Rhodes Trust invites students from Southern Africa to apply for the Rhodes Scholarships 2027.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 03 August 2026 at 23:59
Scholarship Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Rhodes Trust Scholarship South Africa 2027
The Rhodes Trust is inviting students to apply for the Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa for the 2027 academic year.
The scholarship will support postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, commencing in October 2027.
This opportunity is open to eligible candidates from Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini.
Fields of Study Covered
The Rhodes Scholarship funds postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Candidates should ensure that their intended course is covered by the Rhodes Trust Scholarship conditions and meets the University of Oxford’s entry requirements.
Applicants must intend to study full-time at Oxford for a minimum period of 2 years.
Scholarships Available
The following Rhodes Scholarships will be awarded for Southern Africa:
4 scholarships for applicants from South Africa.
1 scholarship for an applicant from KwaZulu-Natal province.
1 scholarship for an applicant from Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi or eSwatini.
1 scholarship for an applicant from selected schools or partner schools.
Eligible Schools and Partner Schools
The schools category includes applicants from the following schools and partner schools:
Bishops Diocesan College and its partner schools, St Cyprian’s School, St George’s Grammar School, Herschel Girls School and LEAP 1 School.
Paul Roos Gymnasium and its partner schools, Rhenish Girls’ High School and Bloemhof Girls’ High School.
South African College School and its partner schools, Sans Souci Girls’ High School and Rustenburg High School for Girls.
St Andrew’s College and its partner school, Diocesan School for Girls.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a social engagement and final interview.
Interviews will take place by the end of November in the region where the candidate applied.
Selection Committees for KwaZulu-Natal, BLMNS regions and schools will meet in September and October.
Successful candidates will receive feedback by email.
Unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of one of the following countries:
South Africa.
Botswana.
Namibia.
Lesotho.
Malawi.
eSwatini.
Refugees or asylum seekers in South Africa may also be considered.
Applicants must have lived in one of the eligible countries for at least 5 years of the last 10 years.
Applicants must intend to study towards a postgraduate qualification at Oxford University.
Applicants must intend to study full-time for a minimum period of 2 years.
Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be between 19 and 25 years old on 01 October 2027 when entering Oxford.
This means applicants must be born between 01 October 2002 and 01 October 2008.
Candidates older than 25 years old on 01 October 2027 must have completed their first undergraduate degree within the last 2 years and must not be older than 28 years old on 01 October 2027.
MBBCh or MBChB graduates must not be older than 28 years old on 01 October 2027.
Other health sciences graduates who are required to complete internship or community service must not be older than 28 years old on 01 October 2027.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree or must complete an undergraduate degree by no later than July 2027.
Applicants must satisfy the specific entry requirements of their chosen full-time course at the University of Oxford.
Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved one of the following:
First Class Honours Degree or equivalent.
GPA of 3.70 out of 4.0 or higher.
Honours degree, or an Honours year, from a university outside their country.
Masters-level study within their country.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
Birth certificate.
ID document or passport.
Proof of citizenship, legal permanent residency or refugee status, if not born in one of the eligible countries.
Official full academic transcript from the institution where the applicant is studying or has studied.
Degree certificates.
Matric or school-leaving certificate.
Full Curriculum Vitae completed on the Rhodes Trust Scholarship CV template.
Head-and-shoulders colour photograph in JPG format.
Personal statement, maximum 750 words.
Academic statement of study, maximum 350 words.
Details of 4 referees.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted, as missing documents may lead to disqualification.
How to apply
CApplications must be submitted online at: Rhodes Trust Scholarship Application 2027
Applications will be required to Register and Account before they can Login and apply.
Candidates should read the Rhodes Trust Scholarship Information for Candidates before applying.
Scholarship Enquiries
For enquiries related to the Rhodes Trust Scholarship, applicants may contact:
National Secretary for Southern Africa
Contact Person: Ndumiso Luthuli
Email: southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com
Applicants are encouraged to read the Rhodes Trust Scholarship FAQs before submitting enquiries.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Rhodes Trust Scholarship South Africa 2027 is 03 August 2026 at 23:59.
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The Rhodes Trust Scholarship South Africa 2027 is a prestigious opportunity for students from Southern Africa who want to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Eligible candidates from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini should apply before 03 August 2026 at 23:59 and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.