The Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship

When different people come together in a shared spirit, an exciting new journey begins. The Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing postgraduate opportunity to join outstanding people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

Applications for the Rhodes Scholarship 2027 are now open! Applications made this year are for entry to the University of Oxford in October 2027. You can sign up to our mailing list to be notified when applications reopen in future years.

What is the Rhodes Scholarship?

A life-changing opportunity for postgraduate study at Oxford University

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate award which enables talented people from around the world to study full-time at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is merit-based, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders, and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of Scholars. 

Applying for the Scholarship is a challenge, but it is an experience which has helped generations of people to succeed. We encourage applications from talented students around the world.  

Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses in almost any field offered by Oxford University. 

What does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?

Costs covered by the Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship covers University of Oxford course fees, as well as providing an annual stipend. For the 2025-26 academic year, the stipend is £20,400 per annum (£1,700 per month) from which Scholars pay all living expenses, including accommodation. Please note: this is not sufficient to cover partners or dependents. 

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. 

Following selection for the Scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will also cover: 

• The fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford 

• Fees for a student visa and associated International Health Surcharge (IHS), which enables international students to access the UK's National Health Service 

• 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, and Scholars who transition to a second course of study in Oxford will receive assistance to cover the fees for visa renewal and further application for IHS. 

What makes the Rhodes Scholarship special?

Life at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar

1. Life at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar

The University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities globally, offering you the opportunity to receive an exceptional postgraduate education. Here, you will have access to world-leading academic departments while being part of an interdisciplinary college community with outstanding social, sports and cultural facilities. As a Rhodes Scholar you will also have Rhodes House, a place to meet, think and learn in the heart of Oxford. Living in this beautiful, vibrant and historic city, the Rhodes Scholar experience is one of a kind.

2. The Rhodes Community  

From the moment you are selected, you will be welcomed into a global, lifelong community of Rhodes Scholars, Alumni, and Fellows from our partnership programs. Beyond gaining access to a powerful professional network, you will connect with thoughtful, kind and ambitious individuals from around the world, collectively striving to drive progress. 

3. Programming for Rhodes Scholars 

With a community of Rhodes Scholars representing over 70 countries, Rhodes House is a space for cultivating international collaboration and deepening cross-cultural understanding. Our programming develops your skills to lead with integrity and purpose, fostering a lifelong commitment to service in your chosen field. You will have the opportunity to participate in a lively programme of activities including welcome weeks, cultural celebrations, networking events, leadership and career development workshops, and more.

4. Scholar Support 

Our dedicated Scholar Team is present to support you pastorally and financially at every stage of your journey from selection to the end of your studies. The Rhodes Trust staff are here to support you with settling in and thriving in a new environment, to ensure your academic, professional and personal success. We also provide emergency financial assistance and grants to fund research, travel and creative opportunities to help you make the most of your time at Oxford. 

History of the Rhodes Scholarship

The beginnings & future of the Scholarship

Established through the Will of Cecil John Rhodes in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship was a truly visionary project for its time. Over a hundred years later, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship programme in the world, enabling outstanding people from around the world to undertake full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford (ranked first internationally by Times Higher Education for the ninth consecutive year in 2025).  

One of the founding aims of the Scholarship was to identify young leaders from around the world who, through the pursuit of education together at Oxford, would forge bonds of mutual understanding and fellowship for the betterment of mankind. 

Our reputation as the world's most distinguished academic scholarship rests not on the controversial life of our founder Cecil Rhodes, but on the enormous contributions our Scholars have made to the world, and the qualities sought in a Rhodes Scholar — intellectual distinction combined with concern for others, energy to lead, and a focus on public service — remain as compelling as they were over a century ago.