Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship available to young leaders from East Africa. This prestigious program invites candidates from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi, with two spots specifically reserved for applicants from this region.

To qualify, applicants must hold citizenship from one of the mentioned countries. In addition, they should have lived in any of these countries or Kenya for at least five of the past ten years. The age requirement varies: candidates must either fall between 18 and 24 years old as of 1 October 2025 (meaning a birth date between 2 October 2000 and 1 October 2007) or, in the case of those who completed their undergraduate degree later than the usual timeframe, be under 27 years old by the same date and have completed their undergraduate program on or after 1 July 2024. The relevant university’s policies determine the formal completion date of the degree, and in unclear situations, the decision lies with the National Secretary.

Applicants must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a bachelor’s degree by July 2026. They must also meet the academic standards required by their preferred program at the University of Oxford. To be competitive, a strong academic profile is essential—typically a first-class degree or equivalent, or a GPA of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates unsure about how their grades align with Oxford’s criteria can consult available international grade conversion tools or reach out to the National Secretary for clarification.

Proficiency in English is required, in accordance with Oxford’s language policies. Unless they are eligible for a waiver, candidates must submit results from a recognized English proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS. If they believe they qualify for an exemption, they may provide a letter outlining how they meet the exemption conditions, supported by relevant documentation.

The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition fees at the University of Oxford and includes a personal allowance. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the stipend is £19,800 annually, which equals £1,650 per month, meant to cover living expenses such as food and housing. However, it does not include financial support for dependents or partners. Additionally, the Rhodes Trust will take care of the application fee for Oxford, student visa charges, the UK’s health surcharge for international students, and two round-trip economy flights to and from the UK—one at the start and another at the end of the academic program.

As part of the application, candidates must upload several documents, all translated into English if originally issued in another language. These include proof of identity and age—at least two documents such as a birth certificate, national ID, passport, or other official paperwork proving citizenship. Academic records, including transcripts from current or completed university programs, are also required, along with evidence showing residency in the region for a minimum of five out of the past ten years. Lastly, candidates must submit proof of meeting the University of Oxford’s English language standards—either through test scores or by submitting a waiver request letter if eligible.

This opportunity is aimed at nurturing the next generation of ethical, visionary, and committed leaders who will create meaningful change in their home countries and the wider world.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity