Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 at the University of Oxford (Fully-Funded)

Applications are now open for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026, one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for West African students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK. If you’re a high-achieving Nigerian or West African graduate with a strong academic background, proven leadership skills, and a desire to drive positive change in your community, this could be your pathway to an extraordinary future.

The Rhodes Scholarship—administered by the Rhodes Trust—is not just about earning a degree from Oxford. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a global network of outstanding young leaders committed to tackling the world’s toughest challenges. In collaboration with the Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship, this programme supports future African leaders who are ready to use their knowledge, voice, and vision to transform their societies.

From full tuition coverage to leadership development opportunities and access to Oxford’s vibrant academic environment, this scholarship is a gateway to both academic and social impact.

You can also apply for Apply for the Fully Funded Brazil Government Scholarships 2025–26 (GCUB-Mob)

Key Details – Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026

Host Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Oxford

Funded by: Rhodes Trust

Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD

Application Period: 2 June – 28 August 2025

Reference Deadline: 5 September 2025

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

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees at the University of Oxford
• Annual living stipend (approximately £18,180)
• Economy-class return flight to and from the UK
• Visa fees and settling-in allowance
• Health insurance
• Personal and academic mentorship
• Exclusive access to leadership development programmes and the global Rhodes Scholars network

Who is Eligible for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship

To qualify for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of one of the eligible West African countries listed above
• Have lived in the region for at least 5 of the last 10 years
• Fall within the following age categories:

18–24 years old (born between 2 October 2000 and 1 October 2007)

18–25 years for those studying medicine, law, engineering, or pharmacy

Under 27 if your first degree was completed after 1 October 2024

• Hold a First Class Honours degree or equivalent
• Meet Oxford’s English language requirements

University of Luxembourg Scholarships 2025-26 for International Students

Documents Required

• Valid international passport or national ID
• Birth certificate or affidavit of birth
• Degree certificate(s) and academic transcript(s)
• English language test score (TOEFL/IELTS) or exemption
• Proof of residency (e.g., school records)
• Personal statement (max 1,000 words)
• Academic statement of study (max 350 words)
• Headshot passport-style photo
• Completed CV within the application form
• 4–6 reference letters, including:

Minimum 3 academic referees (lecturers who taught and graded you)

At least 1 referee who can attest to your character, leadership, or work ethic

Note: Referees must submit their letters directly online before 5 September 2025.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: 2 June 2025

Application Deadline: 28 August 2025 (11:59 GMT)

Referee Deadline: 5 September 2025

Preliminary Interviews: September – October 2025

Final Interviews & Social Event: November 2025 (Abuja, Accra, or Lagos)

Results Announcement: December 2025

How to Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship West Africa

1. Visit the official Rhodes Scholarship West Africa webpage
2. Create an account on the application portal
3. Fill out the application form with personal and academic details
4. Upload all supporting documents
5. Register referees and follow up with them
6. Submit your complete application before the deadline

This is a transformative platform for changemakers from Nigeria and other West African nations. If you have the vision to lead and the passion to serve, the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship could help you sharpen your voice, expand your knowledge, and return home ready to lead change.