Rhodes Scholarships: Eligibility, Application

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

The fully funded Rhodes Scholarship program is designed for international students starting postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is awarded to recipients for their doctoral studies at Oxford. The university grants 100 Rhodes Scholarships annually to first-time international students wishing to study in the UK. Moreover, you must apply for a scholarship separately via the Rhodes Trust website. Selections are based on interview performance, personal statement, and academic standing. The deadline for applying for the Rhodes Scholarship is generally October every year.

The Rhodes Scholarship will pay for the recipient’s tuition, two economy tickets for travel, health insurance, and living expenses while they are in the UK. Recipients will also receive a monthly stipend. The 2023–2024 academic year stipends are GBP 18,180 annually or GBP 1,515 monthly. Here, we will discuss the Rhodes Scholarship in detail and provide all the relevant information to help you.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Rhodes Scholarships?

The University of Oxford must accept applicants before they can receive the Rhodes Scholarship benefits. In addition, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

• A citizen of a nation that qualifies for Rhodes, such as Germany, Singapore, Australia, India, etc.
• At least four years of your previous ten years of education were completed in your native country.
• Indian applicants may, for instance, have finished their undergraduate studies at an Indian university and their 10th or 12th grade.
• At the time of the scholarship application, between the ages of 19 and 25.
• Completed or plans to complete the bachelor’s degree with honours.

Candidates fulfilling these requirements will be considered for the Rhodes Scholarship in Australia and India.

What is the Procedure for Applications for Rhodes Scholarships?

Applicants must submit their applications online to be considered for a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford, one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The following details the application procedure for the same:

• Sign up and create an account on the Rhodes Trust website. This can be done by adding all the relevant information about yourself.
• Complete the Rhodes Scholarship Application form. All your information should be true.
• Send in your personal data and the list of required documents.
• Submit the application package before the deadline.

What is Supporting Documentation for the Rhodes Scholarship?

Rhodes Scholarship applications should be submitted along with the documents listed below:

• a 1000-word personal statement outlining the applicant’s qualifications for the scholarship.
• Academic Transcripts from previous Institutions (English translations, if required)
• Letters of recommendation (including a list of references and pertinent information)
• Valid Indian Passport
• updated resume, limited to two pages
• A valid photograph of the candidate in jpg format.
• TOEFL or IELTS score

Note: Before the deadline for Rhodes Scholarship applications, submit the application and all supporting documentation.

The Selection Process for Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarship selection committee will assess each applicant’s scholarship application and supporting documentation, such as attempted exams taken to pursue their studies in the UK. The interview sessions serve as the primary basis for the selections. 

These will take place in different parts:

Part I 

The panel invites those who made the shortlist to attend two sessions, which will take place in Delhi over one day.

• First Session: Initial Consultation
• Second Session: Individual Interview

Each candidate must attend both sessions. Candidates on the committee’s shortlist will receive invitations to participate in the second round of the Rhodes Scholarship application process.

Section Two

The committee will conduct a final interview with the shortlisted candidates and extend invitations to social engagements. The committee will then decide what to do in the end.

The recipients will receive an email letting them know what they chose. However, their Rhodes Scholarship will be verified once accepted into Oxford University.

Note: If the candidate is absent in India, the interview may take place over the phone or via video conference.

Grant Details of Rhodes Scholarships

The University of Oxford provides 100 scholarships for students worldwide through the Rhodes Scholarship program. The quantity of scholarships differs depending on the nation or region.

We have listed the number of scholarships available for each category for the benefit of overseas students:

Country/Territory	Number of Scholarships
Australia	9
Bermuda	1
Canada	11
China	4
East Africa	1
Germany	2
Hong Kong Sar	1
India	5
Israel	2
Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean	2
Kenya	2
Malaysia	1
New Zealand	3
Pakistan	1
Saudi Arabia	Up to 2
Singapore	1
Southern Africa	10
Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine	2
United Arab Emirates	32
West Africa	1
Zambia	2
Zimbabwe	2

With a Rhodes Scholarship, you can study at some of the world’s most renowned universities and present your skills and intelligence. After selection, the Rhodes Scholarship will also pay Oxford University’s application price for admission.

Conclusion

The Rhodes Scholarship program is a UK-based initiative for international students starting postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. It grants 100 scholarships annually to first-time students, requiring eligibility criteria such as citizenship, education, and a bachelor’s degree with honours. The program is highly competitive, with over 60 countries offering scholarships. India has produced over 100 Rhodes Scholars since its inception, contributing significantly to academia and public service. So, what are you waiting for? Tread on an immersive academic journey with the help of Admissify’s seasoned academic and career experts! 

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship? 

Eligibility includes outstanding academic achievements, proven leadership potential, commitment to service, and character. Applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old, and specific eligibility criteria vary by country.

What countries are eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship? 

The Rhodes Scholarship is available to students from over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, India, Australia, South Africa, Germany, and various African and Asian countries.

Is the Rhodes Scholarship difficult? 

Yes, it is highly competitive. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and dedication to community service, making the selection process rigorous and challenging.

How many Rhodes Scholars are from India? 

Since the scholarship’s inception, India has produced over 100 Rhodes Scholars. These scholars have excelled in various fields and contributed significantly to academia, public service, and other domains globally.