Rhodes Scholarship for Postgraduate Study at the University of Oxford, 2023
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest (first awarded in 1902) and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship programme at the University of Oxford. The scholarship enables outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
The Rhodes Scholarship also supports exceptional young people for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, and actively fosters lifelong learning and fellowship.
What is distinctive about the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Scholarship is not just a financial bursary. It is a life-changing opportunity for exceptional young people with the potential to make a difference for good in the world. Rhodes Scholars are people who have a vision of how the world could be better and the energy to make a difference – whatever their sphere of interest. Rhodes alumni have distinguished themselves in every field. You can also see Scholar Stories and the ways in which they are standing up for the world.
As Selection Committees select on the basis not only of intellect, but also of character, leadership and commitment to service, the Scholar Programme in Oxford aims to build on these Rhodes Scholar qualities, with the first and second-year retreats, workshops and conferences, in addition to social and discussion events, hosted at Rhodes House.
The fellowship of Rhodes Scholars, worldwide and across generations, is active and over 7,000 strong. Rhodes Scholars therefore enter a lifelong fellowship with ongoing opportunities to connect with current and Senior Scholars. And, beyond that, a warm and engaging community within Scholars typically developing enduring friendships. The Rhodes Scholarship opens up opportunities for Scholars before, after and during their time in Oxford.
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 guiding criteria for the selection of Rhodes Scholars:
- Literary and also 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 also 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.
Eligibility for the Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford
The eligibility criteria for the Rhodes Scholarships vary depending on which constituency you are applying for. You can also use the Eligibility Checker if you are eligible to apply for the Rhodes Scholarships.
- Must be a citizen of the following West African countries:
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
the island of Saint Helena
Senegal
Sierra Leone
São Tomé and Principe
Togo
- Must also be resident in one or more of the countries listed above for at least five of the last ten years.
- Must be between the age of 25-27.
- Must have already completed or will have completed an undergraduate degree by July 2023 with First Class Honours Degree.
- Must also have sufficiently high standard of English.
Costs covered by the Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is for two years. The Rhodes Scholarship covers Oxford University (and College) fees, as well as providing an annual stipend.
For the 2019/20 academic year, the stipend will be £15,900 per annum (£1,325 per month) from which Scholars pay all living expenses, including accommodation. Please note—this does not cover partners or dependants.
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.
Upon selection, the Rhodes Trust will cover the fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford. The Trust will cover the fee for a Tier 4 study visa and the associated International Health Surcharge (IHS). This also enables international students to access the UK’s National Health Service. The Rhodes Trust will cover 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 (£225 in 2019-20). For those scholars who transition to a second course of study in Oxford, they will again receive help to cover the fee for visa renewal and further application for IHS.
Several research grants are also available to Rhodes Scholars, on application, which enables Scholars to, for example, attend international conferences or conduct additional fieldwork.
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For more information, Visit the Rhodes Scholarship Website Here.