Rhodes Scholarship 2023

The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious fully-funded scheme for graduate students planning to study at the globally esteemed University of Oxford. Established in 1903, it is the oldest scholarship in the world and still continues to benefit many students across the world. The scholarship is provided to young leaders who dynamically use their abilities for the betterment of the world. Check out the blog for further details about the Rhodes scholarship eligibility, selection, and application procedures. 

Highlights

Scholarship Type	Merit-based, College-specific
Offered by	Trust
Organization	Rhodes Trust
Number of Scholarships	100
Amount	$20,883
Renewability	Yes, Yearly
International Students Eligible	Yes
Website Link	https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/apply/india

Also Read: Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship

What is a Rhodes Scholarship?

Rhodes Scholarship is named after Cecil J. Rhodes, tracing its roots back to 1902. The scholarship offers financial support for students as they complete degrees, be it a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctorate degree. Students get their tuition, fees, flights, living expenses and healthcare paid for.

Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility

Indian Students must carefully check the following eligibility criteria to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes scholarship is only provided for students coming to study in the United Kingdom for the first time.

• The candidate must be a citizen of India and must have an Indian passport or equivalent proof of citizenship.
• The candidate must have their formal education completed from an Institution/University in India for a minimum of 4 years.
• Candidates must be of the age of 26 years or below at the time of the application submission.
• Candidates must have completed/ will complete their undergraduate degrees with first class.

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in UK

Application Procedure

Eligible candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship.

• Candidates must visit the official link and register to create an account.
• After registration, fill out the application form provided.
• Submit the required documents along with the application form.

Check Out: Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship

Documents Required

To apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, here is the document checklist you must attach along with the application form:

• A valid Indian Passport.
• Official Transcripts of 10th and 12th standard board exams.
• Proof of English proficiency by providing IELTS or TOEFL scores
• An updated Curriculum vitae (CV) that should be less than 2 pages and should consist of: Academic Qualifications, Prizes, Scholarships, employment positions, voluntary/ community/political activities, and any cultural, musical, or sporting accomplishments. (Note: Do not insert your photograph in your CV)
• A colour photograph in jpg format.
• A Personal Statement of a maximum of 1000 words. It should state why you deserve the scholarship and should also include details about you and your inspirations, passions, contributions, and commitments to society.
• Letter of recommendation with six referees along with their relevant details. (Note: At least 3 of your referees must have formally taught you and can remark on your academic abilities. 

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Selection Criteria

Apart from the above-mentioned academic requirements and eligibility, candidates must also possess certain excellence which will increase the likeliness of being selected for the scholarship. Here are the selection criteria of the Rhodes Scholarship:

• The selection is made mainly on the academic excellence of the candidate.
• Candidates who use their talents in any field like dance, sports, singing debate, theatre, writing, art, or any other discipline which involves demonstration of unity and teamwork will be given preference.
• Candidates who possess valued soft skills like honesty, sympathy, protection for the deprived and weaker people, benevolence, selflessness, etc. will increase their chances of selection.  
• Candidates who are passionate about improving the concerning conditions of the world by leading people with exemplary acts.

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in Canada

Selection Procedure

The final selection of the candidates is made by the Selection Committee which analyses the application form and documents. No selection is made with regard to the financial status/background of the candidate. Take a look at the selection process to know how you can become a Rhodes Scholar:

• The candidates are initially longlisted and the main selection is made through the interview round. The personal interview and preliminary session are conducted in New Delhi or through a video call/telephone if the candidate isn’t currently in India. Both the sessions are important and candidates will be shortlisted based on these rounds.
• The shortlisted candidates are then invited to a social engagement (Tea or dinner session with the selection committee hosted by the Chairman) and the final interview round. 
• After making their final decision, the selection committee will send out an email to the chosen candidates.
• The confirmation of the Rhodes scholarship is made only upon a successful admission at the University of Oxford.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

In the first instance, the Rhodes Scholarship is offered for two years. The scholarship covers University fees and provides an annual stipend. This stipend is given to students to manage their accommodation. The scholarship duration is extended as per the course duration.

Rhodes Trust also covers your application fees to study at the University of Oxford, the cost of a Tier 4 Study Visa and the associated International Health Surcharge (IHS).  It also covers two economy-class flights from and to the UK.

On arrival, students receive a settling-in allowance. For scholars who transition to another course at the University, the Trust takes care of the visa renewal and further application for IHS. 

Countries Covered

Each country receives a specific number of scholarships. There are 100 Rhodes Scholarships that are divided among these countries. Here is the list:

Country/Territory	Number of Scholarships
Australia	9
Bermuda	1
Canada	11
China	4
East Africa	1
Germany	2
Hong Kong Sar	1
India	5
Israel	2
Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean	2
Kenya	2
Malaysia	1
New Zealand	3
Pakistan	1
Saudi Arabia	Up to 2
Singapore	1
Southern Africa	10
Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine	2
United Arab Emirates	32
West Africa	1
Zambia	2
Zimbabwe	2

Famous Rhodes Scholars

Here are some of the most famous Rhodes Scholars:

• Edwin Hubble- Famous Astronomer
• Dean Rusk- U.S. Secretary of State from 1961 to 1969 
• James William Fullbright of the Fulbright Program
• William Warren Bradley- Olympic gold medalist for basketball 
• Bill Clinton- Former US President
• Girish Karnad- Playwright, Film actor, Director and Screenwriter
• Sagarika Ghosh Sardesi- Indian Journalist

Must Read: Chevening Scholarship

FAQs

Hope this blog helped you with the necessary details about the Rhodes Scholarship. Are you also looking for opportunities to study abroad? If the answer is yes, the experts at Leverage Edu can make your journey easier as they will be guiding you throughout the process. To take help from the experts simply register on our website or call us at 1800-572-000.