Rhodes Scholarships 2024-2025: University of Oxford Scholarship (Fully Funded)October 2, 2023 by Digital Vaults Editorial Team

Scholarship Summary

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Supported by: University of Oxford/Government of UK

The number of GKS Scholarships available: International Students Can Apply for 100 Scholarships

Deadline: Oct 2023 (Varies depending on country)

Background

In the world of academics and research, Oxford University has been at the top for centuries. Oxford University is famous for its academic brilliance and its scholars’ success in almost every walk of life. This great University offers many a scholarship to invite brilliant minds from around the globe to study there. One scholarship that stands ahead of all the scholarships Oxford University has to offer is the Rhodes scholarship.

Rhodes scholars from all around the globe have found phenomenal success in their chosen field of career.

Here I will take you on a tour of the Rhodes scholarship, which will answer almost every question you have about this coveted scholarship.

You can find full list of scholarships in UK for international students here.

What is the Rhodes scholarship?

Instituted by the Rhodes Trust and offered to scholars since the year 1902
It is a fully funded scholarship
Offered for full-time postgraduate courses at the Oxford University
Takes in exceptionally talented students from all around the globe

What does the Rhodes scholarship cover?

Studying and living in the United Kingdom is very expensive. So it becomes essential to know what the scholarship offers to the students financially. The scholarship duration is 2 years.

University course fees for the duration of the study
Student Visa expenses
A settling allowance upon arrival in Oxford
The annual stipend ((£16,000 per year)that is meant to cover the accommodation and living expenses. Note that it might not be enough if you have partner or children.
Fees towards health insurance (the students can access the National Health Service)
Two economy class tickets for students for the beginning and end of studies at Oxford University.
Research grants to attend international seminars and do additional research work.

Rhodes scholarship Selection criteria

Let us understand the values and guiding principles that define this scholarship. It is pertinent here to mention that the selection criteria specified at the inception of the scholarship in the year 1902 are still in force. Here they are

Demonstration of academic brilliance
Ability to use full use of one’s talent
Humane traits and values like truth, courage, unselfishness, sympathy, and fellowship
Leadership instincts and a desire for others’ well-being

Rhodes scholarship Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria vary slightly based on the constituency the student is applying for. However, you must check the eligibility checker tool to know everything in detail.

Nationality and citizenship
Educational Qualification: Holding a bachelor’s degree or likely to obtain one by July 2023 (for this session of application)
Age: Minimum of 18 years and maximum of 27 years by the cut-off date, i.e., 1st October 2022
Academic achievement: A grade that meets the minimum entry requirements by the specific course you are applying for. However, given the intense competition among international students, there is a greater chance of securing admission if you have a first-class honors degree.

Rhodes scholarship Required Documents

Let us see what the documents required to complete your application for the Rhodes scholarship are;

Valid passport or a birth certificate for proof of age
Valid passport for verification of citizenship
Mark sheet for Bachelor’s degree
Mark sheet for secondary school examinations or equivalent
Evidence of formal study/ certificate proving continuity of education if you are currently studying in a bachelor’s program
A complete CV (Check guidelines)
A head & Shoulder color photograph
A personal statement (of not more than 750 words)
An academic statement of study (of not more than 350 words)
Reference by a minimum of four to a maximum of five persons (and their relevant details)

Also, students must remember that applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to give proof of proficiency in the English language. Also, in some instances, they can request a waiver. However, You can learn the Oxford university criteria for acceptance of ability in the English language from here.

Rhodes scholarship Selection procedure

In simple words, in addition to exceptional academic credentials, you need to tell the selection committee about yourself in the statement you make. Then you go through the process of interviews after a long listing. Based on the results of the interviews, If short-listed, you will again go through interviews to prove that you are a worthy choice for the scholarship from your constituency.

It’s the combination of the academic statement, personal statement, and the recommendations made for you that ultimately helps you make the final cut. Here is some additional information about the selection process.

Rhodes Scholarships are awarded regardless of financial status.
In selecting Rhodes Scholars, no differences in marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, social background, disability, or caste are considered.
The scholarship cannot be deferred or brought forward.
The Rhodes Scholarships are applied for first. If selected, the student must apply separately to the chosen program of study.
No scholarship will be offered if any suitable candidates are not found.

So far, we have seen the enriching academic career offered by Oxford University. Here is some more information you should know about the scholarship.

Number of Rhodes Scholarship by Country

The Rhodes constituencies and the number of Scholarships available for each are listed below. By clicking on the constituencies, you can learn more about them.

Australia (9 Scholarships)
Bermuda (1 Scholarship)
Canada (11 Scholarships)
China (4 Scholarships)
Commonwealth Caribbean (1 Scholarship)Covering Anguilla, Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent, Trindad and Tobago, and, the Turks and Caicos Islands
East Africa (1 Scholarship)Covering Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi
Germany (2 Scholarships)
Global (2 Scholarships)
Hong Kong SAR (2 Scholarships)
India (5 Scholarships)
Israel (2 Scholarships)
Jamaica (1 Scholarship)
Kenya (2 Scholarships)
Malaysia (1 Scholarship)
New Zealand (3 Scholarships)
Pakistan (1 Scholarship)
Saudi Arabia (2 Scholarships)
Singapore (1 Scholarship)
Southern Africa (10 Scholarships) Covering South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and eSwatini
Syria Jordan Lebanon and Palestine SJLP (2 Scholarships)
United Arab Emirates (2 Scholarships)
United States (32 Scholarships) Covering the 50 states of the US, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
West Africa (2 Scholarships) Covering Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, the island of Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Principe and Togo
Zambia (2 Scholarships)
Zimbabwe (2 Scholarships)

Official website

https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/

Frequently Asked Questions:

How difficult is it to get a Rhodes scholarship?

Answer: Getting selected for a Rhodes scholarship is very tough, albeit in a good way, since the number of scholarship offered for each constituency is limited and the numbers of applications are too high.

How prestigious is the Rhodes scholarship?

Answer: A global selection ratio of less than 0.7% makes it one of the world’s most competitive and respected scholarships.

Is there any age limit for Rhodes Scholars?

Answer: Yes, there is. Since it keeps changing from time to time, checking the official site would be wise.

How could you describe the benefit of the Rhodes scholarship?

Answer: In one sentence, it is a scholarship of the highest order offering benefits to students academically, socially, personally, and financially.

Can married scholars apply for Rhodes scholarships?

Answer: Yes, they can.

Is the financial assistance enough for one to keep a spouse and kids with themselves during the study?

Answer: The part of the scholarship amount given for living and boarding expenses will not be enough for more than one person to live in Oxford. Also, the students may not get accommodation for a family in all the colleges of the University hence they have to spend on accommodation on their own.

Can I apply for Rhodes after my master’s?

Yes, you can apply after having a Postgraduate degree. You can apply for another post-graduation course for a Ph.D. program.