The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded awards for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Scholars pursue most full-time Oxford master’s or doctoral programs, join a global leadership community, and receive tailored support from the Rhodes Trust.
Who can apply?
Rhodes is place-based: you apply through your constituency (country/region grouping). If your country isn’t covered, you may be eligible for the Global competition.
General age guidance (varies by constituency): many constituencies require applicants to be 18–24 on a stated date; some have alternate bands (e.g., for medical interns or later graduates). Always check your specific constituency’s “Information for Candidates.”
Core selection lens: academic excellence, energy to use talents fully, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Requirements (typical)
- Undergraduate degree completed (or finishing by the time of entry) meeting Oxford’s course standards.
- Age within the constituency’s limits (strict, constituency-specific).
- English proficiency sufficient for Oxford’s Higher level (if applicable).
- References, personal statement(s), CV, and — for some constituencies (e.g., US/Canada/Global) institutional endorsement/nomination.
Deadline (how it works)
Deadlines vary by constituency and by year. Typical pattern each cycle:
- Applications open in early June;
- Constituency deadlines fall from late July through early August;
- Final interviews are commonly in late October;
- Scholars start at Oxford the following September/October.
Examples from the 2026-entry cycle (for reference):
Global: apps opened 2 June 2025, deadline 31 July 2025, final interviews 30–31 Oct 2025. Pakistan: deadline 5 Aug 2025. Expect a similar window annually, but always verify your constituency’s page.
What it offers (funding & support)
Covers:
- Oxford course fees (University and College)
- Annual stipend (2025–26: £20,400 ≈ £1,700/month)
- Visa fees & IHS, two economy flights (to/from UK), settling-in allowance
- Possible support for visa renewal when moving to a second course
- Standard tenure is two years; extensions may be possible for certain degrees.
Fast Facts Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Full-time Master’s and DPhil (PhD) at the University of Oxford (most courses eligible) |
| Coverage | Fees, stipend (£20,400 for 2025–26), visa & IHS, two flights, settling-in allowance |
| Tenure | Normally 2 years; some cases may extend to 3+ years (degree-dependent) |
| Eligibility frame | By constituency; check age window, citizenship/residency, degree status |
| Selection | Academic excellence, leadership, character, service orientation |
| Timeline (typical) | Open: June → Deadlines: late Jul–Aug → Interviews: late Oct → Start: late Sep/Oct next year |