The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting exceptional all-round students at the University of Oxford.

Established in the will of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international scholarship program in the world.A class of 82 Scholars is selected each year from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Swaziland), United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Intellectual excellence is required of Rhodes Scholars, but it is not enough to earn this outstanding educational opportunity. Rhodes' vision in founding the Scholarship was to to develop outstanding leaders who would be motivated to "esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim."

His will outlines four criteria to be used in the election of Scholars:

• literary and scholastic attainments

• energy to use one's talents to the full

• 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.

At Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Rhodes Scholars join just over 20,000 students from more than 140 countries currently studying at the University, and are enriched by the stimulating and rigorous education and the vibrant cultural and community life. Over 7,000 Rhodes Scholars have gone on to serve at the forefront of government, the professions, commerce, the arts, education, research and other domains. They are well known advocates for expanded social justice, and have advanced the frontiers of science and medicine. 

The Rhodes Scholarships reflect one of the most visionary acts of educational philanthropy in history, making the Rhodes legacy one that is felt the world over.

How to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship

The selection of Rhodes Scholars is overseen by a National Secretary in each Rhodes country.For details of the selection process in your own country, including detailed eligibility criteria and application form, follow the country links here.

The Rhodes Trust warmly welcomes applications from talented young women and men of diverse backgrounds. Selection of Rhodes Scholars is made without regard to gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation, social background, or disability.

The Rhodes Scholarships

 Leaders for the world's future

Rhodes House, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RG United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1865 270902
Email: admin@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

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