West African students with a passion for academic excellence and global impact now have a unique opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
The Rhodes Trust, in collaboration with the Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship, is inviting applications for its 2025-2026 cohort. The initiative aims to develop exceptional young leaders from West Africa who are committed to tackling global challenges.
The Rhodes West Africa Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and fully funded academic awards available, covering full tuition fees, a generous living stipend, and additional support for travel and visa expenses.
What the Scholarship Covers:
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Full tuition fees at Oxford University
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An annual stipend of £19,800 (approximately £1,650/month) to cover living expenses
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Visa application fees and UK health surcharge
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Two round-trip economy-class flights to the UK
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Application fees for Oxford University
Note: The stipend does not cover costs for dependents.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the 17 eligible West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
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Residency: Must have lived in one of these countries for at least five of the last ten years.
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Education:
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Must have completed an undergraduate degree (typically a Bachelor’s) by the application deadline.
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Must hold a First Class Honours Degree or its equivalent.
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For medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and related fields, a distinction in at least three out of five core areas (e.g., Surgery, Pharmacology, Pathology) is required.
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Age Requirements:
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Most candidates must be 18–24 years old as of October 1, 2025.
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For those in extended professional programmes (e.g., medicine, law, engineering), the age range is extended to 25.
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Candidates who completed their first degree later than usual may apply up to age 27, provided their degree was awarded after October 1, 2024.
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Stronger Applications from Advanced Scholars
Applicants with advanced degrees (e.g., master’s) or international academic experience may have a competitive edge, especially those who have studied outside their home countries. However, the scholarship remains open to all qualified candidates across the region, regardless of academic pathway.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
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Certified birth certificate or affidavit of birth
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National ID card, passport, and voter’s card
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Official university transcript.
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Proof of residency in a West African country for at least five of the last ten years.
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Affidavit confirming citizenship.
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Evidence of meeting Oxford’s English language requirements.
All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
How to Apply
Prospective candidates can apply through the official Rhodes Trust portal:
West African students passionate about academic excellence and global impact have a chance to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford through the Rhodes Trust and Oxford-Morland-West Africa Graduate Scholarship. This initiative aims to nurture young leaders from West Africa to tackle global challenges, offering a prestigious scholarship that covers full tuition fees, a £19,800 annual stipend for living expenses, and additional travel and visa support.
Eligible applicants must be citizens of one of 17 West African countries, have lived in one of these for at least five of the past ten years, and hold a First Class Honors Degree or equivalent. Age requirements vary, allowing applicants between 18-24 years, with some age flexibility for specific professional courses or later degree completion. Advanced degrees or international experience may enhance an application’s competitiveness.
Applicants need to submit several documents, including birth and citizenship proofs, educational transcripts, residency evidence, and English proficiency documentation. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Applications are to be submitted via the official Rhodes Trust portal.
