The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world. Since 1902, over 8,000 students from around the globe have headed to Oxford University in England as Rhodes Scholars. The scholarship covers all expenses for 2-3 years of study at Oxford and provides a unique opportunity for intelligent, motivated students to immerse themselves in one of the world’s premier academic environments.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Rhodes Scholarship, including:
- What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
- History and Notable Rhodes Scholars
- Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- The Rhodes Scholarship Application Process
- Rhodes Scholarship Interview Preparation
- Rhodes Scholarship Essays Overview
- What You Can Study at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar
- Life at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar
- Rhodes Scholarship FAQs
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand if you’re a competitive applicant for the Rhodes Scholarship, how to submit a winning application, and what life is like for Rhodes Scholars at Oxford. Let’s get started!
What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship program was established in 1902 through the will of British businessman and politician Cecil Rhodes. Rhodes hoped to bring outstanding students from across the English-speaking world, and later Germany, to study at Oxford, his alma mater. Rhodes wanted to develop leaders who would “fight the world’s fight” – taking on major challenges and making a positive impact globally.
Today, up to 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually. Scholars are selected based on:
- Literary and scholastic attainments
- Energy to use one’s talents to the full
- Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and 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
The scholarship covers all tuition, fees, and living expenses for 2-3 years of postgraduate study at Oxford. The approximate value is £50,000 per year. Scholars can pursue any full-time postgraduate degree at Oxford, in fields ranging from Biochemistry to International Relations to Musicology.
The central goal is still developing young leaders who are motivated to “fight the world’s fight”. Rhodes Scholars have gone on to become heads of state, politicians, academics, journalists, business leaders, and more.
History and Notable Rhodes Scholars
The Rhodes Scholarship has a long, storied history. Since the first class in 1903, over 100 Rhodes Scholars have gone on to win Nobel Prizes. Here are a few other notable Rhodes Scholar achievements:
- President Bill Clinton (US)
- Prime Minister Bob Hawke (Australia)
- Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (India)
- Journalist Rachel Maddow (US)
- Supreme Court Justice David Souter (US)
- President Wasim Sajjad (Pakistan)
- Physicist Edwin McMillan, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- Poet Robert Penn Warren, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
- Neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield, pioneered epilepsy surgery
Rhodes Scholars are elected in over 22 constituencies around the world, including countries across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas. While the majority of Scholars still come from the US and the Commonwealth, the program has expanded to be increasingly international.
Germany was included beginning in 1929, as part of reconciliation after World War 1. Egyptian students were elected beginning in 1954. In 1977, the first woman was elected in an all-male constituency. And in 2018, the first two Rhodes Scholars from Saudi Arabia were elected. The program continues to evolve, working to expand access to outstanding students from an array of backgrounds.
Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Rhodes Scholarship, you must:
1. Nationality/citizenship requirement
You must be a citizen of or have lived for 5 of the past 10 years in one of the eligible constituencies. The constituencies include: Australia, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Canada, China, East Africa, Egypt & Sudan, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel & Palestine, Jamaica & Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa, United Arab Emirates, United States, West Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
2. Academic requirements
You must have completed (or will complete by October 2023) an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of at least 3.70 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
3. Age limits
You must be between the ages of 19 and 25 on October 1st, 2023 to qualify. While you may apply before finishing your undergraduate degree, you must have completed your degree by the time you would start at Oxford in October 2023 if elected.
4. Residency at Oxford
If elected, you must gain acceptance into a graduate program at Oxford and begin study in October 2023. You must remain enrolled full-time and make “normal academic progress” to maintain the scholarship.
5. Previous Rhodes Scholarship
If you have already received a Rhodes Scholarship, you are not eligible to apply again.
The Rhodes Scholarship Application Process
Applying for the Rhodes Scholarship is an involved process that requires serious planning. Here is an overview of the key steps:
1. Determine your eligibility
Double check that you meet the eligibility requirements above in terms of citizenship, academics, age, and prior scholarships.
2. Identify your constituency
Determine which constituency you will apply through, based on your citizenship and residence. Reach out to the National Secretary for that constituency if you have any questions.
3. Request letters of recommendation
You will need 5-8 letters of recommendation, including at least 4 academic references. Identify potential recommenders early and request letters 3-4 months before the deadline.
4. Complete the online application
The application opens in early June. You will need to provide information on academics, activities, employment, and more.
5. Write your personal statement
This 1,000 word essay explains why you want to study at Oxford and requires significant drafting.
6. Submit endorsement forms
Your university will need to complete endorsement forms online. Follow up to confirm they have been submitted.
7. Attend interviews
If you are selected as a finalist, you will interview first at the district level, then regional for US applicants.
8. Wait for selection results
Results are announced in mid-late November. If selected, you must gain acceptance to Oxford before beginning study.
The Rhodes Trust website has detailed timelines and checklists for applicants. Be sure to follow all instructions closely for your specific constituency.
Rhodes Scholarship Interview Preparation
A crucial part of the process is interviewing both at the district and regional levels. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Know your resume and application inside and out. Review it regularly leading up to the interview.
- Reflect on your experiences, goals, and growth. Identify key messages you want to convey.
- Research current events, especially Rhodes Scholarship news. Be prepared to discuss your views.
- Practice responding to common Rhodes interview questions. Consider your tone and messaging.
- Schedule mock interviews with mentors to practice. Ask for feedback on content and delivery.
- Prepare questions to ask at the end to demonstrate your interest.
- Review Oxford’s colleges and academic programs. Be ready to discuss your plans.
- Get a good night’s sleep beforehand and arrive early. Being rested and on time will help your confidence.
- Bring copies of your application and resume as reference during the interview.
- Dress professionally. First impressions matter.
- Make eye contact, relax, and be yourself. Draw on your passion for the opportunity.
