Deadline:
July 31, 2025
Location(s)
United Kingdom
Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest (first awarded in 1902) and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship programme, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
When different people come together in a shared spirit, an exciting new journey begins. The Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing postgraduate opportunity to join outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
Applications for the Rhodes Scholarships are now closed, and will reopen in June 2025 for entry to the University of Oxford in 2026.
Details
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study full-time at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is merit-based, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders, and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of Scholars.
Applying for the Scholarship is a challenge, but it is an experience which has helped generations of young people to succeed. We encourage applications from talented students everywhere.
Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses in almost any field offered by Oxford University.
Life at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar
The University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities globally, offering you the opportunity to receive an exceptional postgraduate education. Here, you will have access to world-leading academic departments while being part of an interdisciplinary college community with outstanding social, sports and cultural facilities. As a Rhodes Scholar you will also have Rhodes House, a place to meet, think and learn in the heart of Oxford. Living in this beautiful, vibrant and historic city, the Rhodes Scholar experience is one of a kind.
The Rhodes Community
From the moment you are selected, you will be welcomed into a global, lifelong community of Rhodes Scholars, Alumni, and Fellows from our partnership programs. Beyond gaining access to a powerful professional network, you will connect with thoughtful, kind and ambitious individuals from around the world, collectively striving to drive progress.
Character, Service and Leadership Programme (CSLP)
The CSLP is the flagship programme at the core of the Rhodes Scholar experience. It is rooted in our distinct 'Character, Service, and Leadership' framework, which provides many different and varied opportunities to learn, connect, and engage across three key areas: understanding yourself and your values, building community with others, and navigating your own path through the world beginning with your journey at Oxford.
Scholar Support
Our dedicated Scholar Team is present to support you pastorally and financially at every stage of your journey from selection to the end of your studies. The Rhodes Trust staff are here to support you with settling in and thriving in a new environment, to ensure your academic, professional and personal success. We also provide emergency financial assistance and grants to fund research, travel and creative opportunities to help you make the most of your time at Oxford.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Do you meet either of the below criteria?
- You must be aged 18-24 on 1st October 2025 (i.e. you must have been born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2007)
OR for medical students with a compulsory professional internship:
- You must be aged 18-25 on 1st October 2025 (i.e. you must have been born after 1 October 1999 and before 2 October 2007)
OR for older candidates who completed their first undergraduate degree later than usual:
iii. You must be under the age of 27 on 1st October 2025 (i.e. have been born after 1 October 1998) AND you must also have completed your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2024.*
*A university's policy determines the date of completion of academic requirement for a degree and this may be different from when a degree is considered awarded by the university or the date of a graduation ceremony. In ambiguous cases, the decision of the National Secretary is final.
Could you be a Rhodes Scholar?
The key qualities of a Rhodes Scholar
Rhodes Selection Committees are looking for young people of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.
The four criteria which governed the selection of Rhodes Scholars in 1902 are still the guiding criteria for the selection of Rhodes Scholars:
- literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)
- energy to use one's talents to the full (as demonstrated by mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved)
- truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship
- moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.
Dates
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
The Rhodes Scholarship covers University of Oxford course fees, as well as providing an annual stipend. For the 2024/25 academic year, the stipend is £19,800 per annum (£1,650 per month) from which Scholars pay all living expenses, including accommodation. Please note: this is not sufficient to cover partners or dependents.
The detailed Conditions of Tenure document outlines permitted combinations of degrees, and how many years of study are covered by the Scholarship, as the latter depends on course choice — for example, up to three years of fees and stipend is available to Scholars who choose to undertake a DPhil (PhD) at Oxford.
Following selection for the Scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will also cover:
- The fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford
- Fees for a student visa and associated International Health Surcharge (IHS), which enables international students to access the UK's National Health Service
- Two economy class flights to and from the UK, for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford.
On arrival in Oxford, Scholars receive a settling in allowance, and Scholars who transition to a second course of study in Oxford will receive assistance to cover the fees for visa renewal and further application for IHS.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
