Oxford University Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships available to students seeking postgraduate education in the UK. Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is named after its founder, Cecil John Rhodes, a British businessman, philanthropist, and colonial statesman. The scholarship is administered by the Rhodes Trust, which is based at the University of Oxford in England.

While the Rhodes Trust was initially funded by Rhodes himself, it has since received additional contributions from numerous benefactors, institutions and governments around the world.

The Rhodes Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that emphasizes not only academic achievement but also leadership potential, moral character, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic record, leadership abilities, personal qualities, and their potential to contribute to society in their chosen field of study and beyond.

Rhodes Scholarships are awarded in various fields of study, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and the arts. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living stipend and additional allowances for travel and research. They are typically awarded for postgraduate degree programs, such as a Master's or a Doctorate, although some scholarships may also support a second Bachelor's degree program.

The Rhodes Scholarship is open to students from around the world, representing over 60 different countries. It is a highly competitive scholarship, with only a limited number of scholarships awarded each year. Check out the article to know everything about the Rhodes Scholarship!

Rhodes Scholarship Award Value and What it Covers!

The table below provides a detailed overview of the Rhodes Scholarship and the benefits offered by it: 

Eligibility Criteria for Rhodes Scholarship 

The Rhodes Scholarship eligibility criteria for Indian students are as follows:

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the eligible Rhodes constituencies (countries or regions). If you are an Indian student, you must have citizenship of the country and can win one of the 5 scholarships reserved for India. 

• Age: You must have reached the age of 19 and not have passed your 26th birthday by the application deadline (varies by constituency).

• Education: You must satisfy any of the following educational criteria: 

  • You must complete schooling and complete Class 10 and Class 12 examinations at a school in India.

  • You should have completed (or be in the final year of) an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a sufficiently high academic standing.

• Passport: You must hold an Indian passport or equivalent proof of Indian citizenship. You must remember that Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen Of India (OCI) cardholders do not satisfy the criteria for citizenship.

• Academic Standards: You are expected to complete your bachelor's by July of the particular year and must have a specific grade or academic background that is required for courses at the University of Oxford. Candidates who have a first-class higher honours degree have greater chances of winning the scholarship.

Rhodes Scholarship Applicable Courses, Universities, and Country

The Rhodes Scholarship is open to applicants from various countries and offers a wide range of courses at the University of Oxford. The available courses and the number of scholarships allocated to each country may vary. Given below are the list of eligible countries and specific course offering the Rhodes Scholarship.

Eligible Countries for the Rhodes Scholarship

Here are the eligible countries and the number of Rhodes Scholarships available for each one of them:

Eligible Courses for Rhodes Scholarship

Rhodes Scholarship can be utilised for the great majority of the University of Oxford's academic programmes. But it is more than just funding for a degree; it is an investment in the potential of the person. You must remember that the scholarship is not for less than two years. The eligible courses are:

• A BA with senior status, which is completed over two years rather than the standard three, prohibits scholars from applying for a third year of funding.

• A one-year taught master's course (MSc, MSt, BCL) that is followed by a second one-year taught master's course (providing the previous course is successfully completed). Scholars are not eligible to apply for a third year of funding after completing two one-year master's courses in a row.

• A one-year taught master's programme (MSc, MSt, or BCL). Scholars who complete a one-year taught master's course may continue to the DPhil and then apply for a third year of scholarship. Math, physical, and life sciences scholars are not eligible for this path.

• A two-year MSc by research (or MLitt): Students who have completed a two-year MSc by research are not eligible to apply for a third year of funding.

• A three-year DPhil: Students who enter Oxford directly for their DPhil programme must complete the same application procedure the following year. Candidates for a DPhil in the Division of Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences cannot apply to begin their DPhil after completing a master's degree.

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Application Deadline for Rhodes Scholarship

The purpose of the Rhodes Scholarship is to identify and support exceptional young individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, academic excellence and the betterment of society. To get this scholarship, you must abide by the application deadlines. Check out the dates for Rhodes Scholarship:

How to Apply for Rhodes Scholarship?

To complete the application process for Rhodes Scholarship from India you must complete the following steps: 

• Research: Thoroughly research the scholarship and its requirements, including the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for your country/region.

