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Rhodes Scholarship for East Africa 2027 — Fully Funded Oxford Postgraduate Study

Rhodes Scholarship for East Africa 2027 — Fully Funded Oxford Postgraduate Study

The Rhodes Trust is accepting applications for the 2027 Rhodes Scholarship for East Africa, offering one exceptional candidate from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan or Burundi fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The scholarship covers Oxford course fees, a living stipend, visa and health-surcharge costs, flights and other support while developing outstanding young leaders committed to service and positive impact.

Who can apply

  • Citizens of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan or Burundi
  • Applicants who have been resident in one or more of the five eligible East African countries, or Kenya, for at least five of the last ten years
  • Applicants aged 18–24 on 1 October 2026
  • Older applicants under age 27 on 1 October 2026 may qualify if they completed their first undergraduate degree on or after 1 July 2025
  • Applicants who will have completed an undergraduate degree by July 2027
  • Applicants whose academic record meets or exceeds the entry requirements of their proposed University of Oxford course
  • Applicants who meet the University of Oxford's applicable English-language requirements
  • Candidates demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, character, service and commitment to using their talents for wider society

Focus areas

  • Postgraduate education
  • Academic excellence
  • Leadership development
  • Public and community service
  • Character and ethical leadership
  • International understanding
  • Social impact
  • Research and advanced study
  • Most eligible full-time postgraduate fields offered by the University of Oxford

Requirements

  • Meet the East Africa nationality, residency and age eligibility criteria
  • Complete an undergraduate degree by July 2027
  • Meet the academic entry requirements of the intended University of Oxford course
  • Meet Oxford's English-language proficiency requirements or qualify for an accepted waiver
  • Provide appropriate identity, citizenship, age and residency evidence
  • Provide official university academic transcript or transcripts
  • Complete and upload the required Rhodes CV template, limited to two pages
  • Nominate four to five referees
  • At least three referees should normally be academic referees
  • At least one referee should be able to assess the applicant's character, leadership, service and extracurricular engagement
  • Prepare the required personal statement of no more than 1,000 words
  • Prepare the academic statement of study of no more than 450 words
  • Ensure all references are submitted by the application deadline
  • Submit the Rhodes Scholarship application online; no scholarship application fee is charged

Application steps

  • Use the official Rhodes East Africa eligibility information and confirm that you meet the nationality, residency, age, academic and English-language requirements
  • Research eligible University of Oxford postgraduate courses and develop a coherent study plan covering the required Rhodes Scholarship period
  • Prepare your transcripts, identity and residency evidence, English-language evidence, Rhodes CV template, personal statement and academic statement
  • Secure four to five suitable referees early, including at least three academic referees and at least one strong character referee
  • Complete and submit the online Rhodes Scholarship application and ensure every referee submits their reference before 27 August 2026 at 23:59 EAT
  • If selected as a Rhodes Scholar, apply separately to the University of Oxford for your proposed postgraduate course or courses with support from Rhodes House
Global Grants Hub strategic note

This is exceptionally competitive: only one Rhodes Scholarship is available across the entire East Africa constituency covering Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi. Applicants should therefore go beyond strong grades and demonstrate distinctive leadership, service, character, intellectual ability and a convincing long-term contribution to society. The eligibility rules are strict. Pay particular attention to the five-of-ten-year residency rule, the two alternative age pathways, Oxford course-entry requirements and English-language evidence. References are also due at exactly the same time as the main application, so applicants should secure referees immediately rather than waiting until the final days. Rhodes requires applicants' personal and academic statements to reflect their own original experiences, thinking and judgement. Limited AI assistance such as grammar, shortening or structure may be acceptable under the Trust's guidance, but using generative AI to create substantive content or replace the applicant's own analysis and voice is unacceptable. Applicants should read and follow the official AI disclosure and integrity guidance carefully.

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