Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2027 at the University of Oxford, UK | Fully Funded
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2027 is now open for exceptional young leaders from West Africa who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs. Every year, outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to service are selected to study at Oxford University on a fully funded scholarship. The scholarship is administered by the Rhodes Trust and supports future leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and across the world.
For students searching for:
- Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
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The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship remains one of the most competitive and life-changing opportunities available.
Scholarship Summary
Host Country: United Kingdom
Host Institution: University of Oxford
Scholarship Sponsor: Rhodes Trust
Study Level: Master’s, PhD, and eligible postgraduate programmes
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Region: West Africa
Number of Awards: Three Scholarships annually for West Africa
About the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship aims to identify and support outstanding young people who demonstrate academic excellence, integrity, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
Successful candidates will join a global network of Rhodes Scholars and undertake postgraduate studies at Oxford University, one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The scholarship not only funds studies but also provides leadership development opportunities and access to an influential international community.
Scholarship Benefits
The Rhodes Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the period of study at Oxford University.
Benefits include:
- Full Oxford University tuition fees
- Full college fees
- Annual living stipend
- Accommodation and living support
- Oxford University application fee coverage
- UK Student Visa fee support
- International Health Surcharge (IHS) coverage
- Two economy-class flights between the scholar’s home country and the UK
- Leadership development opportunities
- Membership in the global Rhodes Scholar network
The annual stipend is approximately £20,000 per year, helping scholars cover accommodation and living expenses while studying in Oxford.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of one of the following West African countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cabo Verde
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Togo
Applicants must also have strong ties to the region.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2027, applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions.
Nationality Requirement
You must be a citizen of one of the eligible West African countries listed above.
Residency Requirement
Applicants must have been resident in one or more eligible West African countries for at least five of the last ten years.
Age Requirement
You must meet one of the following age criteria by 1 October 2026:
Option 1
- Be aged between 18 and 24 years.
- Born after 1 October 2001 and before 2 October 2008.
Option 2
- For medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, and engineering students completing professional internships.
- Be aged between 18 and 25 years.
- Born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2008.
Option 3
- Be under 27 years old on 1 October 2026.
- Born after 1 October 1999.
- Have completed your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2025.
Academic Achievement Requirement
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree before the scholarship application deadline.
Candidates are expected to possess:
- A First-Class Honours Degree or equivalent.
- Academic results that meet or exceed the admission requirements of their chosen Oxford University programme.
For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy applicants, a Distinction may be considered equivalent to a First-Class degree.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate a sufficiently high standard of English to meet Oxford University’s English language requirements.
Candidates who qualify for an English language waiver under Oxford regulations may request a waiver during the application process.
Selection Criteria
Rhodes Scholars are selected based on:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Leadership potential
- Integrity and character
- Commitment to service
- Ability to address global challenges
- Energy to use talents effectively for the benefit of society
The scholarship seeks future leaders who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities and around the world.
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the official Rhodes Scholarship application portal when applications open.
Step 2
Confirm your eligibility under the West Africa constituency.
Step 3
Prepare all required documents, including academic transcripts, certificates, references, personal statement, and supporting materials.
Step 4
Submit your online application before the deadline.
Step 5
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Step 6
Successful candidates will receive their scholarship offer and proceed with Oxford University admission requirements.
Application Timeline
Applications Open: June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: August 27, 2026 (23:59 GMT)
Conclusion
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available to African students. Beyond funding, it offers scholars the opportunity to study at Oxford University, develop leadership skills, and join a powerful global network of change-makers.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, and other eligible West African countries with strong academic records and leadership potential are strongly encouraged to apply.
