How can I apply for the Rhodes Scholarship?

Consult the details for your country, incuding the detailed Memorandum for Candidates, available here. Candidates for all Rhodes countries other than Kenya, New Zealand, and Pakistan may apply online through the Rhodes House online application portal.

What course of study can a Rhodes Scholarship be used for?

Rhodes Scholars come from many academic backgrounds and pursue a wide variety of courses at Oxford.  The scholarship is more accurately viewed as an investment in a person of remarkable promise than support for a particular course of study.  Applicants should study the University of Oxford's course offerings to determine the degree for which they would apply. There are very few restrictions on the full-time post-graduate degrees supported by Rhodes Scholarships and these will ordinarily be in the Memorandum to Candidates for your country. Rhodes Scholars may only undertake the Master of Business Administration or the Master of Financial Economics in the second year of the Scholarship.

What is the value of a Rhodes Scholarship?

The Rhodes Scholarship covers university and college fees and a stipend for living expenses for two and possibly three years of study at the University of Oxford. The stipend is currently set at 958 UK pounds per month.

How important is the personal essay/statement?

Very. The requirements vary by country - consult the Memorandum for Candidates for your country. Keep in mind that the personal statement is your chance to tell your story: who are you? what matters to you? what are you hoping to do in the world? Your academic transcript, your list of activities and your reference letters will provide the substantive detail of your commitments and accomplishments, but this essay gives you the opportunity to cast the overarching narrative for the selection committee. 

What should I expect of the interview?

Selection committees are made up of Rhodes Scholars and community leaders from diverse backgrounds.  The interview is of core importance as it is here that selection committees have the opportunity to weigh up a candidate's depth of engagement, accomplishments, and aspirations. In posing their questions, committee members initiate discussion that will help them ascertain who best represents the potential Cecil Rhodes sought to invest in. Proven intellectual and academic attainment of a high standard is the first quality required of Scholars, but they are also required to show exceptional character, leadership in extra-curricular activities, and a commitment to service in the public good. The interview will therefore be wide-ranging in nature, designed to test candidates' intellectual skills and reasoning ability, but also to reveal their core commitments and potential to make a positive contribution to society. 

Can married students apply?

Yes. Applicants should bear in mind, however, that the Scholarship stipend is sufficient only for one person, and that the Trust takes no financial responsibility for the support of a Scholar's spouse.

When does a Rhodes Scholarship commence?

Scholars come into residence in Oxford in October of the year following their selection.

My date of birth puts me just outside the age limit. May I still apply?

We regret that this is not possible. The age limit, as set in the selecting country, is absolute.

How are Rhodes Scholars designated?

Rhodes Scholars are designated by their constituency, Oxford college, and year for which they were elected. For example, "William Jefferson Clinton (Arkansas & University 1968)" indicates that President Clinton was elected as the Rhodes Scholar for Arkansas for 1968 and became a member of University College, Oxford, in that year.

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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