The Rhodes Trust - Rhodes Scholarships

What the Rhodes Scholarship covers

You will be offered a full-time place on the postgraduate programme at University of Oxford, with all your tuition fees covered. In addition, you will receive a monthly living allowance of approximately 1,980 EUR (1,700 GBP) to cover rent and living costs. A scholarship is a regular payment to cover your living costs. The scholarship runs for two years, and a third year is possible if you are studying for a DPhil (as Oxford calls the PhD). It also covers your application fee for Oxford, visa fees and the NHS health surcharge, a return economy-class flight at the start and end of your studies, and a settlement allowance upon your arrival. You can apply for emergency funds as well as grants for research or projects. You will also take part in a leadership programme and join a global network of over 8,000 former Rhodes Scholars. The Rhodes Trust in Oxford administers the scholarship and has been supporting students since 1903.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You have obtained a first (bachelor’s) degree or are in your final year of study. A one-year postgraduate diploma or certificate will not be taken into account.
• Grades: You have an outstanding academic record, such as a degree with first-class honours, a grade point average (GPA) of 3.70/4.0 or an equivalent international qualification.
• Field of study: Almost all full-time postgraduate programmes at Oxford are eligible for funding. Exceptions include the postgraduate medical programme, Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) and programmes linked to employment with the NHS.
• Nationality: The programme is open to students from all over the world. Applications are made via your ‘constituency’ – that is, the region designated for your country – and you must comply with the rules applicable there.
• Age: Each constituency sets its own age limit and applies it strictly. Please therefore check the regulations in your region.
• English: If English is not your first language, you must meet the University of Oxford’s highest standards for English language proficiency.
• Money: Financial circumstances are not a factor. Selection is based solely on merit: academic results, personality, leadership qualities and commitment outside the classroom.

How to apply

Applications are made online via the Rhodes selection committee for your region. You must submit a personal statement, an academic CV and letters of recommendation. Application deadlines are set regionally (for the 2027 intake, the application period began on 1. June 2026; for the USA, from 1 July). Shortlisted candidates are invited to a social event, followed by a panel interview. If successful, you will begin your studies at Oxford the following October.

How realistic are your chances?

The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s best-known scholarship for university graduates and therefore attracts a huge number of outstanding applicants for just over 100 places worldwide, with each region receiving only a handful of these. Top marks are the ticket in, but not the decisive factor: The selection panels place great emphasis on leadership qualities, character and genuine achievements outside of your studies. If you can demonstrate exceptional all-round achievement and a clear commitment to helping others, you have a real chance. Consider this one of the most competitive awards of all.