How to Apply for the 2025 Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme

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Application Closing Date: 1 August 2024

Applications are now open for the 2025 Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme. The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full-time postgraduate award that allows talented young individuals from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars spend two or more years in the UK, pursuing most full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University.

Bursary Overview

Scholarship Distribution in Southern Africa:

  1. South Africa-at-Large Scholarships: Apply to the Regional Selection Committee in your area of residence or education. Successful candidates from these committees, except for KwaZulu-Natal, proceed to the South Africa-at-Large Selection Committee for final interviews. The South Africa-at-Large Selection Committee may select eight Rhodes Scholars.
  2. KwaZulu-Natal Scholarship: Applicants residing or educated in KwaZulu-Natal may apply for this scholarship. The KZN Selection Committee may select one candidate annually and can also forward candidates to the South Africa-at-Large Selection Committee.
  3. Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini (BLMNS) Scholarship: Applicants from these countries can apply to the BLMNS Selection Committee, which may select one candidate each year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality/Citizenship: You 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: You must have resided in one of the eligible 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 October 1, 2025.
    • Exceptions apply for older candidates, medical graduates, and certain health sciences graduates, detailed in the full eligibility criteria.
  • Academic Achievement: Must have completed an undergraduate degree by July 2025 with an academic background that meets or exceeds the entry requirements of the chosen course at Oxford.

Scholarship Worth

  • Application Fees: The Rhodes Trust covers the fee required to apply to the University of Oxford.
  • Visa and Health Surcharge: The Trust covers the student visa fee and International Health Surcharge (IHS).
  • Travel: Two economy class flights to and from the UK.
  • Settling Allowance: Scholars receive an allowance upon arrival in Oxford, with additional support for visa renewal for those transitioning to a second course of study.

How to Apply for the 2025 Rhodes Southern Africa Scholarships Programme

To apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, complete and submit the online application form by 23:59 SAST, August 1, 2024. The Rhodes Trust cannot accept any other form of application.

Application Process:

  1. Online Application: Complete the Rhodes Scholarship application form. No application fee is required.
  2. Required Documents:
    • Personal details and contact information.
    • Proof of eligibility criteria.
    • Education history, including full university transcripts.
    • Course(s) of interest at the University of Oxford.
    • A CV (template provided).
    • Academic Statement.
    • Personal Statement.
    • Four referees.

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 1 August 2024

Submit your application before this date to be considered. If unsuccessful, you may re-apply once more in the same constituency, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

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