Rhodes Scholarship: Fully-funded Scholarship Opportunity in Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship is a full-time post-graduate scholarship program founded by Cecil John Rhodes in 1902. It is one of the oldest and competitive scholarships in the world which is open to anyone regardless of their background.

The scholarship allows selected students to study any full-time post-graduate degree, whether a master’s program, a research degree or a second undergraduate degree.

The Rhodes Scholarship covers Oxford application fees, tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation costs, flight costs to Oxford and back to recipients’ home country, visa costs, etc.

The scholarship lasts for two years although it can also be extended to three years. If you want to extend it to a third year, you can apply during your second year. This is mainly for students who are studying a course that leads to a PhD or DPhil and need an extra year.

Who is Eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship?

The eligibility requirements vary depending on your constituency or region. Some of them include: West Africa, Asia, USA, etc. In this article, we will focus on the eligibility requirements for West Africa constituencies like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Togo, etc:

1. Resident Requirement

You must have lived in any West Africa country for at least 5 of the last 10 years.

2. Age Requirements

You must be between 18-24 years old on 1st October 2025. That means your date of birth must be after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2007.

If you are a medical, dental, pharmacy, law, or engineering student (courses that require an extra year to finish internship or trainings), you must be between 18-25 years old on 1st October 2025. So, you must have been born after 1 October 1999 and before 2 October 2007.

3. Academic Requirement

You must have completed an undergraduate degree (usually a Bachelor’s degree) by the application deadline, and your grades must meet or exceed what Oxford requires for the full-time course you plan to apply for. This means you must have graduated with a first class or an equivalent top grade.

If you are studying medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy, your university may not give first class degrees. So, the highest possible grade (like a distinction) will be accepted instead. You must also have earned a distinction in at least 3 out of these 5 subjects: medicine and surgery, pathology, pharmacology, gynecology, pediatrics.

4. Language Requirements

You must meet the high standard of the English language requirements of Oxford University.

Also Read: Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship – Fully Funded

How to Apply for The Rhodes Scholarship

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying to be a Rhodes Scholar:

Step 1

Visit the Rhodes Scholarship website and complete their online application form before the deadline. Right now, Rhodes Scholarship applications are open and the deadline is August 28, 2025. It is also free.

Some of the details you will need to provide in the application form include your academic transcripts, personal statement, CV, 4-5 referees, courses you want to study at Oxford, etc.

Step 2

After the application deadline, your application will be assessed for eligibility and completeness. Then the longlist will be complied and you will be notified if your name is on the list. The shortlist usually considers up to 75 candidates.

Step 3

Then, you will be interviewed virtually by members of the selection committee of the Rhodes Scholarship. And a shortlist of 25 candidates will be compiled.

Step 4

If your name is on the shortlist, you will be notified for a virtual Interview that will be conducted within 28 hours of your notification.

After this stage, 15 candidates will be selected for the final interview (physical).

Step 5

If you move to the final interview, you will need to travel to either Abuja, Accra or Lagos in November 2025. Your travel and accommodation expenses will be covered.

The candidates selected for the scholarship will be announced immediately after the interview. And if you are selected, you need to apply to Oxford university as soon as possible for your course of study.

What Are the Required Documents When Applying for The Rhodes Scholarship?

To apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, you will be asked to submit/upload these documents:

1. A valid passport, National ID card, affidavit, etc, as evidence of meeting the citizenship, residency and age criteria.
2. Your academic transcripts with your grades clearly stated.
3. An evidence of residency at your chosen constituency for at least 5 of the last ten years.
4. Evidence of meeting the Oxford English language requirements. You can check out their website to know if you meet their requirements.
5. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
6. Your Photograph.
7. Personal statement and academic statement of study
8. A list of names and email addresses of your referees (for academic and character references). Be sure to ask for their permissions before writing their name down. The Rhodes Scholarship board will email them on how to submit their referral letters.

What Are the Selection Criteria for The Rhodes Scholarship?

The Rhodes Scholarship is based on merit without regard for your financial status, gender, race, etc. Here are 4 major criteria to be selected for a Rhodes Scholarship:

1. Academic Excellence

You are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, attaining at least a First-Class Honours in your undergraduate degree.

2. Use of Talents

You should have made good use of your gifts and show strong skills in things like sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, etc., especially when working as part of a team.

3. Good Character

You must be honest, brave, responsible, kind, caring, and willing to help those who are weaker or in need.

4. Leadership and Care for Others

You have strong values, show leadership qualities, and genuinely care about the people around you.

Conclusion

The application for Rhodes Scholarship for 2026 is currently open now. Visit the website to learn more.