Rhodes Scholarships Program at the University of Oxford, 2027-2028

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Applications for the Rhodes Scholarship 2027 are now open. Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and among the most prestigious international postgraduate scholarship programmes in the world, enabling outstanding young people from over 70 countries to undertake fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The programme awards over 100 scholarships each year, including 20 dedicated to African candidates through six continental constituencies.

Administered by the Rhodes Trust (Registered Charity No. 232492), the Rhodes Scholarship is a merit-based, fully funded award that covers the full cost of University of Oxford course fees, an annual stipend of £20,400 (£1,700/month) for living expenses, visa and International Health Surcharge fees, two economy-class flights to and from the UK, a settling-in allowance upon arrival, and ongoing pastoral and financial support from a dedicated Scholar Team. Rhodes Scholars come to Oxford for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses in almost any field offered by the University. Applications made this year are for entry to Oxford in October 2027.

OVERVIEW OF THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIP

The Rhodes Scholarship was created through the will of Cecil Rhodes, with the express purpose of developing public-spirited leaders and promoting international understanding and peace through an international community of scholars. Since 1902, more than 8,000 Rhodes Scholars have passed through Oxford, and a living community of over 4,500 alumni currently resides in more than 100 countries.

The programme today operates in partnership with the Second Century Founders — John McCall MacBain O.C. and The Atlantic Philanthropies — alongside many other generous benefactors. The Rhodes Trust also stewards a family of partnership programmes that extend its mission: the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Atlantic Institute, Schmidt Science Fellows, and Rise.

Applying for the Rhodes Scholarship is, by the programme’s own admission, a challenge — but the institution explicitly encourages applications from talented candidates worldwide, including those who may not consider themselves the “typical” applicant. There is no formula for selection, no fixed profile, and no minimum score that automatically qualifies a candidate. Each cohort is diverse by design.

THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD — HOST INSTITUTION

The University of Oxford, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, offers an exceptional postgraduate education across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, engineering, and many other disciplines. Its distinctive college system — with 38 colleges, of which 35 accept Rhodes Scholars — combines world-leading departmental research with an intimate, interdisciplinary collegiate environment offering outstanding social, sporting, and cultural facilities.

Rhodes Scholars also have access to Rhodes House, a landmark building in the heart of Oxford that serves as the programme’s intellectual and community home. Recently reimagined and expanded, Rhodes House is a place to meet, think, learn, and collaborate — hosting the Scholars’ Library, event spaces, and the Character, Service and Leadership Programme.

COURSES OF STUDY AND DURATION

Rhodes Scholars may apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offered by the University of Oxford, in almost any field. This includes one-year taught Master’s degrees (MSc, MSt, MPhil), two-year research Master’s degrees, and three-year doctoral programmes (DPhil, Oxford’s equivalent of a PhD).

The duration and permitted combinations of degrees are outlined in the Conditions of Tenure document published by the Rhodes Trust. For example, up to three years of fees and stipend are available to scholars who undertake a DPhil. Scholars can also, under certain conditions, transition from one course to another or combine courses during their time at Oxford.

Candidates are expected to have reflected carefully on how their chosen Oxford course fits into their long-term trajectory and the contribution they aspire to make. Selection committees look for candidates who can articulate why Oxford, why this particular course, and how it connects to their broader vision for their life.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIP

The Rhodes Scholarship is fully funded. The financial package covers:

• Full University of Oxford course fees for the duration of the programme.
• An annual stipend of £20,400 (£1,700/month for the 2025-26 academic year) from which scholars pay all living expenses, including accommodation.
• The Oxford University application fee (paid by the Rhodes Trust after selection).
• Student visa fees and the associated International Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
• Two economy-class flights to and from the UK — one at the beginning and one at the end of studies.
• A settling-in allowance upon arrival in Oxford.
• Visa renewal and IHS fees for scholars transitioning to a second course of study at Oxford.
• Emergency financial assistance and grants for research, travel, and creative opportunities during the scholar’s time at Oxford.

THE FOUR SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection criteria that guided the choice of the first Rhodes Scholars in 1902 remain in force today. There is no “type” of Rhodes Scholar — the strength of the programme comes from the rigour of its criteria and the diversity of its cohorts.

1) Literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence). Candidates are intellectually curious, with a deep love of learning and the ability to think critically. They are consistently among the top performers in their class and thrive in academically rigorous environments.

