Application Process
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest (first awarded in 1902) international scholarship programme, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
Southern Africa
The Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa (inc. South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini)
The Scholarships for these countries are administered from a regional secretariat based in Johannesburg.
There are:
- four Scholarships every year for applicants from South Africa-at-Large,
- one for applicants from KwaZulu-Natal,
- one for an applicant from one of: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini, and
- one each for applicants of or from Diocesan College, Rondebosch; South African College School, Newlands; Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch; and St Andrew's College, Makhanda (including their identified partner schools, which are listed here) (the "School Scholarships").*
Opening date: 1 June 2024
Closing date: 23:59, SAST, 1 August 2024
*Important note for all candidates for School Scholarships
Please note that the awarding of the School Scholarships for 2025 is under review. Pending the outcome of that exercise, no final decision has been taken by the Rhodes Trust in respect of the 2025 School Scholarship programme. The Rhodes Trust is, of course, mindful of the potential impact on applicants, and the need to minimise any uncertainty around the application process. We are working to finalise the position as quickly as possible and will update applicants (including via our website) ahead of applications opening on 1 June 2024, including on where to direct applications, if any changes are necessary.
Please be assured, however, that: (i) as ever, applicants who are eligible to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship through their school are also eligible to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship via the South Africa-at-Large, KZN or BLMNS programme (subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria); and (ii) the application forms for the School Scholarships and the South Africa-at-Large (including KZN) and BLMNS Scholarships are the same. Therefore, students who want to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship in 2025 can begin their preparations now, regardless of which selection committee will ultimately review their application.
Important information for all candidates
As the Rhodes Scholarships are place-based, the eligibility criteria, application requirements and selection process vary slightly depending on which constituency you are applying for. To ensure that you have all of the information you need to apply, please read the Information for Candidates carefully. You should also check the Conditions of Tenure to ensure that your proposed course of study is covered by the Rhodes Scholarship and share the Guidance for Referees with your referees. These documents can all be accessed below.
If you have read all of the information above and are ready to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, you can use the below button to start the application process. Make sure to check the opening and closing dates above as the form won’t be available outside of these dates!
If you need any support with your application, please use the navigation bar to reach our Additional Resources page.
Application Process
The application process is explained as you navigate through the pages outlined in the navigation below.
National Secretary for Southern Africa
Selection for the Rhodes Scholarships takes place in each constituency and is overseen by the relevant National Secretary and their team. Below you can find out who the National Secretary is and how to contact them should you need to.
Mr Ndumiso Luthuli
Email: southernafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com