All you need to know about the Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious, fully-funded scholarship programs for graduates who want to study at the world-renowned University of Oxford. It was established in 1903 and is the oldest scholarship in the world, and continues to benefit many students across the world. The scholarship is provided to the young leaders who explosively use their abilities for the betterment of the world.
This article includes
- What Does the Scholarship Cover?
- Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility
- Selection Criteria
- Selection Procedure
- Application Procedure
- Documents Required
What does the Scholarship cover?
The Rhodes Scholarship is first offered for a period of two years. The scholarship covers university tuition and includes a stipend each year. This stipend is offered to students to help them manage their housing. The scholarship period is extended by the length of the course.
The Rhodes Trust additionally covers the cost of your application to the University of Oxford, as well as the cost of a Tier 4 Study Visa and the related International Health Surcharge (IHS). It also includes two economy-class flights to and from the United Kingdom.
Students are given an allowance to settle down when they arrive. The Trust takes care of visa renewal and IHS applications for scholars who transfer to another course at the University.
Each country receives a specific number of scholarships. There are 100 Rhodes Scholarships that are divided among the below countries
Students must check the following eligibility criteria to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship. It is only provided for students coming to study in the United Kingdom for the first time.Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility:
- The Candidate must be an Indian citizen and possess an Indian passport or equivalent proof of citizenship.
- Candidates must have completed their formal education from an Indian institution/university for at least 4 years
- Candidates must be 26 years of age or under to apply at the time of application submission.
- Applicants must have completed or are about to complete their undergraduate degrees with first class.
Selection Criteria
Aside from the academic requirements and eligibility listed above, candidates must additionally demonstrate a level of excellence that will boost their chances of being selected for the scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship selection criteria are shown below:
- The candidate's academic quality is the primary criterion for selection.
- Candidates who demonstrate unity and teamwork via their talents in any field like dance, sports, singing, debate, theatre, writing, art, or any other discipline.
- Candidates with desirable soft skills such as honesty, sympathy, and protection for the poor and vulnerable, benevolence, selflessness, and so on will have a better chance of being chosen.
- Candidates that are dedicated to improving the world's precarious conditions by inspiring others through exceptional actions.
Selection Procedure
The Selection Committee makes the final decision on the candidates after reviewing the application form and supporting papers. There is no consideration given to the candidate’s financial situation or background. See how you can become a Rhodes Scholar by looking at the selection process:
- Candidates are initially shortlisted, with the interview round serving as the final step in the process. If the candidate is not already in India, the personal interview and preliminary session will take place in New Delhi or by video call/telephone.
- Both sessions are crucial, and candidates will be shortlisted depending on their performance in these rounds.
- The selected candidates are invited to a social engagement (tea or dinner with the selection committee hosted by the Chairman) and the final interview round.
- The selection committee will send an email to the chosen candidates after they have made their final choice.
- The Rhodes scholarship is only confirmed after a successful entrance to the University of Oxford.
Application Procedure
Candidates must visit the Rhodes Scholarship official link to create an account. Once the registration is completed, you can fill out the application form as per the requested details. The application must be accompanied by the required documentation.
Documents Required
- A valid Indian Passport
- Official transcripts from the tenth and twelfth-grade board exams
- Evidence of English proficiency in the form of IELTS or TOEFL scores
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Color Photograph (jpeg file)
- A Personal Statement in a max of 1000 words explaining why you deserve the scholarship
- The Personal Statement should contain information about you, including your inspirations, passions, contributions, and commitments to society
- Six referees' names & contact in a letter of recommendation (At least 3 of your referees must have professional teaching experience & be able to comment on your academic ability)
We hope this blog provided you with all of the information you needed concerning the Rhodes Scholarship. Our specialists at GradSquare are just a click away if you need any help or have any questions about applying for this scholarship or choosing the ideal scholarship for your higher education overseas. Sign up for a free consultation with one of our counsellors and have all of your questions answered!