Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Trust · All India
| Scheme Name | Rhodes Scholarship |
| Provided By | Rhodes Trust |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, PhD · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 23 July 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Rhodes Scholarship. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
£20,400/mo (approx. ₹64.0 Lakh+)
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded award covering all Oxford University course fees, a living stipend, the University application fee, the UK student visa fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access. It also includes two economy-class flights (to Oxford at the start of the scholarship and back home at its conclusion), and a settling-in allowance upon arrival. For the 2025-26 academic year, the living stipend is approximately £20,400 per annum, paid at £1,700 per month. Based on a June 2026 exchange rate of approximately Rs. 124.90 to £1, this equates to roughly Rs. 25,47,960 annually or Rs. 2,12,330 monthly. The stipend is designed for a single student and does not extend to cover partners or dependents. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable for this international scholarship.
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Age:
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You must be aged 18-23 on 1 October 2026 (i.e., born after 1 October 2002 and before 2 October 2008); OR
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You must be under the age of 27 on 1 October 2026 (i.e., born after 1 October 1999) AND you must have completed your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2025.
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Nationality/Residency:
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You must belong to an eligible Rhodes constituency. The scholarship is open to students from over 60 countries and regions.
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If you have strong and demonstrable connections to two or more Rhodes Constituencies but do not meet all nationality/residency eligibility criteria for any, you may be eligible to apply for inter-jurisdictional consideration.
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For the USA constituency, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years as of 1 October 2026, or a DACA recipient with active status.
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Academic Achievement:
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You must have completed an undergraduate degree (normally a Bachelor's degree) by July 2027.
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Your academic background and grades must, at a minimum, meet or exceed the specific entry requirements of your chosen full-time course at the University of Oxford.
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A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.70/4.0 (unweighted, no rounding) or a First Class Honours Degree (or equivalent) is typically expected. Competitive applicants often have a GPA above 3.9.
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Degree Level:
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The Rhodes Scholarship is for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford (second Bachelor's degree, Master's, or DPhil/PhD).
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You cannot apply for the Rhodes Scholarship to cover the final year(s) of a current postgraduate course at Oxford.
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English Language Proficiency:
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If English is not your first language, you must meet Oxford University's higher-level English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each component, or TOEFL iBT 110 overall with 25 in each section). Evidence is not required for the Rhodes application, but for Oxford admission.
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Application Attempts:
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You may apply for the Rhodes Scholarship a maximum of two times through the same constituency.
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Work Experience:
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For some professional degrees at Oxford, such as the MBA, candidates are required to have at least two years of full-time work experience.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, PhD |
| Course / Stream | Masters, PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Online application form
- ✓Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words)
- ✓Academic statement of study (maximum 450 words), outlining your academic plan for the full two years at Oxford
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages), detailing principal college activities and honors
- ✓Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- ✓Five to eight letters of recommendation (at least four from individuals who have provided college-level academic instruction, speaking to academic abilities, character, and leadership potential)
- ✓Proof of age and nationality (implied by eligibility requirements)
- ✓Proof of English language proficiency (if required by Oxford University for admission, not for the Rhodes application itself)
Selection Process
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Five Rhodes Scholarships are available for India each year
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Candidates are assessed based on academic excellence (typically a First Class Honours degree or equivalent), leadership qualities, commitment to others, physical vigour, energy to use talents fully, truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship, and the moral force of character, leadership instincts, and an interest in fellow human beings
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The selection process involves an initial review of online applications, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates
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These typically include a social engagement and a final in-person interview with a selection committee in October or November
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Selection is made without regard to financial means, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, gender, religion, sexual orientation, social background, disability, caste, or other irrelevant distinction
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Applications for the 2027 Oxford intake open on June 1, 2026, and close on July 23, 2026, at 23:59 IST
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References must be submitted by August 6, 2026
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Longlisted candidates are invited for preliminary interviews in September or October.
Renewal Policy
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The scholarship typically covers full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year, particularly for DPhil (PhD) programs
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Renewal for a third year is usually based on academic performance and the duration of the chosen course
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Third-year funding is not automatic and requires a separate application to the Rhodes Trust
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Scholars transitioning to a second course of study at Oxford will receive assistance for visa renewal and associated Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Read Official Documents
Before starting, thoroughly read the 'India Information for Candidates', 'Conditions of Tenure', and 'Guidance for Referees' available on the Rhodes Trust website. These documents provide crucial details on eligible courses and application requirements.
- 2Shortlist Oxford Course(s)
Identify your primary and a strong second-choice postgraduate course at the University of Oxford. You apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying to Oxford University.
- 3Register Referees Early
You need four referees: three academic referees who have taught and graded you, and one character referee. Register them in the online application system early and share the 'Guidance for Referees' document with them. Their references must be submitted online by August 6, 2026.
- 4Prepare Statements
Write a personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) and an academic statement (maximum 450 words) outlining your academic goals, course choices, and preparedness for graduate study at Oxford.
- 5Complete CV Section
Fill in the comprehensive CV section directly within the online application form; you cannot upload a separate CV.
- 6Upload Documents
Prepare and upload scanned copies of all required documents, including official academic transcripts from your current/previous institutions, proof of Indian citizenship (valid Indian passport or equivalent), and a birth certificate or passport to confirm your age. If any documents are not in English, official translations are required.
- 7Submit Application
Complete all sections and submit your application online through the official Rhodes Trust application portal before the deadline of 23:59 India Standard Time, July 23, 2026. There is no application fee.
- 8Track References
It is your responsibility to ensure your referees submit their letters by the August 6, 2026 deadline. You can track their submission status and send email reminders through the online portal.
- 9Status Tracking
All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email. Shortlisted candidates will receive invitations for interviews, which are typically held in October or November.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the Rhodes Scholarship only for students with perfect academic records?
While academic excellence, typically a First Class Honours degree or equivalent, is a fundamental requirement, the Rhodes Scholarship looks beyond just grades. Candidates are also assessed on qualities such as leadership, commitment to others, physical vigour, courage, and a strong moral character, demonstrating their potential to make a positive impact in the world.
Does the Rhodes Scholarship cover expenses for my family or dependents?
The Rhodes Scholarship is designed to cover the expenses of a single student. The living stipend and other financial benefits provided are calculated for an individual scholar and do not extend to cover partners or dependents. If you are married or planning to bring family, you will need to plan for those additional costs separately, as the scholarship will not cover them.
What if my application for the Rhodes Scholarship is unsuccessful the first time?
If your first application for the Rhodes Scholarship is unsuccessful, you are allowed to re-apply only once more, provided you still meet all the eligibility criteria for the same constituency. This policy allows a second opportunity for strong candidates to be considered.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Rhodes Trust website before final submission.