The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship for outstanding students to study at the University of Oxford. It is a fully-funded scholarship program for students to take admission to postgraduate courses and PhD programs.
It has been the oldest and perhaps the most renowned scholarship program for outstanding candidates to study abroad at the University of Oxford since 1902. There are more than 4500 Rhodes scholars.
The scholarship is given to students from various nations who are creating a huge difference for the betterment of the world. The Rhodes Scholarship covers postgraduate courses in all disciplines, including social science, physical science, life science, mathematics, and humanities.
It is a merit-based, college-specific scholarship program awarded to exceptionally brilliant students. The scholarship amount is £19,092 per annum (£1,591 per month), and it is renewed yearly.
The Rhodes Scholarship is available for two years in the first instance and covers the college fees of Oxford University along with an annual stipend. The latter can be used for living expenses.
Oxford University college fees and annual stipend (can be used for living expenses)
Academic Coverage
Two master’s degree and PhD programs
Acceptance Rate
Highly selective- close to 5 times of the actual intake is nominated for the scholarship
Total Scholarships
100
Total Scholarships from India (annually)
5
Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
It is essential to check the eligibility criteria before applying for the Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is available only to students coming to study in the UK for the very first time.
The competition is vast, as the nominations are fifth times the actual scholarship intakes. The number of scholarships is 100.
Here are the eligibility criteria for postgraduate degrees:
Students should be citizens of their home country. For instance, students from India should hold Indian citizenship and be country residents.
Proof of citizenship and passport is necessary to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship.
Students should have completed a minimum of four years of study from a recognized board of study in a formal education full-time.
Candidates applying for the Rhodes Scholarship should be 26 years or less than that at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
Students should have completed a full-time undergraduate degree of study with a first-class degree.
Applicants should be meritorious and have impacted society with some development and growth. It is a life-changing opportunity, but only those impacting society positively get through.
How to Apply for Rhodes Scholarship
Eligible candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship:
Candidates must visit the official website of the Rhodes Trust and register to create an account.
After registration, fill up the Rhodes Scholarship Application form completely.
Scan and upload all the documents. Complete the personal details form by uploading all the documents the Rhodes Trust requires.
Submit the required documents along with the application form.
Make sure you apply before the deadline.
Documents Required for Rhodes Scholarship
At the time of application, students need to upload and submit the relevant required documents online. Here’s the list of important documents needed at the time of application:
A valid Passport.
Proof of citizenship in the home country.
Academic transcripts and records of class 10 and class 12 examinations.
Test scores of IELTS and TOEFL scores. Students need to take the Englishlanguage proficiency test to be eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship.
Updated curriculum vitae. It should not be less than two pages. The updated copy of the curriculum vitae should have all the information like Academic Qualifications, Prizes, Scholarships, employment positions, voluntary/ community/political activities, and any cultural, musical, or sporting accomplishments.
A recent colored passport-size photograph.
Personal statement or statement of purpose, which will be 1000 words. It should state why you need this scholarship and why you are the right fit. It should have all the details about your goals, commitment, and past contributions. A good statement of purpose helps.
A letter of recommendation is essential. Minimum 2 letters of recommendation are compulsory from the last faculties capable of remarking on your academic records.
Rhodes Scholarship: Selection Criteria
The acceptance rate for the Rhodes Scholarship is meager. Almost 5 times of the actual intake is nominated for the scholarship. There are 100 scholarships available for international students.
Students need to have specific capabilities and excellence, which increases the likelihood of getting selected for the Rhodes Scholarship. Since it applies to students of all countries, this full funding opportunity to study at the University of Oxford is a competitive option.
Here are the essential criteria of the selection process:
The selection is solely made based on academic records.
Candidates are also selected based on talent in theatre, singing, dance, sports, sports, art, and writing.
Candidates who possess value-based soft skills like sympathy, honesty, benevolence, protection for the deprived and weaker people, and selflessness will increase their chances of selection.
Candidates with good leadership skills are given a chance. Leadership qualities and skills increase the chances of getting a Rhodes Scholarship.
Candidates passionate about bringing positive change to society can improve their chances of getting selected for the Rhodes Scholarship.
