The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and oldest international postgraduate scholarships in the world. Established in 1902, it gives outstanding young leaders the opportunity to study Master’s or PhD degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The scholarship supports future change-makers with full funding and access to an elite global network of alumni.
What Are the Rhodes Scholarships?
The Rhodes Scholarships are fully funded postgraduate awards administered by the Rhodes Trust for graduates from eligible countries and regions. Scholars are selected not only for academic excellence but also for leadership, commitment to service, character, and potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
Scholarships are offered in many regional constituencies (such as West Africa, Southern Africa, the United States, Australia, and more), and a Global Rhodes Scholarship also exists for applicants from regions without a specific constituency.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Rhodes Scholarship is fully funded and covers the essential costs associated with postgraduate study at Oxford:
Full Tuition and Fees
All tuition fees and college fees at the University of Oxford are paid on behalf of the scholar by the Rhodes Trust.
Living Stipend
Scholars receive a generous annual stipend to cover living expenses — most recent figures are around £19,800 per year (approximately £1,650 per month), adjusted with the cost of living in the UK.
Travel Support
The scholarship includes return economy-class flights to and from the UK at the beginning and end of your studies.
Visa and Insurance
Rhodes covers student visa fees and the International Health Surcharge (IHS), granting access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Settling-In Allowance and Other Support
Scholarship holders usually receive a one-time settling-in payment to help cover initial relocation costs.
Some constituencies also offer additional travel or research grants, but these vary by region and are not guaranteed for every scholar.
Level of Study
The Rhodes Scholarships support postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, including:
- Master’s Degrees (such as MSc, MPhil, etc.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil / PhD) degrees
The typical duration for Master’s programs is around two years, and some PhD programs can be supported for up to three years, depending on course length and approval.
Who Is Eligible
Rhodes Scholarships are designed for outstanding young leaders worldwide. While eligibility requirements vary slightly by region or constituency, the core criteria generally include:
Citizenship or Residency Requirement
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the Rhodes constituency they’re applying through. This depends on nationality or residence in certain countries or regions.
Age Requirement
Most applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old on 1 October 2025. Older candidates (up to age 27) may be eligible if they completed their first undergraduate degree later than usual, provided the degree was completed by mid-2024 or later.
Academic Background
Applicants must have completed or be on track to complete an undergraduate degree by mid-2026 and meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen Oxford graduate course. Competitive candidates typically have a strong academic record (e.g., First Class or GPA equivalent).
English Proficiency
Applicants must meet the University of Oxford’s English language requirements unless exempt.
Leadership and Service
Rhodes expects evidence of leadership, commitment to community or public service, and personal character. This is evaluated through essays, references, and interview performance.
How to Apply
The application process for the Rhodes Scholarships normally includes the following steps:
- Check Eligibility for Your Constituency: Visit the official Rhodes Trust site and use the eligibility checker for your region.
- Request Nomination (if needed): Some constituencies require institutional nomination from your university.
- Complete the Online Application: Upload your academic transcripts, references, personal statements, CV, and other required documents.
- Submit by Your Regional Deadline: Deadlines vary by country — in many regions, they fall between June and October 2026.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates typically attend interviews in their country or at Rhodes House in Oxford in October 2026.
- Oxford Graduate Admission: Upon selection, scholars apply for formal admission to their chosen Oxford program.
Because there’s variation by country, applicants are strongly advised to check the official Rhodes Trust website for exact deadlines and application steps for their constituency.
Deadline for 2026 Intake
The application deadline for Rhodes Scholarships 2026 varies by region, but most constituencies have application closing dates between July and October 2025. For example, some deadlines include:
- West Africa: Around mid-August 2026
- United States: Early October 2026
- Global category: Late July 2026 (with eligibility check requirement)
Final interviews typically take place in October 2026, and offers are usually confirmed by late 2026 or early 2027.
Why the Rhodes Scholarship Is Exceptional
The Rhodes Scholarship is not just financial support — it’s a prestigious personal and professional milestone. It brings:
- A fully funded pathway to study at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s top universities.
- A substantial living stipend that supports a comfortable student life.
- Travel and insurance coverage, which relieves the burden of logistical and healthcare costs.
- Access to the Rhodes Scholar global network, which includes world leaders in government, academia, business, and social impact sectors.
Because selection criteria focus on character and leadership as much as academic ability, Rhodes Scholars are often seen as future influential leaders and change-makers on the global stage.
Final Thoughts
The Rhodes Scholarships 2026 offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for exceptional young scholars. With its full coverage of tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance, the programme enables you to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford without financial stress. Beyond funding, it opens doors to a prestigious and supportive community of global peers and alumni.
