The Rhodes Trust has issued practical guidance for prospective applicants seeking the prestigious scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.Ten fully funded scholarships are available for exceptional graduates from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini, with a deadline of August 3.

Regional manager Beverly Johnson highlighted common pitfalls, such as waiting until the last minute to request confidential reference letters, which must be submitted by August 17.She emphasized the importance of selecting referees who genuinely know the applicant's work rather than relying on high-profile names.

Applicants must submit three academic references from tertiary-level lecturers and one character reference, with school principals unable to serve as academic referees.

Crafting an authentic personal statement that reflects the candidate's values and aspirations is crucial, as selectors prioritize honesty and self-reflection.

Johnson also warned against using AI tools for essay drafting, advising candidates to focus on demonstrating leadership, community involvement, and a clear career vision.Overlooked requirements include uploading a birth certificate instead of an ID document.The scholarship remains open to diverse academic disciplines, emphasizing merit-based talent across fields.