports Master’s and PhD degrees at the University of Oxford across all postgraduate fields covered by the Rhodes Scholarship.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 27 August 2026 at 23:59 GMT, with applications opening on 1 June 2026.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Three scholarships are awarded annually for the West Africa region.
Do I need an English test?
You must show English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS, or request a waiver if your degree was taught in English.