Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship. Rhodes Scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service, and study at the University of Oxford.

• Citizen of an eligible country (Rhodes constituencies worldwide)
• Age 19 to 25 at the time of entry (some constituencies allow up to 28)
• Completed or on track to complete an undergraduate degree by the start of the scholarship
• Outstanding academic achievement

• Full university and college fees
• Annual personal stipend
• Economy return airfare
• Settling-in allowance
• Travel grants for research

• Online application through the Rhodes Trust portal
• Personal statement
• Academic transcripts
• Five letters of recommendation (four academic, one personal)
• Passport/ID confirmation
• Research proposal (for DPhil applicants)

1. 1Apply through your country's Rhodes constituency by the local deadline (typically July–October)
2. 2Selected applicants are invited to in-person interviews by a national selection committee
3. 3Finalists attend a selection dinner and interview weekend
4. 4Successful candidates are announced by November/December

• Literary and scholastic attainments
• Energy to use one's talents to the full
• Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for others
• Moral force of character and leadership

• Each country has its own deadline — check rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk for your constituency
• Five strong referees who know you well are essential — start asking early
• Show genuine commitment to service and public good, not just academic achievement
• Prepare for the interview by thinking deeply about your values and how you act on them

Last verified: April 30, 2026

Deadlines vary by country. US deadline is typically early October. Check your constituency page.