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.
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.
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.
There are two Rhodes Scholarships available each year for Global.
The Global Scholarships allow eligible candidates from the rest of the world (i.e. not strongly connected to any other Rhodes Scholarships Constituency) to apply for a Scholarship, subject to nomination.
You can request and receive nomination through the application form itself – you will not be able to submit an application for a Global Rhodes Scholarship unless a nomination from your institution has been received.
Selection Criteria
The Rhodes Scholarship is a merit scholarship, and there is no such thing as a ‘type’ when considering who gets selected. In fact, the strength of the Scholarship comes from its rigorous selection criteria and diversity.
➜ Literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)
- You are intellectually curious, with a deep love of learning and can think critically about a range of subjects.
- You are consistently one of the top performers in your class.
- You thrive in academically challenging and rigorous courses.
➜ 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)
- Your passion for developing yourself extends outside the classroom.
- You have worked hard to develop mastery in your skills, whether competitive, cultural or creative.
- You can demonstrate sustained and outstanding achievement in your chosen pursuit.
➜ Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship
- You seek to live out your values in all that you do.
- Serving others is a duty you take seriously, whether your community is large or small, local or international.
➜ Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings
- You have the courage to act on your initiative and inspire others to follow.
- You demonstrate leadership in both thought and action.
Eligibility Criteria
The detailed eligibility criteria varies slightly depending on which constituency you are applying for. You can use our eligibility checker tool to find out if you meet the criteria and are eligible to apply for the Scholarship.
Next: Check Your Eligibility and Apply ➜
Your eligibility for the Global Scholarship must also be confirmed by a member of the Rhodes House team. This will be done through the application form but you will only be able to submit once you have received approval. Please note, this means that 29th July 2025 is the last date that you can begin an application form.
As the Rhodes Scholarships are place-based, the eligibility criteria, application requirements and selection process vary slightly depending on which constituency you are applying for. To ensure that you have all of the information you need to apply, please read the Information for Candidates – specific to Global – carefully. You should also check the Conditions of Tenure to ensure that your proposed course of study is covered by the Rhodes Scholarship and share the Guidance for Referees with your referees.
Application Process
Navigate below to understand each stage of the application process.
3. Check Your Eligibility and Apply
- Find out if you are eligible to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, which constituency you should apply through, and start your application!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Consult our comprehensive list of FAQs about the Scholarship, funding, eligibility criteria, application process and more.
Opening date: 2 June 2025
Closing date: 23:59 GMT, 31 July 2025