Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international fellowships, bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford. Founder Cecil Rhodes “dreamed of improving the world” by bringing together scholars from around the globe at Oxford to study. Thirty-two Rhodes Scholars come from the United States each year with other Rhodes scholars coming from countries around the world. Beyond academic achievement, Rhodes Scholars are expected to have "great personal energy, ambition for impact, and an ability to work with others and to achieve one's goals. In addition, a Rhodes Scholar should be committed to make a strong difference for good in the world, be concerned for the welfare of others, and be conscious of inequities – and show great promise of leadership.
Eligibility
- Institutional endorsement required - applicants are not able to apply directly
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen
- to apply through the U.S., must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States continuously for the five years prior to the application deadline - if you are eligible to apply via any existing Rhodes Constituency meaning that you have a strong connection to two or more Rhodes constituencies, but do not meet Nationality or Citizenship criteria, you may be able to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship via Inter-Jurisdictional Consideration.
- Open to all academic fields
- Graduating senior or alumni
- at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age
Award Highlights:
- Two years of study at the University of Oxford (with the possibility of renewal for a third year)
- All education costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and other associated fees, are paid on the Scholar’s behalf by the Rhodes Trustees
- Additionally, the Scholar receives a maintenance allowance adequate to meet necessary expense for term-time and holidays
- Cost of travel to and from Oxford, upon application, may approve of additional grants for research purposes or study-related travel
Application Components:
- Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- Official transcript (s)
- List of principal activities
- Passport-sized photograph
- Letter of recommendation (5-8)
- Letters are submitted electronically through the online Embark application system). Recommenders will receive an email prompt to upload their letters after the applicant registers them
- Recommendation letters should be specifically tailored for the Rhodes Scholarship. At least three of the letters should be from academics who have taught you at the university level (or, if relevant, postgraduate) and can comment in detail on your academic ability and how well they think you would fare at Oxford
- Personal statement ** (not exceeding1000 words)
- The statement must be certified by the applicant as wholly truthful and his or her own work, with no assistance received - ** click here to read the Rhodes Trust "Reframing the Rhodes Scholarship Personal Statement" guidance, and watch the informational video
Submit Intent to Apply by June 1 for those who wish to apply in fall of same year
UO Endorsement Submission Deadline: August 30, 2023 (5:00 pm Pacific Time)
External:11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 4.
*Meeting with ODS Advising Team is REQUIRED for UO Endorsement
Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship