The Rhodes scholarship grants are comprehensive funding initiatives overseen by the Rhodes Trust located in Oxford. This program gives financial help to young leaders. These leaders show they can become principled leaders for our future.
The scholarship program allows exceptional young people from across the globe to engage in a full-time postgraduate education at the University of Oxford in the UK. This initiative includes coverage for tuition expenses, as well as annual stipends, living costs, and accommodation support.
The Rhodes Scholarship awards also include the application fee for studying at the university, costs for a student visa and the related International Health Surcharge (IHS), along with relocation fees, which cover two economy flights to and from the UK at the start and conclusion of their studies in Oxford.
In this article, we will talk about the Rhodes Scholarships, providing a thorough explanation of this award grant, including its benefits, requirements, and a detailed step-by-step guide to the application process. Let’s get started!
2026 Rhodes Scholarship Abstract/Summary
Host: Rhodes Trust
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Degree Scholarships: Master’s Degree | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research | Graduate Certificate
Benefits: Fully funded tuition | Annual stipends | Relocation expenses | Accommodation allowance | Living expenses | Healthcare insurance
Annual Stipends: £19,800 per annum (£1,650 per month)
Eligible Countries: Open to all nominated countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
The Rhodes Scholarship Programs – Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate program that grants fully-funded scholarships annually for full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the UK. It’s awarded to young leaders from across the globe to pursue full-time studies across all qualified programs at the institution.
The Rhodes scholarships are merit-based, and it’s designed to acquire leaders committed to public service and to foster international understanding and peace. Annually, 100 Rhodes Scholars are selected from approximately 140 nominated countries worldwide.
Rhodes Scholarships are selected based on academic achievements, commitment to personal growth, desire to lead, and values such as courage, dedication to responsibilities, kindness, selflessness, and community spirit.
Rhodes Scholarship – Eligible Constituencies
Below is the list of Rhodes constituencies along with the corresponding number of scholarships available for each. You can access additional details by clicking here.
- Australia (9 Scholarships)
- Bermuda (1 Scholarship)
- Canada (11 Scholarships)
- China (4 Scholarships)
- Commonwealth Caribbean (1 Scholarship)
- East Africa (2 Scholarships)
- Germany (2 Scholarships)
- Global (2 Scholarships)
- Hong Kong (1 Scholarship)
- India (6 Scholarships)
- Israel (2 Scholarships)
- Jamaica (1 Scholarship)
- Kenya (2 Scholarships)
- Malaysia (1 Scholarship)
- New Zealand (3 Scholarships)
- Pakistan (2 Scholarships)
- Saudi Arabia (2 Scholarships)
- Singapore (1 Scholarship)
- Southern Africa (10 Scholarships)
- Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine (2 Scholarships)
- United Arab Emirates (2 Scholarships)
- United States of America (32 Scholarships)
- West Africa (3 Scholarships)
- Zambia (2 Scholarships)
- Zimbabwe (2 Scholarships)
Why Should You Apply For The Rhodes Scholarship? – Benefits
The Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for postgraduate students that offers various support, which includes coverage of course fees, an annual stipend of £19,800 per annum or £1,650 per month.
In addition, the Rhodes Trust program also covers housing expenses, application fee, visa expenses, and travel expenses (two economy flights to travel to and from the UK), and the accompanying International Health Surcharge (IHS) allow international students to access the UK’s National Health Service.
Beyond these, other benefits make the Rhodes scholarships special. These include
1. Studying at Oxford University
The University of Oxford is ranked among the leading educational institutions globally. By applying for the Rhodes scholarships, you have the chance to receive an outstanding postgraduate education at this institution.
2. The Rhodes Community/Network
You will become part of a global Rhodes network that consists of Rhodes Scholars, Alumni, and Fellows from our affiliated programs. This initiative enables you to develop a strong professional network and engage with driven individuals from around the world.
3. Character, Service, and Leadership Program (CSLP)
The Rhodes Trust program is built upon a unique framework that emphasizes Character, Service, and Leadership. This framework offers diverse opportunities for learning, connecting, and engaging across three areas, which are:
- Exploring your personal values,
- Building a sense of community with others,
- Charting your own course through life, starting with your time at Oxford.
4. Scholar Support
There are also Rhodes Trust staff members dedicated to providing support throughout your journey, from the selection process to the end of your studies. Their services include helping you adjust to a new environment and ensuring your academic success.
Rhodes Scholarship 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
If you are interested in the Rhodes scholarships and wish to apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a citizen or a permanent resident of any eligible country. You can use the Eligibility Checker to determine your county’s eligibility.
- To be eligible for the scholarship award, you must have lived in one or more of the eligible countries for at least five years.
- You must be between 18 and 24 years old
- If you are in the medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, or engineering fields, you must be between 18 and 25 years old
- However, if you completed your first undergraduate degree later than usual, you must be under 27 years old.
- You’ll have earned at least an undergraduate degree by the application deadline, with an academic background and grade classified as a First Class Honours Degree or equivalent.
- However, if you are studying Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy, the highest grade awarded by your University, such as a Distinction, would be deemed relevant.
- You must meet the University of Oxford’s English language proficiency standards
How To Apply For The Rhodes Scholarships Award
- Visit the official Rhodes Trust website
- Navigate to the scholarship page
- Ensure you meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria
- Select the course you want to pursue at the University
- Craft your personal statement – ensure it expresses your thoughts
- Write your academic statement
- Choose your Referees (at least five references from different referees)
- Within the Rhodes Scholarship’s page, navigate to “Check Your Eligibility and Apply”, fill out and submit the application form
- If you are selected, you’ll be notified and invited to the Final Interview
Rhodes Scholarship 2026: Required Documents
- Birth certificate or passport
- Academic transcripts
- Documents to verify your citizenship or permanent residency
- An official transcript from the college or university you are currently enrolled in or have previously attended
- Evidence of having completed at least two years of education at a secondary school
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or Resume
- A head-and-shoulders colour photograph (in jpg format)
- Academic statement or proposal (not exceeding 350 words)
- A personal statement
- Five letters of recommendation, with at least three of the referees being academic professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
What costs does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?
The Rhodes Scholarship finances the tuition fees for courses at Oxford University and provides an annual stipend that amounts to £19,800 each year. It also covers fees associated with obtaining a student visa, the International Health Surcharge (IHS), and relocation expenses.
How long is funding provided through the Rhodes Scholarships?
The standard duration for the scholarship is two years. However, in some specific circumstances, scholars may seek funding for more than two years.
Can I study with the scholarship at a university other than Oxford University?
No. The Rhodes Scholarship offers comprehensive funding for a full-time postgraduate program, exclusively for talented individuals wishing to study at the University of Oxford.
However, if you are searching for scholarship awards to study in the UK, kindly refer to our UK Scholarship webpage to access various opportunities.
Is it possible to pursue part-time studies while on the Scholarship?
No. Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to applicants who enrol for a full-time study at the University of Oxford.
I don’t have my undergraduate degree. Can I still apply?
No. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or be in the process of completing one.