The 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa in UK | Fully Funded

The Rhodes Trust is once again offering its world-renowned scholarship, the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, to exceptional students from West Africa. This fully funded opportunity allows brilliant individuals from 17 West African countries to study at the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

This article explains everything you need to know about the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, including who can apply, the benefits, required documents, and a full step-by-step guide on how to apply.

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2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Study Abroad: Study in UK
• Host Institution: University of Oxford
• Category Level: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
• Eligibility: West African Countries
• Reward: Full tuition | Annual Stipend | Airfare and lots more
• Deadline: 28 August 2025

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Scholarship Categories to Explore on ScholarWaka— Here are some key scholarship opportunities you should check out on ScholarWaka:

• Study Abroad: Study in USA | Study in Canada | Study in UK | Study in Europe | Study in Asia | Study in Australia | Study in Africa
• Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Competitions | High School Scholarships | Internships Scholarships | Training | Fellowships

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2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa Details

The Rhodes Scholarship was established in 1903 and has supported thousands of leaders from across the globe. The Rhodes scholarship, in conjunction with the Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship, covers the West Africa region, which includes the following countries:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Principe, and Togo.

Selected scholars will pursue full-time postgraduate studies at Oxford University, receiving full financial support to cover tuition, living expenses, and more. The scholarship focuses on individuals who not only excel academically but also show strong leadership, moral character, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world.

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2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Nationality and Residency

• You must be a citizen of one of the 17 eligible West African countries listed above.
• You must have lived in one or more of these countries for at least 5 of the last 10 years.

2. Age

You must fit into one of the following age groups:

• General applicants: 18-24 years old on 1st October 2025 (born between 2 October 2000 and 1 October 2007).
• Medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, or engineering students (to allow for internship completion): 18-25 years old (born between 2 October 1999 and 1 October 2007).
• Late graduates: Under 27 years old (born after 1 October 1998) and completed your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2024.

3. Academic Achievement

• You must have completed an undergraduate degree (normally a Bachelor’s degree) with a strong academic record.
• You should have at least a First Class Honours Degree or equivalent.
• For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, you must have a Distinction in at least 3 of these subject areas: Medicine & Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Gynaecology, or Paediatrics.

4. English Language Proficiency

• You must meet the University of Oxford’s English language requirements.
• If your studies were conducted in English, you may request a test waiver; otherwise, you’ll need to submit a recognized English test result such as IELTS or TOEFL.

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• Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/2026 at the University of Edinburgh | How to Apply
• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 in UK | The Step by Step on How to Apply

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2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa Benefits

• Full tuition fees paid at Oxford University.
• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Health insurance and other allowances.
• Round-trip airfare to the United Kingdom.
• Access to the Rhodes leadership development program and global alumni network.
• Travel and accommodation for final interviews (if shortlisted).

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Required Documents for the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa

• You must prepare and upload the following documents (translated into English if necessary):
• Proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, passport, national ID, or voter’s card).
• Proof of residency for at least 5 out of the last 10 years (e.g., school records).
• University transcript showing your academic performance.
• English language test scores or waiver request.
• Completed CV (template provided in the application form).
• Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words).
• Academic statement of study (maximum 350 words).
• A recent head-and-shoulders colour photograph.
• 4 to 6 reference letters (academic and character referees).

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How to Apply for the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa (Step by Step)

Follow these steps carefully to apply:

• Click on the button below to go to the official website of the Rhodes West African scholarship
• Register Online: Create an account on the Rhodes Scholarship website.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill in personal details, education history, and the chosen Oxford course.
• Upload Required Documents: Submit your transcripts, ID, residency proof, English test result or waiver, CV, personal statement, academic statement, photo, and references.
• Review and Submit: Double-check everything and submit your full application before the deadline.
• Interviews (if shortlisted): Attend virtual and final interviews as scheduled by Rhodes Trust.

Important: You should apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying for your proposed course at the
University of Oxford.

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Deadline

Application Closes: 28 August 2025 (23:59 GMT)

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