Rhodes scholarship is, undoubtedly, one of the best scholarships for International Students, which provides postgraduate students with life changing opportunities to join outstanding young people from across the world to study at the University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom.
The Scholarship supports and identify exceptional young talents from various backgrounds. The scholarship stands out due to its extensive global network, and the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford. It is a merit based, with the aim of developing aspiring public spirited leaders, promoting international understanding and peace through an international community of scholarship.
Therefore, In this article, we will discuss about everything you need to know about the Scholarship, and the type of scholarship that is offered by Rhodes.
Who Is Eligible For Rhodes Scholarship?
Rhodes Scholarship eligibility vary depending on the specific region the applicant is from, because it is designed to be place- based. However, here are some eligibility criteria:
- General eligibility expects applicants being a citizen or a permanent resident of countries covered by Rhodes trust.
- Students must be within between age 18 and 24
- Applicants must demonstrate strong character, good leadership skills, and commitment to service.
- Also, Applicants must have completed or be completing an undergraduate degree with excellent academic qualifications. This often requires a first class or second class upper academic degree.
- Applicants are expected to provide official transcripts from their university.
When Is Rhodes Scholarship Open To Students?
Rhodes scholarship is open to students from all backgrounds around the world. Application for Rhodes Scholarships will be open in June 2025 for entry to the University of Oxford in 2026.
Is Rhodes Scholarship Easy To Obtain?
No. Rhodes is competitive with a rigorous selection criteria, limited number of awards, and the reputation associated with the scholarship.
Applicants tend to compete with some of the brightest and most talented students across the globe.
The vast majority of students who apply for Rhodes, 98% are not going to win. The interview and application process is a very beneficial experience for students as they embark on their professional life.
How Much Does Rhodes Scholarship Cover?
More than the money, though, the Rhodes is about opening doors. It brings together sharp, driven people from around the world and gives them a chance to study, grow, and do work that matters.
Rhodes is a Fully Funded postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study full time at the University of Oxford.
For 2025/26 academic year, the stipend is £19,800 per year, which is £1,650 per month. Rhodes trust also covers the visa application, and the international health surcharge (IHS).
What Is The Minimum GPA For Rhodes Scholarship?
Rhodes Scholarship has adopted a 3.7/4.0 or higher minimum GPA requirement in order for applicants to be eligible to apply for a scholarship. The GPA is a crucial factor to look at before applying for a Rhodes Scholarships.
Note that, a high GPA is crucial for securing a Scholarship because the award criteria emphasizes scholastic achievement.
Also, A high GPA is a reflection of your ability to perform well academically and also your dedication to learning. Hence, Rhodes Scholarship selection is process looks for applicants who demonstrate academic leadership, potential to contribute to the society, and good intellectual curiosity.
Extracurricular activities and strong essays are very crucial too, but a strong GPA gives you a significant advantage to stand out when competing against other highly qualified applicants.
Why Is Rhodes Scholarships Considered One Of The Best?
Rhodes is among the prestigious oldest (first awarded in 1902) international scholarship programme, enabling scholars from across the globe to study at the University of Oxford.
Rhodes Scholarship is considered one of the best because of its extensive financial support, the stable network alumni they foster, and it reputable university of Oxford they enable easy access to.
Also, the Scholarship selection is based on the academic excellence, commitment to service, character, and leadership potential. The scholarship also covers all university and college fees, travel expenses, a living stipend, and other related expenses.
The Scholarship allows scholars to focus on their studies without any financial distractions. Rhodes Scholarships provides world renowned institutional benefits, which offers scholars exceptional educational opportunities.
What Are The Benefits Of Rhodes Scholarship Program?
Rhodes Scholarship provides eligible applicants with lot of great benefits, which include a full funded tuition and registration fees for postgraduate programs at the University of Oxford, provides allowance for study materials, research, and medical aid, and also accommodations and meals.
The Rhode Sponsorship provides scholars good access to global network of alumni, mentors, and resources for personal and professional advancement. Rhodes Scholarship provides both academic and intellectual enrichment opportunities to scholars, scholars get good access to wide range of disciplines, research opportunities, and world class faculty.
the scholarship allows scholars to participate in programs that are designed to enhance service, character, and leadership skills. Scholars also get access to internship opportunities and workshops that is mainly focused on skills development and career growth.
For the 2025/26 academic year, the stipends is £19,800 per annum, which enables scholars pay all living costs, including travel and accommodation costs.
What Are The Required Documents For Rhodes Scholarship?
There are several required documents that applicant are expected to submit in order to be eligible for Rhodes Sponsorship. The following are the basic required documents:
1. Personal statements/ Essay
This is an essay that gives applicant a chance to share their story, explain why they deserve the scholarship, and also showcase their unique qualities. Applicants are also allowed to state why they wish to study at the university of Oxford.
