- The Rhodes Scholarship awards six fully-funded positions annually to Indian students for postgraduate studies lasting two or more years at Oxford.
- The Rhodes Scholarship provides full tuition coverage at Oxford University, a £20,400 annual living stipend (₹24.3L), return flights, and visa and health costs.
- The Rhodes selection committee values intellectual curiosity, excellence in extracurriculars, community dedication, and the courage to drive positive change.
- What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
- Funding and Financial Coverage for the Rhodes Scholarship
- Eligibility Criteria for Rhodes Scholarship for Indian Students
- Selection Criteria for Rhodes Scholarship
- Essential Documents Required for the Rhodes Scholarship
- Tips for a Strong Rhodes Scholarship Application
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What if you could study at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions with full funding and become part of a global community of changemakers? Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford is the oldest international scholarship programme in the world, transforming the lives of outstanding young people who dream of making a real difference.
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What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing postgraduate opportunity to join outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Six Rhodes Scholarships are available each year for India, opening doors to exceptional postgraduate opportunities.
This fully-funded scholarship allows scholars to pursue most full-time postgraduate courses at Oxford in the UK for two or more years. Here is the list of programs supported by the Rhodes Scholarship.
Funding and Financial Coverage for the Rhodes Scholarship
The financial support provided through the Rhodes Scholarship removes barriers that might prevent talented students from pursuing their dreams.
What the Rhodes Scholarship Covers
| Coverage Area | Details |
|---|---|
| University Fees | Full coverage of Oxford course fees |
| Annual Stipend | £20,400 per annum (₹24.3L) for living expenses |
| Application Fee | Application Fee for University of Oxford |
| Visa & Health Costs | Student visa fees and International Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access |
| Flights | Two economy class flights to and from the UK |
| Settling Allowance | Provided on arrival in Oxford |
| Additional Support | Emergency financial assistance and research/travel grants |
Eligibility Criteria for Rhodes Scholarship for Indian Students
Indian applicants must meet specific academic, age, and residency requirements to qualify for the Rhodes Scholarship. These criteria ensure candidates show strong academic merit, leadership potential, and a clear link to India’s education system.
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen of India holding an Indian passport |
| Age Limit | Option 1: Aged 18-23 OR Option 2: Under age 27 and completed first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2024 |
| Education/Residency | Completed formal study at an educational institution in India for minimum 4 of the last 10 years |
| Academic Record | Completed or completing undergraduate degree |
| Admission Offer | Must secure admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Oxford |
| English Proficiency | Must meet Oxford's English language requirements at the higher level |
| Special Note | Only one of six scholarships may be awarded to candidates pursuing undergraduate studies outside India |
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Selection Criteria for Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is a merit scholarship, and there is no such thing as a ‘type’ when considering who gets selected. The strength of the Scholarship comes from its diverse community and selection criteria.
- Literary and Scholastic Attainments
You are intellectually curious, with a deep love of learning and can think critically about a range of subjects. You are consistently one of the top performers in your class. - Energy to Use One’s Talents to the Full
Your passion for developing yourself extends outside the classroom. This includes mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved. - Truth, Courage, Devotion to Duty, Sympathy for and Protection of the Weak, Kindliness, Unselfishness and Fellowship
You seek to live out your values in all that you do. Serving others is a duty you take seriously, whether your community is large or small, local or international. - Moral Force of Character and Instincts to Lead
You have the courage to act on your initiative and inspire others to follow. You show leadership in both thought and action, taking an interest in your fellow beings and mobilising others towards positive change.
Essential Documents Required for the Rhodes Scholarship
A complete Rhodes Scholarship application requires both academic and personal documents that showcase your achievements, character, and suitability for the University of Oxford.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should tell your unique story in no more than 1000 words, addressing three prompts:
(1) Which Rhodes Scholar quality do you display most strongly, and how are different contexts and people helping you to develop the other qualities?
(2) What would you like to learn from and contribute to the Rhodes community in Oxford?
(3) From your place in the world, how will you use your energy and talents to address humanity’s pressing challenges?
