Applications are now open for the 2025 Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Program. The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full-time postgraduate award that enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars come to Britain for two or more years and can apply for most full-time postgraduate courses offered by the University of Oxford.

Application deadline: 11:59 PM, SAST, August 1, 2024

Scholarship distribution in Southern Africa:

a. South Africa-at-Large Scholarships:

• Apply to the Regional Selection Committee in your permanent area or where you have received significant education.
• All successful candidates from Regional Selection Committees, except for KwaZulu-Natal, proceed to the South Africa-at-Large Selection Committee for the final round of interviews.
• The South Africa-at-Large Selection Committee may select eight Rhodes Scholars.

Regional Selection Committees:

1. Eastern Cape and Free State
2. KwaZulu-Natal
3. Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North-West
4. Western Cape and Northern Cape

b. KwaZulu-Natal Scholarship:

• Eligible if you live permanently or have received significant education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
• The KZN Selection Committee may select one candidate each year and can send candidates to the South Africa-at-Large Selection Committee.

c. Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini (BLMNS) Scholarship:

• Eligible if you fulfill the citizenship or legal residence requirement in one of the mentioned countries.
• The BLMNS Selection Committee may select one candidate each year.

Eligibility Criteria:

Nationality/Citizenship:

• Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or eSwatini. Applications from refugees/asylum seekers in South Africa will also be considered.

Residency:

• Must have been resident in one of the aforementioned countries for at least five of the last ten years.

Age:

• Must be at least 19 years old and not have passed your 25th birthday by 01 October 2025 (born after 01 October 2000 and on or before 01 October 2006).

For older candidates:

• Must have completed their first undergraduate degree within the last 2 years (after 1 October 2023) and not have passed their 28th birthday by 01 October 2025 (born after 01 October 1997).

For MBBCh or MBChB graduates:

• Must not have passed their 28th birthday by 01 October 2025.
• Should apply during their second year of internship or during their community service year, meeting the age requirement.

For other health sciences graduates:

• Should seek exemption from the Rhodes Scholarship National Secretariat if unable to apply under the general age limit due to compulsory internship and/or community service requirements.

Scholarship Benefits:

• The Rhodes Trust covers the application fee to study at the University of Oxford.
• The Trust covers the student visa fee and the International Health Surcharge (IHS) for accessing the UK’s National Health Service.
• Two economy class flights (to and from the UK) at the beginning and end of studies.
• A settling-in allowance upon arrival in Oxford and additional support for visa renewal and IHS application for those transitioning to a second course.

Academic Achievement:

• Must have completed an undergraduate degree (usually a Bachelor’s) by July 2025.
• Must meet or exceed the specific entry requirements of the chosen course at the University of Oxford.
• Higher chances of successful admission if holding a First Class Honours Degree, a GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher, or an Honours degree from outside your country or having studied to Masters level.

How to Apply:

• Complete and submit the online application form by 23:59 SAST, 01 August 2024.
• No application fee is required.
• Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying for your proposed course at Oxford. If selected, you will then apply for the chosen course with support from Rhodes House.
• If unsuccessful, re-apply only once more in the same constituency, meeting eligibility criteria.

Application Requirements:

• Personal details and contact information
• Evidence of meeting eligibility criteria
• Education history and university transcripts
• Proposed course(s) at Oxford
• A CV (template provided)
• Academic and Personal Statements
• Four referees

For More Information: