The 2018 African Rhodes Scholars and What They Hope to Study at Oxford

This year a total of 17 African students were awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in 2018. Students were selected from Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Two students also came from West African countries of Nigeria and Ghana. 

Overall, scholars were selected from all over the world, representing 64 different countries. A total of 97 Rhodes Scholars were selected, which is the largest number in the history of the scholarships. The total value of the scholarship averages approximately US$68,000 per year, and up to as much as approximately US$250,000, according to the Rhodes Trust.

The following is the criteria upon which the scholars are selected:

Literary and scholastic attainments

Energy to use one's talents to the full, for example through achievement in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved

Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship

Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.

Below are the brief and very diverse profiles of the exceptional young men and women, who are a testimony to the bright future of the continent. The list will be continuously updated as more information is made available to the public. 

1. Dylan Barry, South Africa. Hopes to study an MPhil in Economics.

2. Tolu Awoyemi, Nigeria. More information to follow. 

3. Katongo Chileshe, Zambia. Hopes to study a Masters (MSc) in Women’s Studie

4. Temwa Chimphepo, Malawi, 2018. Intends to pursue an MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance.

5. Emmanuelle Dankwa, Ghana. More information to follow. 

6. Shaan Desai, Zambia. Hopes to pursue a DPhil in Physics.

7. Bronwyn Gavine, South Africa. Plans to study an MSc in Neuroscience.

8. Kumeren Govender, South Africa. More information to follow. 

9. Aaron Graham, South Africa. Intends to study a DPhil in Engineering Science.

10. Farah Jawitz, South Africa. Aims to pursue an MSc in international and tropical medicine and MBA.

11. Morategi Kale, South Africa. Hopes to pursue an MPhil in Development Studies

12. Koot Kotze, South Africa. More information to follow. 

13. Lehlohonolo Moche, South Africa. Intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Evidence-based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation.

14. Terrens Muradzikwa, Zimbabwe. Hopes to pursue an MSc in Economics for Development and a Master of Public Policy (MPP).

15. Elisha Ngetich, Kenya. Plans to pursue global health and epidemiology. 

16. Ruth Nyabuto, Kenya. Looks forward to pursuing an MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.

17. Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen, South African. Intends to study Primary Care.

For a look at the complete list of 2018 Rhodes Scholars, visit the official website here. The next application opens on 1st June 2018 for the 2019 Scholarships. Interested candidates can see more information online here.