Rhodes Trust Scholarship UK 2027 for Masters and PhD/MPhil for East African students is still open till 27 August 2026 Deadline and successful applicants can apply for Oxford University admission. For the 2027 entry (starting October 2027), the East Africa constituency offers the Rhodes Scholarship to citizens of Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The first Scholar from this constituency took up the award in 2019. Nigerian, Ghana and Kenyan citizens are not eligible under East Africa and must apply through the separate Kenya constituency.
Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 27 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Africa Time (EAT). References are also due by the same deadline.
Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship Facts & Quick Verification Tracker
- Constituency: East Africa (Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda)
- Number of awards: 1 Scholarship per year
- Host institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Degree level: Full-time postgraduate (Master’s or DPhil/PhD in most subjects)
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, living stipend, travel, visa, health surcharge)
- Application window: 1 June 2026 – 27 August 2026 (23:59 EAT)
- Reference deadline: 27 August 2026 (23:59 EAT)
- Entry year: October 2027
- Official portal: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
- National Secretary: Dr Samson Kironde (eastafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com)
Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship Coverage & Requirements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition & College Fees | Fully covered |
| Living Stipend | Annual stipend (e.g. £20,400 for 2025-26; subject to annual review) |
| Travel | Economy-class return flights to/from the UK |
| Visa & Health | Visa fees and UK Immigration Health Surcharge covered |
| Duration | Typically 2 years (extendable for DPhil in approved cases) |
| Academic Requirement | Meets or exceeds Oxford course entry requirements (First Class/GPA 3.70+ preferred) |
| Age | 18–24 on 1 October 2026 (or under 27 with late degree completion) |
| Citizenship/Residency | Citizen of listed countries + residency in those countries or Kenya for 5 of last 10 years |
| English Language | Meet University of Oxford higher-level requirements (or waiver) |
Official Source & Portal Verification for Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship
All details must be verified on the official Rhodes Trust website:
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/east-africa/
Key documents:
- Information for Candidates – East Africa
- Guidance for Referees – East Africa
- Conditions of Tenure (courses covered)
Use the official eligibility checker and online application portal during the open window.
Step-by-Step Roadmap to Apply for Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship
- Confirm eligibility via the official checker and Information for Candidates.
- Identify suitable full-time postgraduate courses at Oxford covered by the Rhodes Scholarship.
- Gather required documents (transcripts, identity/residency proof, English language evidence).
- Nominate 4–5 referees early (minimum three academic).
- Complete the online application (personal statement, academic statement, CV).
- Submit by 27 August 2026 (23:59 EAT).
- Ensure referees submit by the same deadline.
- If selected, apply to Oxford graduate admissions with Rhodes support.
- Prepare for interviews if shortlisted.
Rhodes Trust Supporting Academic Collaboration
The East Africa Rhodes Scholarship strengthens academic links between the region and Oxford. Scholars join a global network at Rhodes House focused on leadership, service, and international understanding.
Scholarship Duration and Funding Opportunities
The standard tenure is two years of full-time study. Funding covers Oxford course fees, an annual living stipend (from which Scholars pay accommodation and living costs), return economy airfare, visa costs, and the UK health surcharge. The stipend is not designed to support partners or dependants. Additional settling-in support is provided on arrival.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
Open to almost any postgraduate subject at Oxford, the Scholarship attracts candidates whose work addresses real-world challenges. Many East African Scholars pursue research with developmental impact in science, medicine, public policy, engineering, and related fields.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
The programme builds lasting connections between East African talent and Oxford’s research environment. Scholars contribute to collaborative projects and join a lifelong alumni network that continues to foster academic and professional ties across the region and beyond.
Broader Fellowship Mission
The Rhodes Scholarship seeks young leaders of outstanding intellect, character, leadership ability, and commitment to service. Selection criteria emphasise academic excellence, energy to use talents fully, moral force of character, and instincts to lead and care for others.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
Scholars must meet the rigorous standards of their Oxford course and engage fully with both academic work and the Rhodes community. Successful completion of the degree is a core responsibility.
Scholarship Overview and Academic Purpose
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full-time postgraduate award exclusively for study at the University of Oxford. Its purpose is to educate future leaders who will contribute to the betterment of society. The East Africa constituency provides a dedicated pathway for outstanding young people from Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
What This Scholarship Offers (The Advantage)
- Complete financial support removing economic barriers.
- Access to one of the world’s leading universities.
- Membership of a lifelong global network of Rhodes Scholars.
- Leadership development and personal growth through Rhodes House.
