Applications are now open for the Rhodes Scholarship 2024. Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarship programs in the world.
It offers opportunities for young people from around the globe to pursue Master’s, MPhil, and PhD degree programs at the University of Oxford.
This year, 105 scholarships are available, including those for students from the United States starting from July 1.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for this life-changing opportunity.
Overview of the Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship enables students to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford. Recipients of this scholarship, known as Rhodes Scholars, receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses and accommodation. Additionally, the Rhodes Trust covers several other costs, including:
- Student visa fees
- Application fees for Oxford
- Health insurance
- Economy class airfare to and from the UK
- An arrival allowance
This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring that scholars can focus on their studies without worrying about financial burdens.
About the Rhodes Scholarship 2024
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: University of Oxford
- Degree Levels: Master’s, MPhil, PhD
- Financial Coverage: Fully funded
- Deadline: Varies by country
Duration of the Scholarship:
- Typically, it takes at least two years to complete a Master’s degree program
- Up to three years for DPhil (PhD) programs
The academic year for new scholars will begin in October 2024.
Financial Benefits
The Rhodes Scholarship is fully funded, meaning all major expenses are covered by the Rhodes Trust. Here are the specifics:
- University and College Fees: All tuition fees at Oxford are covered.
- Living Stipend: Scholars receive an annual stipend of £19,092 (approximately £1,591 per month).
- Additional Allowances: Includes a settling-in allowance, health insurance coverage, visa costs, and round-trip economy airfare to and from the UK.
- Health Coverage: The International Health Surcharge (IHS) at the National Health Center is also covered.
These financial benefits ensure that scholars can live comfortably and focus entirely on their studies and personal growth.
Eligibility Criteria
The Rhodes Scholarship is open to students worldwide. However, specific eligibility criteria vary by country. Here’s a general outline of what you need:
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a country that qualifies for this scholarship. If your country is not listed, you can apply for the Rhodes Global Scholarship.
- Academic Excellence: Applicants need to have an exceptional academic record to be considered.
- Age Requirements: Vary by country but generally range from 18-25 years old.
- Degree Requirements: Must have completed or be in the final year of an undergraduate degree with strong academic standing.
- English Proficiency: Must meet Oxford’s English language requirements unless English is your first language and you are from a majority English-speaking country.
Detailed Eligibility by Region
- Nationality/Citizenship: You can only apply for the Rhodes Scholarship if you do not qualify for an existing Rhodes constituency. If you have ties to multiple constituencies but do not meet their criteria, consider inter-jurisdictional consideration or the Global Scholarship.
- Age Requirements:
- For most candidates: You must be between 18-24 years old on October 1, 2024.
- For medical, dental, pharmaceutical, law, and engineering students: You must be between 18-25 years old on October 1, 2024.
- For older candidates who completed their first undergraduate degree later than usual: You must be under 27 years old on October 1, 2024, and have completed your first undergraduate degree on or after October 1, 2023.
- Academic Achievement: Must have completed an undergraduate degree, usually with a First Class Honours or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency: Must meet the University of Oxford’s higher-level English language requirements.
Number of Scholarships by Country
The Rhodes Trust offers a varying number of scholarships depending on the region:
| Region | Number of Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Australia | 9 |
| Bermuda | 1 |
| Canada | 11 |
| China | 4 |
| Commonwealth Caribbean (Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands) | 1 |
| East Africa (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi) | 1 |
| Germany | 2 |
| Global | 2 |
| Hong Kong | 1 |
| India | 5 |
| Israel | 2 |
| Jamaica | 1 |
| Kenya | 2 |
| Malaysia | 1 |
| New Zealand | 3 |
| Pakistan | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2 |
| Singapore | 1 |
| Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini) | 10 |
| Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine | 2 |
| United Arab Emirates | 2 |
| United States of America (50 states of the US, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) | 32 |
| West Africa (Covering Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, the island of Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Principe and Togo) | 3 |
| Zambia | 2 |
| Zimbabwe | 2 |
Application Process
Here’s how you can apply for the Rhodes Scholarship 2024:
- Visit the Rhodes Scholarship Website: Start by going to the official Rhodes Scholarship site.
- Select Your Country: Choose your country of citizenship to see specific details and requirements.
- Check Eligibility: Use the Eligibility Checker tool to confirm you meet all the criteria.
- Complete the Application: Once you verify eligibility, follow the instructions to complete and submit your application.
- Global Scholarship Application: If your country is not listed, apply for the Rhodes Global Scholarship.
Conclusion
The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for bright minds across the globe to study at one of the world’s most renowned universities. With comprehensive financial support and access to a global network of scholars, the Rhodes Scholarship can be a life-changing experience.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, go ahead and apply without hesitation. Prepare thoroughly, ensure your application is accurate, and seize this opportunity to pursue your academic dreams at the University of Oxford.
For detailed information and to submit your application, check out the official Rhodes Scholarship website. Good luck with your application!