Rhodes Scholarship 2026
About this scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarship for exceptional young people to study eligible master's or doctoral degrees at the University of Oxford.
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world's best-known international postgraduate scholarship programmes. It is administered by the Rhodes Trust and supports outstanding young people to pursue eligible graduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is intended for students with exceptional academic ability, leadership potential, strong character, and a commitment to service and positive impact. Based on the referenced postings, it commonly funds Master's and PhD/DPhil study, including a wide range of Oxford postgraduate programmes. Eligibility is not the same worldwide: applicants normally apply through a specific Rhodes constituency, and nationality, residency, age, and other criteria can vary by country or region.
Rhodes is generally fully funded. Reported benefits include full Oxford university and college fees, the Oxford application fee, an annual living stipend, return economy airfare to and from the United Kingdom, a settling-in allowance, and support for visa and health-related costs. Some postings also mention leadership development, networking, and access to the Rhodes scholar community. Exact stipend levels and conditions can vary by entry year.
Applicants are usually expected to hold, or be on track to complete, a first degree with very strong academic results. Selection also places major weight on integrity, courage, service, fellowship, and the energy to use one's talents for the benefit of others. Some constituencies note typical age limits and high academic thresholds, but these should always be checked against the rules for the applicant's own constituency.
Applications are made through the Rhodes online system and usually require both an application to Rhodes and admission to an eligible Oxford course. Because deadlines and rules differ by constituency, students should review the official Rhodes House guidance carefully before applying.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants are typically outstanding young people with excellent academic achievement, leadership potential, strong character, and commitment to service. Eligibility depends on the Rhodes constituency and may include specific nationality, residency, and age rules. Referenced postings mention examples such as applicants from eligible countries including Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, and Pakistan under relevant constituencies.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Must meet the University of Oxford English language requirements for the chosen course.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Rhodes Scholarship.
