The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international educational fellowships, are tenable at the University of Oxford. American Rhodes Scholars are selected through a decentralized process by which regional selection committees choose 32 Scholars each year representing the fifty states and the District of Columbia. Election to the Scholarship is normally for two or three years, depending upon the degree program pursued by the Scholar.
Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants, but they will also be required to show integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the full. All educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition and certain fees, are paid on the Scholar's behalf by the Rhodes Trustees. In addition, each Scholar receives a stipend and necessary costs of travel.
Deadlines
Internal: Early September
External: Early October
Here's the link to view this year's specific deadline dates.
Eligibility
- An applicant must be a citizen of the United States, or a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or a U.S. resident with DACA status on April 15 in the year of application;
- An applicant must be at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age (applicants must still be 23 on October 1 in the year of application);
- Applicant must have received academic standing sufficiently advanced to assure completion of a Bachelor's Degree before October 1 in the year following election.
- The applicant must be eligible to apply through one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia: either in the state where they were legally resident on April 15 in the year of application, or where they will have received at least two years of college training and a bachelor's degree from a college or university in one of the 50 states or District of Columbia.
Application
The application form is available in July at www.rhodesscholar.org. Documents include:
- Application Form;
- A 1000-word personal statement describing the applicant's academic and other interests, and the specific areas of proposed study and reasons for wishing to study at Oxford;
- A list of principal activities and honors in college;
- A certified transcript from each college or university attended;
- Five, but not more than eight, letters of recommendation. At least four of these letters must be persons from whom the applicant has received undergraduate or graduate instruction, and at least one letter (the fifth) must speak to the applicant’s character;
- Institutional Endorsement letter;
- Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status;
- A clear, printable head and shoulders photograph (preferably high resolution).
Learn more about the Rhodes Scholarship at the above webpage, by visiting the Office of National Fellowships & Scholarships, or by contacting the faculty liaison.