• Seek Endorsement: In most countries, you need to be endorsed by your university or college. Contact your institution's scholarship office or designated Rhodes Scholarship representative for guidance.

• Prepare Application Materials: This typically includes completing the online application form, writing a personal statement, providing a list of activities and honours, submitting academic transcripts, obtaining recommendation letters, and more.

• Submit Application: Follow the instructions provided by the Rhodes Scholarship office for submitting your application and ensure it is submitted before the deadline.

Documents Required for Rhodes Scholarship

For Rhodes Scholarship, the specific documents required may vary slightly by constituency but typically include the following. Please be aware that only English-language documents may be submitted.

• Your birth certificate or current passport, which attests to the fact that you are of legal age.

• Documents demonstrating your eligibility for citizenship, such as a current passport or voter identification card. 

• An official copy of your mark sheets or transcript from the college or university where you are now enrolled or formerly attended, indicating your (current) grade point average.

• A certified transcript or mark sheet from the college or university where you are now enrolled or have previously attended, showing your current academic standing.

• Official transcripts or mark sheets from your 10th and 12th-grade exams (or equivalent) from your high school, junior college or pre-university college.

• The completion of a school leaving exam at a school/junior college/pre-university college in India (either the 10th or 12th standard or equivalent) and proof of formal study at an Indian educational institution for at least 4 of the last 10 years as of the application date are requirements if you are neither a graduate of an Indian university nor in your final year of undergraduate study at an Indian university.

• A curriculum vitae is required. 

• A coloured photograph in JPG format is required with a visible head and shoulders.

• You must also submit a personal statement of 750 words.

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Selection Process for Rhodes Scholarship

The selection process involves multiple stages, including a rigorous application, endorsement by the candidate's home university or country and a series of interviews. The selection process for the Rhodes Scholarship is rigorous and involves multiple stages including

• Initial screening of applications is based on academic excellence, leadership potential and personal qualities.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a regional interview conducted by a selection committee.

• Finalists from the regional interviews will proceed to a global selection committee, where the final scholars will be chosen. 

Why Apply for Rhodes Scholarship?

Rhodes Scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders by providing them with the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, which is renowned for its academic excellence and global impact. This is enough reason to apply for the scholarship. The other reasons are: 

• Fully Funded Study: The Rhodes Scholarship covers all university and college fees, a stipend for living expenses, and provides comprehensive medical insurance.

• Oxford University: Scholars have the opportunity to study at the prestigious University of Oxford and gain access to its resources, faculty, and academic community.

• Leadership Development: Scholars become part of a lifelong network of accomplished individuals and receive support for their personal and professional development.

• International Exposure: The scholarship offers a unique cultural and academic experience, allowing scholars to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Pro Tips for Winning Rhodes Scholarship

Remember, the Rhodes Scholarship is highly competitive, so it is essential to submit a well-prepared application that showcases your academic excellence, leadership potential and alignment with the values of the scholarship.

• Start Early: Begin researching the scholarship and the application process well in advance to ensure you have sufficient time to gather all the required documents and craft a strong application.

• Reflect on Personal and Academic Goals: Clearly articulate your academic and personal goals in your personal statement, demonstrating how the Rhodes Scholarship aligns with your aspirations.

• Showcase Leadership and Impact: Highlight your leadership experiences and the positive impact you have made in your community or field of interest.

• Choose Recommenders Wisely: Select individuals who know you well and can provide insightful recommendations that emphasize your strengths and potential as a Rhodes Scholar.

• Edit and Proofread: Review your application materials multiple times, checking for grammar, clarity, and coherence. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or advisors to improve your application.

The Rhodes Scholarship aims to support exceptional young leaders in pursuing postgraduate education at Oxford and preparing them for impactful contributions in their chosen fields and society as a whole. The scholarship is merit-based, considering academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to positive change. It covers various fields of study and is awarded to candidates from around the world and if you are eligible you must quickly apply for it.

For any queries related to scholarships to study abroad, reach out to our study abroad counsellors! Write to them at abroad@collegedekho.com!