- Full fees + stipendCoverage
- ~GBP 18,180/yrStipend (est.)
- ~100 scholars/yearNumber
- 60+ countriesReach
- 2 years (extendable)Duration
- Founded 1902Programme
At a glance
full
Funding
€70k
Max amount
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
60+ countries and constituencies worldwide (see the Rhodes Trust list and your constituency's rules)
Country
Rhodes Trust
Provider
The Rhodes Scholarship funds talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1902 under the will of Cecil Rhodes, it is the oldest international scholarship programme, and around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies. The scholarship is full: it covers Oxford's university and college fees and pays an annual living stipend of around GBP 18,180 (est.), along with economy airfares to and from Oxford at the start and end of the course and necessary visa costs. It is normally awarded for 2 years and can be extended to a third, supporting master's and doctoral study across almost any field. Applications are made in your home country or constituency, with deadlines that vary but commonly fall in the autumn; a representative date is 30 September (est.). Treat the figures and date here as estimates and confirm current details on the Rhodes Trust's official website.
What's covered
- University & college fees — Full Oxford university and college fees for the scholarship period.
- Living stipend — An annual stipend of around GBP 18,180 (est.) for living costs.
- Travel — Economy airfares to and from Oxford at the start and end of the course.
- Visa costs — Necessary visa and immigration health surcharge costs.
- Duration — Normally 2 years, extendable to a third for some courses.
How to apply
Apply through your home country or constituency to the Rhodes Trust, and apply to Oxford for graduate admission in parallel.
- Check your constituency — Find your country/constituency's Rhodes rules, age limits, and deadline.
- Prepare your application — Assemble your academic record, personal statement, and references.
- Apply to the Rhodes Trust — Submit your Rhodes application by your constituency's deadline (~30 September, est.).
- Apply to Oxford — Apply for admission to an eligible Oxford graduate course.
- Interviews — Shortlisted candidates attend selection interviews in their constituency.
- Award & enrolment — If selected, take up the scholarship and enrol at Oxford.
Eligibility
Country/constituencyA national of (or resident in) one of the 60+ eligible countries and constituencies.
AgeWithin the age limits set for your constituency (commonly around 18–24, with variations).
Academic meritA strong academic record qualifying you for Oxford graduate admission.
Character & leadershipEvidence of leadership, service, and commitment to others, alongside intellect.
Oxford admissionAlso gaining admission to an Oxford graduate course.
Each constituency has its own deadlines, age limits, and citizenship/residency rules, so check the specific requirements for where you apply. You must also secure Oxford admission.
Eligible countries
60+ countries and constituencies worldwide (see the Rhodes Trust list and your constituency's rules)
Deadlines
2027 entry2026-09-30
Selection
Rhodes selection committees in each constituency choose scholars on the combination Cecil Rhodes set out — intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service — assessed through the application, references, and an interview. Candidates must also secure Oxford admission, so academic standing and the wider profile both matter.
Verified sources
- Rhodes Trust — The Rhodes Scholarshiprhodeshouse.ox.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The Rhodes Trust, based at Rhodes House in Oxford, administers the Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902 under the will of Cecil Rhodes. It brings around 100 scholars a year from more than 60 countries and constituencies to postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
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The oldest international scholarship programme, funding talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, run by the Rhodes Trust.
What does it cover?
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Full Oxford university and college fees, an annual living stipend of around GBP 18,180 (est.), economy airfares to and from Oxford, and necessary visa costs.
How many scholars are selected?
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Around 100 each year, from more than 60 countries and constituencies worldwide.
Who is eligible?
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Young people from eligible countries/constituencies who meet the age limits, have a strong academic record, show leadership and service, and can gain Oxford admission.
What are the age limits?
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They are set by each constituency (commonly around 18–24, with variations). Check your constituency's exact rules.
How long does it last?
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Normally 2 years, and it can be extended to a third year for some courses.
What can I study?
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Almost any postgraduate course at Oxford — taught or research master's and doctoral degrees across most fields.
How do I apply?
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Through your home country or constituency to the Rhodes Trust by its deadline, while also applying to Oxford for graduate admission.
When is the deadline?
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Deadlines vary by constituency but commonly fall in the autumn; a representative date is 30 September, and the 2026 date here is an estimate.
Is it only about academic results?
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No — selection weighs intellect alongside character, leadership, and commitment to service, in line with Cecil Rhodes's criteria.
When did it start?
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The Rhodes Scholarship was established in 1902 under the will of Cecil Rhodes, making it the oldest international scholarship programme.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the Rhodes Trust's official website, which lists constituencies, eligibility and age rules, coverage, and deadlines.