Rhodes Scholarship 2026 | Study at the University of Oxford Fully Funded
Have you ever dreamed of walking the historic halls of Oxford University—one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world? If so, the Rhodes Scholarship 2026 might be your golden opportunity.
Each year, 95 exceptional students from across the globe are chosen to study at Oxford, fully funded. Known as the oldest and one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship has been changing lives since 1902. It was established through the will of Cecil Rhodes and continues to support outstanding students in their pursuit of postgraduate education in the UK.
If you’re academically gifted, committed to service, and passionate about making a difference, this scholarship could be for you.
For more than a century, the Rhodes Scholarship has stood as one of the most respected and competitive academic awards in the world. Established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, it remains the oldest international scholarship program, supporting postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Now, as the 2026 intake opens, exceptional students from around the globe once again have the chance to apply and become part of this legacy.
What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship is more than a financial award—it's an opportunity to be part of a global community of changemakers. Each year, 95 outstanding students are selected to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at Oxford University in the UK. Scholars are chosen not only for their academic brilliance but also for their leadership potential, commitment to service, and strong moral character.
For students not covered under a specific country’s Rhodes constituency, there’s a separate path: the Global Rhodes Scholarship, which ensures even broader international access.
Host Institution
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University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Fields of Study
Rhodes Scholars may pursue any full-time postgraduate degree offered by the University of Oxford, with only minor restrictions. Whether it’s law, literature, public policy, data science, engineering, or philosophy, there’s something for almost every field of interest.
Who Can Apply?
The Rhodes Scholarship is available to citizens and residents of the following regions and countries:
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Australia, Canada, China, India, Germany, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, Southern and West Africa, East Africa, and many more.
Additionally, for applicants who don’t belong to one of the established constituencies, the Rhodes Global Scholarship allows them to apply through an open global route.
Scholarship Coverage
What makes the Rhodes Scholarship truly remarkable is its comprehensive funding, which covers almost every aspect of a student’s academic life:
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University and College fees
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Living stipend of approximately £19,800 per year (based on the 2024/25 rate)
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Two economy-class flights (to and from the UK)
Settling-in allowance
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Health insurance
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Visa application costs
The duration of the award depends on the program of study. Most Master’s programs are supported for up to two years, while longer programs (or combined degrees) may be covered for more time, depending on approval.
General Eligibility Criteria
Although eligibility requirements vary slightly by country, the following general conditions apply to all Rhodes applicants:
1. Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must meet the citizenship or legal residency criteria of the Rhodes constituency they are applying to.
2. Age Limit (as of 1st October 2025)
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18–24 years: Born between 2 October 2000 and 1 October 2007.
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For students in medical, dental, law, pharmaceutical, or engineering programs who need extra time to complete internships, the age range is 18–25 years.
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Candidates who completed their first degree later than usual may be eligible up to 27 years, provided they graduated after 1 October 2023.
3. Academic Qualifications
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A First Class Honours degree or equivalent (typically a Bachelor’s degree) is required.
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Applicants must meet the academic requirements of their chosen Oxford course.
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Those with an Honours degree or a Master’s degree—particularly from a university outside their home country—tend to have a stronger chance of admission.
4. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet Oxford’s Higher Level English language requirements through an approved test like IELTS or TOEFL, unless exempted.
What You'll Need to Apply
Although exact requirements can differ slightly by region, most applications include:
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Academic transcripts and degree certificates
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A personal statement
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Two to four letters of recommendation
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Proof of age and nationality
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English proficiency test results (if applicable)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult their country-specific Rhodes webpage, as it provides key instructions, deadlines, and documents unique to each constituency.
Application Timeline (Expected)
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | June–July 2025 (varies by region) |
| Application Deadline | July to October 2025 |
| Interviews | October–November 2025 |
| Final Results | End of 2025 |
| Course Begins at Oxford | October 2026 |
How to Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship 2026
Applying for a Rhodes Scholarship is completely online.
Here's how to begin:
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Visit the official website: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
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Navigate to the "Your Country" section.
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Select your constituency and read the full eligibility requirements.
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Register for an account on the application portal.
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Carefully prepare your documents, including your personal statement and recommendations.
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Submit your application before the deadline mentioned for your region.
Visit here to apply