With practice and preparation, you can feel poised and ready to have an engaging, thoughtful interview. The interviews are challenging but designed for you to succeed if the Rhodes Scholarship is the right fit.
Rhodes Scholarship Essays Overview
A crucial part of your Rhodes Scholarship application is the 1,000 word personal statement. Here are some tips for crafting an outstanding essay:
Understand the prompt
The essay prompt asks, “Please provide a statement of your educational and other interests. What makes you interested in studying at Oxford and how do you think Oxford might benefit from having you as a student?”
This is your chance to explain why you are passionate about Oxford and how you will contribute as a Rhodes Scholar. Avoid simply praising Oxford as an institution. Focus on how it connects to your academic and professional goals.
Structure an engaging narrative
Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate key themes, rather than making generic statements about your interests. Tell a cohesive story that builds across clear paragraphs.
Demonstrate intellectual vitality
Share specific details about the academic work that excites you and how Oxford will help you grow. Explain the big questions that drive your studies. Avoid too much summary.
Highlight individuality
What makes your perspective unique? How have your personal experiences shaped your pursuits? Include details that reveal your individual background, viewpoint, and goals.
Convey leadership potential
Talk about experiences that show your ability to lead, from organizing a protest to launching a club. Explain how you will serve others at Oxford and beyond.
Watch your tone
Avoid sounding arrogant or entitled. Be confident but not cocky. Show gratitude for your opportunities and a desire to learn.
Refine carefully
Leave time for multiple drafts. Tighten language, check grammar, and remove repetition. Have mentors read drafts and provide feedback.
With careful planning and drafting, your essay can share a compelling vision that sets you apart. Be reflective, specific, and sincere.
What You Can Study at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar
One of the best features of the Rhodes Scholarship is the opportunity to pursue your academic interests fully through postgraduate study at Oxford. As a Rhodes Scholar, you can enroll in any full-time graduate degree program offered by Oxford’s departments and faculties.
Here are some of the most popular subjects that Rhodes Scholars pursue:
- Sciences: Biology, biochemistry, physics, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science
- Social Sciences: Politics, international relations, economics, area studies, development studies, psychology
- Humanities: History, English, linguistics, modern languages, music, fine art
- Interdisciplinary: Philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE); archaeology and anthropology; geography and the environment
But the possibilities go far beyond those fields. Oxford offers over 200 graduate programs, from Architecture to Byzantine Studies to Executive MBA’s. You can explore the full list of degrees on the University of Oxford website.
When applying, you do not need to have a specific graduate program in mind yet. If you are elected as a Rhodes Scholar, you will then go through Oxford’s regular graduate admissions process and identify a department in which to pursue your DPhil (PhD equivalent) or taught masters degree (MSt, MPhil, MSc, etc).
Part of what makes the Rhodes Scholarship so special is the flexibility it provides to dive into your academic interests fully, surrounded by Oxford’s exceptional resources. The only limits are Oxford’s course catalog and your own imagination!
Life at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar
If selected as a Rhodes Scholar, you will have the privilege of joining a unique scholarly community at Oxford for 2-3 years. Here’s an overview of life as a Rhodes Scholar:
Accommodation
Most Rhodes Scholars live together at Rhodes House in central Oxford. Rhodes House provides housing, meals, social spaces, sports facilities, and support staff. You’ll be surrounded by fellow Scholars from around the world.
Academics
You’ll take courses based on Oxford’s schedule of three 8-week terms per year. Expect 1-3 lectures per week plus individualized tutorials. Self-directed libraries studies are crucial. Coursework is typically one major essay per term.
Community
An array of seminars, speakers, receptions, and groups are designed to foster discussion among Scholars. You’ll also form close connections with your college peers through classes, clubs, and socializing.
Exploration
Take advantage of travel across the UK and Europe during breaks between terms. Many Scholars also pursue internships during summers or an additional study abroad year after completing their Oxford degree.
Costs
All tuition, housing, flights, health care, food, books, fees, and a stipend for vacations and travel are covered by the scholarship, so you can fully immerse yourself at Oxford without financial burden.
The Rhodes Scholarship provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility. You’ll join a community of thoughtful peers while gaining immense academic, professional, and personal development opportunities. It’s an experience you’ll reflect on for a lifetime.
Rhodes Scholarship FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Rhodes Scholarship:
How many Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually?
Up to 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded each year. The exact number can vary based on available funding. 85 are allocated to constituencies, with 15 at-large “Global Rhodes Scholarships”.
What does the scholarship cover financially?
It covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend, economy class flights to and from Oxford at the start and end of your scholarship, visa costs, and much more. Everything you need to complete your degree is included.
What degree programs can I pursue?
You can pursue any full-time graduate degree program offered by Oxford. This includes 1-3 year research degrees like the DPhil or taught masters programs.
Do I choose my college and degree before applying?
No – you apply broadly for the Rhodes Scholarship without needing to select a specific Oxford college or graduate program in advance.
Can I defer winning the scholarship?
Generally no – the scholarship should be taken up right after you complete your undergraduate studies. Some limited deferrals are granted for compulsory military service.
How can I stand out as an applicant?
Pursue genuine leadership roles that show commitment beyond just achievements. Impact others positively through voluntary service. Demonstrate curiosity and growth. Thoughtfully match your goals with what Oxford offers.
What makes a strong personal statement?
Show (don’t tell) what drives your academic interests. Share specific anecdotes that reveal your character. Explain why Oxford fits into your vision. Be sincere and structurally sound.
We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the Rhodes Scholarship and how you can put together a competitive application. It’s an incredible opportunity to access Oxford’s world-class academics while joining a community of inspiring peers. With hard work and passion, you can develop a compelling case for why you’re a great fit as a Rhodes Scholar.