Countries Covered
Students from the following countries can apply for a Rhodes scholarship:
Here is a guide to the application deadlines for Indian students who wish to apply for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarship, with entry into the University of Oxford in October 2025.
Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship that is not just a financial bursary. It is a fully-funded scholarship program for students admitted to the University of Oxford. The scholarship funding is available for the first two years of the program. The cost of a Tier 4 Study Visa is included in the Rhodes Scholarship.
The primary thing covered under the Rhodes Scholarship is the tuition fee, as the Rhodes Scholarship Trust entirely funds it.
In addition to paying for courses at Oxford University, the Rhodes Scholarship offers a yearly stipend. The stipend for the 2023–2024 academic year is £19,092 per year, or £1,591 per month, from which Scholars will cover all living expenses, including housing. Note that this does not provide coverage for partners or dependents.
The scholarship amount and tenure depend upon the course. For example, students enrolled in PhD programs get a full fee waived off and a stipend for 3 years.
The Rhodes Scholarship also covers the health insurance charges under International Health Surcharge (IHS) during the course or program. The Rhodes Scholarship also allows two economy class airfare tickets to and from the UK for the beginning and end of studies.
Rhodes Scholarship for PhD Programs
For PhD programs, Rhodes Scholarship offers full funding opportunities for the first 3 years along with an annual stipend. In the first instance, the scholarship for the PhD program will be offered for 2 years, and then it will be renewed.
For students aspiring to take admission at the University of Oxford, the Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for brilliant students. International students with outstanding academic records are eligible for the fully funded Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University.
There are 4500 Rhodes Scholars worldwide, creating a benchmark in society with their academic excellence. The scholarship offers fully funded fee waivers and an annual stipend for living costs.
Significant savings of upto INR 35L+ compared to a traditional 3-year on-campus UK degree. In-built TOEFL/IELTS/PTE training and study abroad modules to meet UK study requirements.
Post Study Work Visa opportunities (upto 2 years) as accessed by graduates of standard UK degrees. Weekly doubt clearing sessions - Support available all days 9 AM - 9 PM IST for queries.
The Rhodes scholarship eligibilitycriteria include academic and literary accomplishments and mastery in activities like art, music, sports, debate, theater, dance, etc. (involving teamwork).
Other requirements include moral force of character, leadership instincts, devotion to one’s duty, fellowship, kindliness, and more. The detailed requirements will vary, depending on the constituency applied for.
What is the CGPA requirement for Rhodes Scholarships?
The Rhodes scholarshipis granted to those who have met/exceeded the entry requirements of their selected full-time courses at Oxford University in their undergraduate degree courses. In most cases, a first-class honors degree is necessary.
How much money is the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes scholarshipwill cover the tuition/course fees at Oxford University. At the same time, it offers an annual stipend of £19,092 for the 2023-24 academic year. This can be used to meet living costs.
How much is the Rhodes Scholarship monthly stipend?
The annual stipend offered by the Rhodes scholarshipis £19,092 (2023-24 academic year), which works out to around £1,591 per month.
How to prepare for a Rhodes interview?
You should always read your personal statement carefully before the interview since this may be the focal point. Also, check your transcripts and brush up on your news and current affairs.
What questions are asked in the Rhodes Scholarship?
The questions asked in the interview for the Rhodes scholarshipmay vary, depending on the interviewer’s preferences and other factors.
You should be prepared to answer questions pertaining to where you envision yourself in the future, your goals, why the scholarship will help with these goals, and so on.
Can an Indian get a Rhodes Scholarship?
Yes, Indians can get Rhodes scholarships. There are five such scholarships available every year for India. More than 200 scholars have been awarded the scholarship from 1947 onwards.
What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
TheRhodes Scholarshipis a full-time and fully funded postgraduate award that helps talented and meritorious young students from across the globe study at the University of Oxford.
The scholarship application is a challenging affair, although the scholarship itself is offered only to the finest global students who have the potential to make a positive difference in the world.
Rhodes scholars come to the UK for two or more years and may apply to study most of the full-time postgraduate courses available at Oxford University.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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