Rhodes Scholarship

Overview

The Rhodes Scholarship is widely considered the world's oldest and most prestigious international scholarship, established in 1902 under the will of Cecil John Rhodes. The scholarship funds outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford, UK. Today, Rhodes Scholarships are awarded from 64 constituencies around the world, with about 100 new scholars selected each year. Selection criteria include academic excellence, leadership, commitment to service, and moral character. Rhodes Scholars can pursue any Oxford postgraduate program. Notable alumni include Bill Clinton, Bob Hawke, Kris Kristofferson, and many heads of state and major world figures.

What You Can Find Here

• Full funding for Oxford postgraduate study including tuition fees
• Annual maintenance stipend (around GBP 20,000+) for living expenses at Oxford
• Travel allowance to and from Oxford
• Membership in the Rhodes Scholar global community of over 9,000 living scholars
• Access to 64 constituencies worldwide offering nominations to the scholarship
• Funding for any Oxford postgraduate course including MBA, MSc, MPhil, DPhil (PhD)

Who Should Use This

• Outstanding graduates aged 19-25 (varies slightly by constituency) from Rhodes-eligible constituencies
• Individuals with exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service orientation
• Future leaders committed to contributing to their societies and the world
• Applicants in any discipline - there is no subject restriction for the scholarship

How to Get Started

1. Step 1: Identify your Rhodes Scholarship constituency (based on citizenship or country of residence) at rhodesscholarship.org
2. Step 2: Check the specific eligibility criteria and application requirements for your constituency - they vary by country
3. Step 3: Apply during the annual application window (typically July-October, varying by constituency)
4. Step 4: Applications include academic records, personal essays, leadership evidence, and references
5. Step 5: Shortlisted candidates appear before a constituency selection committee for interviews; final selection is in October-November

Things to Check Before Applying

• Age limits and other eligibility criteria vary by constituency - check your specific country's requirements
• Most constituencies have independent Rhodes Scholarship selection committees with their own processes
• Not all countries have annual selection - some constituencies select every few years
• The selection process is highly competitive - typically under 0.5% acceptance rate globally

Frequently Asked Questions