Academic Statement of Study
A concise statement of no more than 350 words explaining:
(i) your reasons for studying at Oxford, your chosen course(s), and how this fits your academic trajectory
(ii) how you meet or exceed the specific entry requirements and are prepared for the course
(iii) if pursuing a DPhil, a brief research outline, career plans, and potential Oxford supervisors.
Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts showing grades achieved to date. You must also provide 10th and 12th standard marksheets or equivalent school leaving board examination results.
Letters of Reference
A minimum of four and maximum of five referees: at least three academic referees who have formally taught and graded you, and at least one character referee who can comment on your extra-curricular or leadership activities.
Curriculum Vitae
A detailed CV outlining your academic achievements, leadership roles, service activities, awards, publications, and relevant experiences.
Identity Documents
Birth certificate or valid passport confirming age criterion, and valid Indian passport or equivalent citizenship proof (Voter ID with translation if necessary).
Photograph
A head-and-shoulders colour photograph in JPG format. This photo will not be available to the selection committee until after final shortlisting decisions.
Tips for a Strong Rhodes Scholarship Application
Building a competitive application takes time, reflection, and strategic preparation. Start early to give yourself adequate time to refine each component. The Rhodes Trust expects your application to be wholly accurate and a fair representation of your achievements.
- Demonstrate Genuine Impact: Focus on quality over quantity in your activities. Deep, sustained commitment to a few causes shows more about your character than superficial involvement in many.
- Show Intellectual Range: You can think critically about a range of subjects. Read widely beyond your field, engage with current affairs, and connect ideas across disciplines.
- Articulate Your Vision Through the Three Prompts: The personal statement prompts, follow the Rhodes leadership development framework: Self, others & the world. Make this personal, not generic.
- Be Authentically Yourself: The selection committee values authenticity. Share your genuine passions, acknowledge your growth areas, and present yourself honestly.
- Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly under pressure. Prepare for questions about your leadership style, ethical dilemmas you’ve faced, and current global issues.
Conclusion
The Rhodes Scholarship represents more than funding. It is a transformative journey that combines academic excellence at Oxford University (QS #4) with a global community committed to positive change. With full financial coverage including £20,400 per annum (₹24.3L) stipend, complete university fees, flights, and visa costs, the scholarship removes all financial barriers for six exceptional Indian students annually.
Beyond the monetary support, scholars gain access to world-class resources, mentorship from distinguished faculty, and a lifelong network of changemakers across 100+ countries. For Indian students who reflect academic brilliance, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to cultivate skills, knowledge, and connections.
Start your application early, showcase your authentic self, and join thousands of Rhodes Scholars who have shaped history.
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FAQs
What is the Rhodes Scholarship amount and what costs does it cover?
For the 2025-26 academic year, the stipend is £20,400 per annum (₹24.3L) from which Scholars pay all living expenses, including accommodation.
How many years of funding does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?
The basic tenure for the Rhodes Scholarship is two years for International students.
What GPA is required to apply for Oxford and secure a Rhodes Scholarship?
Candidates will have a greater chance of successful admission to Oxford if they have a First Class Honours Degree, a GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher.
Do I need to provide IELTS or other language test scores when applying for the Rhodes Scholarship?
Yes, you generally need to provide IELTS or other English language test scores for the Rhodes Scholarship.
Can I study a part-time course at Oxford via the Rhodes Scholarship?
No. The Rhodes Scholarship covers full-time courses only, and unfortunately it is not possible to be enrolled in a part-time course.
Can I study the MBA and/or MFE at Oxford with the Rhodes Scholarship?
The MFE and MBA (one-year programs) can only be studied in the second year of the Rhodes Scholarship. As the minimum tenure of the Scholarship is two years.
I am currently on a postgraduate course at Oxford, can I apply for Rhodes Scholarship?
Yes, you can still apply for the Rhodes Scholarship. However, you may only apply to start a new course at Oxford.
What courses can Rhodes Scholars study at Oxford?
Most full-time postgraduate courses in almost any field offered by Oxford University. This list covers all programs supported by the Rhodes Scholarship.
What does the Rhodes Scholarship cover financially?
It covers tuition fees, a £20,400 annual stipend, flights, visa and health costs, and additional research/travel grants.
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