The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at the University of Oxford. It is the oldest international scholarship program in the world. Specifically, it supports Masters and PhD study across many fields. Therefore, many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Chevening Scholarship, another major option in the United Kingdom.
Overview
- Host country, United Kingdom
- Host institution, University of Oxford
- Level of study, Masters and PhD
- Number of awards, About 100 scholarships worldwide each year
- Nationality, Open to more than 60 eligible countries
- Funded by, The Rhodes Trust

Benefits of the Rhodes Scholarship
First, scholars get full Oxford fees. Also, they get a yearly stipend. Plus, they get flights to and from Oxford. In short, the award covers this.
- Full university and college fees at Oxford
- A living stipend of about £19,000 to £20,000 per year
- One economy flight to Oxford, and one flight home after the award
- A small settling in allowance at the start of the scholarship
- Health cover through the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Funding for two years, renewable based on good academic standing
Who Should Apply
This scholarship suits students with strong grades and real leadership experience. Meanwhile, students who want a shorter, one year course may prefer the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. That program also funds postgraduate study, but at Cambridge instead of Oxford.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points.
- Be a citizen of an eligible Rhodes constituency country
- Hold, or be close to finishing, a strong undergraduate degree
- Be within the age range set by the home constituency, usually 18 to 25
- Show strong character, leadership, and a wish to serve others
- Meet the English language rules where they apply
Constituency Based Selection
Notably, each country or region runs its own review and interview process. This constituency based system is close to the field based grouping used for the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, which also groups applicants by theme.
Required Documents
- Completed application through the official Rhodes portal
- Academic transcripts
- A personal statement
- Several letters of reference
- A CV or resume
How to Apply
First, applicants check their eligible constituency and its exact rules. Next, they complete the online form and submit all documents before the local deadline. Also, shortlisted candidates attend an interview stage. This staged review process is close to the one used for the Commonwealth Scholarship.
Application Deadline
Deadlines are set by each constituency. Most fall between July and October 2026. So, check your exact country page early, since dates and steps shift from place to place.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Rhodes Scholarship offers strong, well rounded funding for outstanding students at Oxford. However, if you already have a specific research theme in mind, check other options too. For instance, the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship supports Masters and PhD study in Germany.