- Career acceleration and prestige associated with the Rhodes name.
Key Features of the Scholarship
- One award annually for East Africa.
- Study almost any full-time postgraduate course covered by the Conditions of Tenure.
- Comprehensive funding package.
- Structured selection process including interviews.
- Strong emphasis on character, leadership, and service alongside academic merit.
Who can Apply
Citizens of Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda who meet the residency, age, and academic criteria. Kenyan citizens must apply through the separate Kenya constituency. Applicants with strong connections to multiple constituencies may explore inter-jurisdictional consideration in limited cases.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Citizen of Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Residency: Resident in one or more of those countries, or in Kenya, for at least five of the last ten years.
- Age (as of 1 October 2026):
- 18–24 (born after 1 October 2001 and before 2 October 2008), or
- Under 27 (born after 1 October 1999) and first undergraduate degree completed on or after 1 July 2025.
- Academic achievement: Completed (or will complete by July 2027) an undergraduate degree that meets or exceeds the entry requirements of the chosen Oxford course. Higher chance of success with First Class Honours, GPA 3.70/4.0 or higher, or equivalent.
- English language: Meet University of Oxford higher-level requirements (or qualify for a waiver).
Study Period and Funding Amount
Scholarship for entry in October 2027. Funding typically covers two years (with possible extension for DPhil). The living stipend is reviewed annually; recent figures have been around £19,800–£20,400 per year.
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
Past East African Rhodes Scholars and alumni frequently highlight the transformative academic experience at Oxford, the supportive Rhodes community, and the lifelong network. Common advice includes starting early, choosing referees who know you well, writing authentic personal and academic statements that show leadership and impact, and preparing thoroughly for interviews. Many stress the importance of community service and a clear sense of purpose beyond academic achievement.
About the Oxford University
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching recorded as early as 1096. Located in Oxford, England, it is a world-leading centre of learning, teaching, and research. It has ranked first in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for a record ten consecutive years (2017–2026) and is especially strong in medical and health sciences, computer science, and arts and humanities.
Oxford operates a collegiate system with over 30 independent colleges and halls. It has more than 26,000 students (approximately 12,500 undergraduates and 13,700 postgraduates). International students make up about 43% of the student body, coming from more than 170 countries. The University is organised into four academic divisions and offers a wide range of full-time postgraduate courses (Master’s and DPhil/PhD) that Rhodes Scholars can pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Kenyan citizens apply under East Africa?
No. Kenyan citizens must apply through the separate Kenya constituency. - Is there an application fee?
No. - Can the Scholarship be deferred?
Generally no; it is for October 2027 entry only. - How many times can I apply?
You may re-apply only once more in the same constituency if unsuccessful the first time (subject to eligibility). - Do I apply to Oxford first?
No. Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship first. Successful candidates then apply to Oxford with support from Rhodes House.
Current Application Deadlines of Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship:
- Applications open: 1 June 2026 (00:01 EAT)
- Applications close: 27 August 2026 (23:59 EAT)
- References due: 27 August 2026 (23:59 EAT)
Contact Information for Applicants
National Secretary for East Africa
Dr Samson Kironde
Email: eastafrica.secretary@rhodestrust.com
Deputy National Secretary: Mr Mauro De Lorenzo
General queries: scholarship.queries@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Always refer to the official Rhodes Trust website and the current Information for Candidates document for the most accurate details.
How To Apply for Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship
- Read the full Information for Candidates for East Africa carefully.
- Confirm eligibility using the official checker.
- Prepare all required documents (identity/residency evidence, official transcripts, English language evidence or waiver request, photo).
- Nominate 4–5 suitable referees (at least three academic) and obtain their consent early.
- Complete the online application form on the Rhodes Trust portal, including the CV, Academic Statement, and Personal Statement.
- Submit the application by 27 August 2026 (23:59 EAT).
- Ensure all referees submit their references by the same deadline.
- If shortlisted, prepare for interviews.
There is no application fee. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. You can take a look at How to Verify Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding. You can also learn How to Avoid Scholarship Scams. Finally, you can Apply for Rhodes Trust Scholarship for East Africa.
Concluding Remarks
The Rhodes Scholarship for East Africa 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding young leaders from Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda to study at the University of Oxford and join a global community dedicated to leadership and service. With only one place available, competition is intense. Success depends on meeting the eligibility criteria precisely, presenting a compelling record of academic excellence, leadership, and character, and submitting a complete, thoughtful application by the 27 August 2026 deadline.
Always consult the official Rhodes Trust website and the current Information for Candidates document for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.