The Rhodes Scholarship programme is the oldest (established 1903), and perhaps the most prestigious, international scholarship in the world. Administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, the programme offers over 100 fully funded Scholarships each year for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom - one of the world’s leading universities. Rhodes Scholarships are for young leaders of outstanding intellect and
character who are motivated to engage with global challenges and are committed to the service of others. They show promise of becoming value-driven, principled leaders for the world’s future.
As part of a Partnership between the Rhodes Trust and the Second Century Founder, John McCall MacBain O.C. There are five Rhodes Scholarships awarded annually to Indian students. These scholarships have been available since 1947, and over two hundred Indians have received this esteemed honor.
In this article we cover all essential details about this exceptional opportunity for bright Indian students.
The Rhodes Scholarship Benefits
The Rhodes Scholarship offers comprehensive package of benefits to its recipients. Here are the detailed benefits:
1). Full University Fees: The scholarship covers all tuition and college fees for the duration of the program at the University of Oxford.
2). Living Stipend: Rhodes Scholars receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses while studying in Oxford. As of the latest information available £19,092 per year (equivalent to £1,591 per month) .
3). Health Insurance: Scholars are provided with comprehensive health insurance during their tenure.
4). Travel Allowance: The scholarship includes a travel allowance for the journey to and from Oxford at the beginning and end of the scholarship period.
5). Access to Leadership Development Programs: Rhodes Scholars have access to various leadership development programs, workshops, and networking opportunities.
6). Community and Alumni Network: Scholars become part of a global community of Rhodes Scholars, connecting them with like-minded individuals across different fields and backgrounds.
Study Levels covered
Rhodes Scholars are expected to study at Oxford for two years, this is not a one-year Scholarship. A third year of full Scholarship is available for those who choose to read for the DPhil (PhD), subject to the notes below.
I) Degree options for two-year tenure:
1). BA with Senior Status (also known as the 2nd BA): this degree, offered by Oxford, is open only to those who hold a first undergraduate degree. The degree is taken over two years, rather than the normal three, see here.
2). A one-year taught Master’s course (MSc, MSt, BCL, MPP) followed by a second 1-year Master’s course.
3). A two-year MSc by research
II). Options for pursuing DPhil on the Rhodes Scholarship
1). Direct entry to the three-year DPhil (NB three-year refers to fee liability, Oxford DPhils are advertised as 3-4 years in the graduate prospectus): Scholars in the Medical Sciences or Maths, Physical and Life Sciences may apply direct to the DPhil. (The Social Sciences & Humanities Divisions in Oxford normally require a Master’s qualification for entry to DPhil, see below).
2). A one-year taught Master’s course (MSc, MSt, BCL) : Scholars who read for a one-year taught Master’s course may apply to progress to DPhil in their second year.
3). A two-year MPhil or BPhil (or MPhil/BPhil) : Scholars taking the MPhil/BPhil (or the two-year BCL/MPhil route) may apply to progress to DPhil in their third year.
4). Four-year DPhil programmes, eg the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and the Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) programmes. Scholars may pursue these programmes only if alternative funding is obtained for the final (4th) year of the programme. Interested Scholars or applicants should contact :
registrar@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk before applying.
➢ We know this is quite confusing, to draw a clearer picture, refer to this Official document (Conditions of Tenure PDF) and visit Oxford's Introducing our courses webpage.
Eligibility Criteria and Conditions
To be eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship India, Applicants must meet below conditions:
1). Nationality/citizenship: You must be a citizen of India, holding an Indian passport, or equivalent proof of citizenship. PIO or OCI card holders do not satisfy the Indian citizenship criteria for this purpose. Applications from refugees/asylum seekers in India will also be considered in this constituency.
2). Your Education / residency: You have undertaken formal study at an educational institution in India for a minimum of 4 of the last 10 years, AND
Have you either:
Completed a school leaving exam (10th or 12th standard or equivalent) at a school in India, OR
Are in the final year of, or have completed an undergraduate degree at a university in India.
3). Age Criteria: You must meet either of below;
You must be aged 18-23 on 1st October 2024 (i.e. you must have been born after 1 October 2000 and before 2 October 2006). OR (for older candidates);
You must be under the age of 27 on 1st October 2024 (i.e. have been born after 1 October 1997) AND you must also have completed the academic requirements for your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2023.
4). Academic Achievement: You must have completed an undergraduate degree (usually a Bachelor’s) by July 2025, and you must have an academic background and grade that - at a minimum - meets or exceeds the specific entry requirements of your chosen course at the University of Oxford.
Candidates will have a higher chance of successful admission to Oxford if they have A First Class Honours Degree.
➢ Resources:
For more info about the eligibility Criteria and Conditions, you can refer to Rhodes Scholarship eligibility checker and Eligibility Criteria video available on this Application overview webpage.
Application Procedure
1). How to Apply
To apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, you must complete and submit the online application form before 23:59 India Standard Time, 01 August 2024. There is no application fee for submission of the Rhodes Scholarship application form; however you must submit your application online, before the deadline,
You should apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying for your proposed course at the University of Oxford. Candidates selected for the Rhodes Scholarship are then required to apply for their chosen course via the University of Oxford’s graduate application form with support from the team at Rhodes House.
You can start your application by registering an account on this official online application portal.
2). Required Documents
The Rhodes application form requires you to provide:
Your details, such as contact information
Evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria
Your education history including your university transcripts
The course(s) you would like to study at the University of Oxford
A CV
An Academic Statement
A Personal Statement
A total of four (minimum) to five (maximum) referees
➢ You can find Detailed information about the application process, documents, scholarship conditions and more on this Information for Candidates - India (PDF)
Or this:
➢ Resources and Links:
• Guidance for Referees - India (PDF)
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