2. Evidence of Academic/Transcript
Evidence of academic achievement allows applicants to highlight their undergraduate degree either in progress or completed, and any postgraduate study.
3. English Language proficiency
Applicants are required to provide scores from standardized tests either ILETS or TOEFL.
4. CV/ Resume
Applicant are expected to submit well tailored CV or Resume that highlights extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and and other relevant experience. (please do not include photograph in your CV for this scholarship).
5. Evidence Of Age
Applicant are expected to submit a proof that showcase their age, either a birth certificate, passport, or other official identification information.
6. Four Reference Letter
Applicant are required to submit a four reference letter that demonstrates a multifaceted perspective on your qualifications, potential, and strengths.
What Are The Step By Step Application Process For Rhodes Scholarship
Here is a step by step guide that will provide you with the guidance you need to apply for a Rhode scholarship:
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
The first step is to check if you meet the eligibility requirements, the Scholarship has specific criteria, including nationality, academic qualifications (like bachelor’s degree with a first class or second upper honors degree), age ( between 18 to 24).
Step 2: Apply Online And Complete The Online Application
You can apply at Rhodes through the scholarship tab. Ensure to submit required documents, including CV, personal statement/ Essay, and academic transcript.
Step 3: Choose a Course
Make research on the course being offered at University of Oxford and cross check which one aligns with your academic interests.
Note: When preparing for your application process, ensure to read carefully the general information. especially the relevant information that held on the scholarship tab on the Rhode website, the conditions of Tenure for Rhodes Scholarship, the information in this document, and the graduate admissions pages on the University of Oxford.
Step 4: Secure Letter Of Recommendation
When considering a letter of recommendation, ensure to choose strong recommender that can provide broad insights into your academic achievements, character, or leadership potential.
Is The Rhode Scholarship Worth It?
Yes! The Rhodes scholarship is so worth it, it is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. Becoming a Rhodes scholar is a significant honor and it often opens doors to numerous opportunities.
Rhodes is highly valuable because of of the financial support, stable access to world class education at the university of Oxford, and the opportunity to connect with a global network of scholars. The Scholarship is very competitive, but it provides tons of opportunities that allows Rhodes scholar to significantly enhance career prospects.
Rhodes Scholarship offers scholars unique educational and personal growth opportunities. The scholarship prioritizes academic excellence, leadership potentials, commitment to public service, and aim to make positive impact.
Rhodes Scholarship stands out due to its prestigious status, focus on developing global leaders, and long history. It allows young individuals from around the globe to pursue postgraduate studies at University of Oxford, a highly reputable institution.
What Is The Controversy With Rhodes Scholarship?
Rhodes Sponsorship has faced several controversies since its inception, particularly on the exclusion of women and black Africans. Rhodes scholarship, that was established by Cecil Rhodes’ Will, has faces controversy due to its origins in colonialism and the scholarship’s original practices.
Although, the scholarship was initially limited to male students from specific countries (Common wealth of Nation, United States, and Germany). However, As of 1977 women became eligible for the scholarship, and black South Africans were not eligible for the scholarship until 1991. Nonetheless, This has fueled debates about the scholarships ties to colonialism and its ongoing relevance.
Are Africans Eligible For Rhodes Scholarships?
Yes! Africans are eligible for Rhodes. Rhodes Trust offers scholarships for students from various regions, including different parts of Africa in order to study at the university of Oxford.
These scholarships are open for West African, East African, and Southern African.
1. West Africa
There are basically three Rhodes scholarships available annually for Western Africans, including Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana.
2. East Africa
There is only one Rhodes scholarship being offered each year for East African including South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
3. Southern Africa
Rhodes Trust provides scholarships for southern Africa, including South Africa, Swaziland, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho, and Botswana.
In order to stand out, you need a strong educational background, impactful extracurricular activities, compelling recommendations, and strong essays. The selection process for Rhodes is competitive, with the global acceptance rate standing at 0.7%.
The Rhode Scholarship provides scholars good access to global network of alumni, mentors, and resources for personal and professional advancement. Rhodes Scholarship provides both academic and intellectual enrichment opportunities to scholars, scholars get good access to wide range of disciplines, research opportunities, and world class faculty.
Conclusion
Rhodes is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, living stipends, and other necessary costs for postgraduate study at University of Oxford. Also, Rhodes is available to individuals with outstanding intellect, commitment to service, leadership, and character. Moreover, it provides eligible students the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholarships are primarily offered to postgraduate students. This article has provided a guide on Rhodes Scholarship and we hope it is helpful to your search.