2) Energy to use one’s talents to the full. This criterion extends well beyond sports. Candidates demonstrate sustained, outstanding achievement in areas such as sport, music, debate, dance, theatre, artistic pursuits, student government, or community activism — particularly where teamwork is involved.

3) Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness, and fellowship. Candidates seek to live out their values in everything they do. Service to others — whether in a local community or on an international scale — is a duty they take seriously.

4) Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings. Candidates have the courage to act on their initiative, inspire others to follow, and demonstrate leadership in both thought and action.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility criteria vary by constituency (the country or region through which a candidate applies). The Rhodes Trust provides an online eligibility checker tool on its official website, allowing each candidate to verify their constituency, the specific age limits, degree requirements, and residency/citizenship rules that apply to them.

As a general guideline drawn from the programme’s official materials:

• Candidates must typically be over 18 and under 24 years of age at the time of application, though this varies by constituency.
• Candidates must hold (or be in the process of completing) a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Candidates must meet the English language requirements of the University of Oxford.
• Candidates should apply through the constituency to which they have the strongest connection — typically based on citizenship or longest period of residence.

AFRICAN CONSTITUENCIES

The Rhodes Trust awards 20 scholarships per year specifically to African candidates, distributed across six dedicated constituencies:

• East Africa.
• Kenya.
• Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and eSwatini).
• West Africa.
• Zambia.
• Zimbabwe.

The Rhodes Trust has publicly stated its commitment to deepening engagement with the African continent and the Global South, reflecting a sense of historical responsibility and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

APPLICATION PROCESS — STEP BY STEP

The Rhodes application process consists of six key stages, each designed to reveal a different dimension of the candidate.

Stage 1 — Eligibility check. Candidates use the online eligibility checker to identify their constituency, verify their eligibility, and access the relevant Information for Candidates document.

Stage 2 — Choice of Oxford course. Candidates must research the University of Oxford’s postgraduate offerings and select a course that aligns with their academic trajectory and long-term goals. The Conditions of Tenure outlines which courses and degree combinations are covered by the Scholarship.

Stage 3 — Personal and academic statements. The Rhodes application includes a personal statement built around three prompts:

• Which Rhodes Scholar quality do you display most strongly?
• What would you like to learn from the Rhodes and wider community in Oxford?
• From your place in the world, what is humanity’s greatest need?

Additionally, candidates submit an academic statement describing their research and intellectual interests.

Stage 4 — Reference letters. Candidates must secure multiple reference letters from individuals who can speak substantively — with specific examples and evidence — to their qualifications and character. References may come from academic, professional, or community contexts. Letters are submitted via the online portal, and it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure timely submission. Family members are not permitted as referees.

Stage 5 — Social engagement. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a social engagement event (typically a reception and dinner), held before the final interview. This informal gathering brings together shortlisted candidates, selection panellists, and former Rhodes Scholars. It is not a performance — candidates are encouraged to be genuine and engaged.

Stage 6 — Final panel interview. The final stage is a panel interview lasting 30 to 45 minutes, conducted by a committee composed of former Rhodes Scholars, academics, and senior professionals. The interview process varies by constituency, with some holding multiple rounds before the final panel. Interviewers seek to understand who the candidate truly is — their values, motivations, self-awareness, and vision for their life. Candidates who know themselves deeply and can articulate their journey with authenticity tend to perform strongest.

LIFE AS A RHODES SCHOLAR AT OXFORD

Beyond the academic degree, Rhodes Scholars participate in a rich programme of activities designed to develop their leadership capabilities and deepen cross-cultural understanding:

• Welcome weeks and cultural celebrations at Rhodes House.
• Networking events, leadership and career development workshops, and interdisciplinary programming.
• The Character, Service and Leadership Programme, which cultivates integrity, purposeful leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service.
• Access to the Scholars’ Library and the full resources of Rhodes House.
• Pastoral and financial support from the dedicated Scholar Team at every stage of the journey, from selection through graduation.

From the moment of selection, scholars are welcomed into a global, lifelong community of Rhodes Scholars, alumni, and fellows from partnership programmes — collectively striving to drive progress in their respective fields and communities.

CONTACT

For questions about the programme, eligibility, or the application process, candidates can:

• Consult the comprehensive official FAQs on the Rhodes Trust website.
• Attend an information session.
• Subscribe to the Rhodes mailing list for updates on future application cycles.
• Contact the Rhodes Trust via the Contact & Staff page.

Mailing address: Rhodes House, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RG, United Kingdom.

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