The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest (first awarded in 1902) and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship programme, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
The Scholarship is not just a financial bursary, it is a life-changing opportunity for exceptional young people with the potential to make a difference for good in the world. Rhodes Scholars are people who have a vision of how the world could be better and the energy to make a difference – whatever their sphere of interest. Rhodes alumni have distinguished themselves in every field – see Scholar Stories and the ways in which Scholars are standing up for the world.
As Selection Committees select on the basis not only of intellect, but also of character, leadership and commitment to service, the Scholar Programme in Oxford aims to build on these Rhodes Scholar qualities, with the first and second-year retreats, workshops and conferences, in addition to social and discussion events, hosted at Rhodes House.
The fellowship of Rhodes Scholars, worldwide and across generations, is active and over 7,000 strong. Rhodes Scholars therefore enter a life-long fellowship with ongoing opportunities to connect with current and Senior Scholars and, beyond that, a warm and engaging community within Scholars typically develop enduring friendships. The Rhodes Scholarship opens up opportunities for Scholars before, after and during their time in Oxford.
Rhodes Selection Committees are looking for young people of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.
The four criteria which governed the selection of Rhodes Scholars in 1902 are still the guiding criteria for the selection of Rhodes Scholars:
- literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)
- energy to use one’s talents to the full (as demonstrated by 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
- moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings.
3rd June 2019 – 15th August 2019 (Open)
| Funding Type | Bursary / Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Student Nationality | SA Citizen or Permanent Residence or citizen of SADC country |
| Study Location | Abroad |
| Sponsor | External |
| Faculties | GIBS Business School Faculty of Law Faculty of Humanities Faculty of Education Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT Faculty of Health Science Faculty of Veterinary Science Faculty of Economic and Management Science Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Faculty of Theology and Religion |
The Rhodes Scholarship is for two years in the first instance. The Rhodes Scholarship covers Oxford University (and College) fees as well as providing an annual stipend. For the 2018/19 academic year, the stipend will be £15,141 per annum (c. £1,260 per month). The detailed Conditions of Tenure document outlines permitted combinations of degrees, and how many years of study are covered by the Scholarship, as the latter depends on course choice – for example up to three years of fees and stipend is available to Scholars who choose to undertake a DPhil (PhD) at Oxford.
In addition to the above, the Rhodes Trust will cover two economy class flights – to and from the UK – for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford. Scholars receive a settling in allowance on arrival (£225 in 2017-18). The International Health Surcharge, which enables international students to access the UK’s National Health Service, is covered for the duration of a Scholar’s tenure. Following selection for the Scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will also cover the application fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford.
A number of research grants are also available to Rhodes Scholars, on application, which enables Scholars to, for example, attend international conferences or conduct additional fieldwork.
Apply here!