The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship is now open for applications from talented young West Africans who dream of studying at the University of Oxford in 2025. This fully funded postgraduate award is designed to support future leaders who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
The Rhodes Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity to study full-time at one of the world’s top universities. It is merit-based and aims to build a global network of leaders committed to public service, international understanding, and peace.
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Full tuition fees at the University of Oxford
- An annual living stipend of £19,800 (about £1,650 monthly) to cover accommodation and living costs
- Visa fees and the UK International Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Two return economy flights — to begin and end your study in Oxford
- Application fees for your Oxford postgraduate course
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, you must:
- Be a citizen of one of these countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, São Tomé and Príncipe, Togo, or the island of Saint Helena.
- Have lived in one or more of these countries for at least 5 of the past 10 years.
- Be between 18–24 years old on October 1, 2025 (or 18–25 for students in Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Dentistry, or Engineering).
- Have completed or be about to complete an undergraduate degree with a First Class or equivalent academic record.
- For medical-related applicants, you should have distinctions in at least three of the following areas: Medicine & Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Gynaecology, or Paediatrics.
- Meet Oxford’s English language proficiency requirements.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Proof of age and nationality (e.g. birth certificate, passport, national ID)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of residency in an eligible country for at least 5 of the last 10 years
- Evidence of English proficiency (unless eligible for a waiver)
- A detailed CV
- A personal statement
- 4 to 6 recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
Application Deadline:
August 28, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
How to Apply
Start by completing the online application form via the official Rhodes Trust website: www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.
There is no application fee. Please ensure you submit your application before the deadline. If shortlisted, you’ll then receive guidance from the Rhodes team on how to apply for your chosen course at Oxford.
As the Rhodes Trust puts it, “Applying for the Scholarship is a challenge, but it is an experience which has helped generations of young people to succeed.”
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