A life-changing opportunity for postgraduate study at Oxford University.
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study full-time at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is merit-based, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders, and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of Scholars.
Applying for the Scholarship is a challenge, but it is an experience which has helped generations of young people to succeed. We encourage applications from talented students everywhere.
Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses in almost any field offered by Oxford University.
What does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?
The Rhodes Scholarship covers University of Oxford course fees, as well as providing an annual stipend. For the 2024/25 academic year, the stipend is £19,800 per annum (£1,650 per month) from which Scholars pay all living expenses, including accommodation. Please note: this is not sufficient to cover partners or dependents.
The detailed Conditions of Tenure document outlines permitted combinations of degrees, and how many years of study are covered by the Scholarship, as the latter depends on course choice — for example, up to three years of fees and stipend is available to Scholars who choose to undertake a DPhil (PhD) at Oxford.
Following selection for the Scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will also cover:
- The fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford
- Fees for a student visa and associated International Health Surcharge (IHS), which enables international students to access the UK’s National Health Service
- Two economy class flights to and from the UK, for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford.
On arrival in Oxford, Scholars receive a settling in allowance, and Scholars who transition to a second course of study in Oxford will receive assistance to cover the fees for visa renewal and further application for IHS.
What makes the Rhodes Scholarship special?
1. Life at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar
The University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities globally, offering you the opportunity to receive an exceptional postgraduate education. Here, you will have access to world-leading academic departments while being part of an interdisciplinary college community with outstanding social, sports and cultural facilities. As a Rhodes Scholar you will also have Rhodes House, a place to meet, think and learn in the heart of Oxford. Living in this beautiful, vibrant and historic city, the Rhodes Scholar experience is one of a kind.
2. The Rhodes Community
From the moment you are selected, you will be welcomed into a global, lifelong community of Rhodes Scholars, Alumni, and Fellows from our partnership programs. Beyond gaining access to a powerful professional network, you will connect with thoughtful, kind and ambitious individuals from around the world, collectively striving to drive progress.
3. Character, Service and Leadership Programme (CSLP)
The CSLP is the flagship programme at the core of the Rhodes Scholar experience. It is rooted in our distinct ‘Character, Service, and Leadership’ framework, which provides many different and varied opportunities to learn, connect, and engage across three key areas: understanding yourself and your values, building community with others, and navigating your own path through the world beginning with your journey at Oxford.
4. Scholar Support
Our dedicated Scholar Team is present to support you pastorally and financially at every stage of your journey from selection to the end of your studies. The Rhodes Trust staff are here to support you with settling in and thriving in a new environment, to ensure your academic, professional and personal success. We also provide emergency financial assistance and grants to fund research, travel and creative opportunities to help you make the most of your time at Oxford.
Selection Criteria
The Rhodes Scholarship is a merit scholarship, and there is no such thing as a ‘type’ when considering who gets selected. In fact, the strength of the Scholarship comes from its rigorous selection criteria and diversity.
➜ Literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)
- You are intellectually curious, with a deep love of learning and can think critically about a range of subjects.
- You are consistently one of the top performers in your class.
- You thrive in academically challenging and rigorous courses.
➜ Energy to use one’s talents to the full (as demonstrated by mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved)
- Your passion for developing yourself extends outside the classroom.
- You have worked hard to develop mastery in your skills, whether competitive, cultural or creative.
- You can demonstrate sustained and outstanding achievement in your chosen pursuit.
➜ Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship
- You seek to live out your values in all that you do.
- Serving others is a duty you take seriously, whether your community is large or small, local or international.
➜ Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings
- You have the courage to act on your initiative and inspire others to follow.
- You demonstrate leadership in both thought and action.
The detailed eligibility criteria varies slightly depending on which constituency you are applying for. You can use our eligibility checker tool to find out if you meet the criteria and are eligible to apply for the Scholarship.
Find the list of the Rhodes constituencies (countries/regions) and the number of Scholarships available for each here.
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