Rhodes Scholarship (India)
Rhodes Trust · All India
| Scheme Name | Rhodes Scholarship (India) |
| Provided By | Rhodes Trust |
| Eligibility Summary | Postgraduate · 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
The Rhodes Scholarship is the world's oldest and most prestigious international scholarship, funding postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship for India selects candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, commitment to others, and physical vigour. Indian students apply through the Rhodes Trust India selection process and compete for a very limited number of places each year.
Benefits & Financial Support
£20,400/mo (approx. ₹30.0 Lakh+)
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded award covering all Oxford University course fees, an annual living stipend of £20,400 (approximately ₹25,47,960 for the 2025-26 academic year, based on a June 2026 exchange rate of Rs. 124.90 per £1). This stipend is paid monthly (£1,700 per month or approximately ₹2,12,330 monthly) and is intended to cover a scholar's living expenses, including accommodation. Additionally, the scholarship covers the University of Oxford application fee, the UK student visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access, 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. The stipend is calculated for a single student and does not cover expenses for partners or dependents. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this is an international scholarship.
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Tuition Coverage:Full University and College tuition fees at the University of Oxford.
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Living Stipend:An annual stipend of £20,400 (paid in monthly installments) for living expenses.
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Travel Allowance:Economy class airfare to Oxford at the start and returning at the end of the scholarship.
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Additional Expenses:Coverage for the University of Oxford application fee, student visa application fee, and the UK International Health Surcharge (IHS).
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Settling-in Allowance:A one-time settling-in allowance upon arrival in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | Open to all |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Valid Indian Passport
- ✓Official Undergraduate Transcripts
- ✓Birth Certificate or Proof of Age
- ✓Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- ✓Personal Statement (maximum 1,000 words)
- ✓Academic Statement of Study (maximum 350 words)
- ✓4 to 6 Recommendation Letters (academic/professional)
- ✓English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
Selection Process
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The selection process for the Rhodes Scholarship (India) is rigorous and multi-staged, focusing on four key criteria established by Cecil Rhodes: academic excellence, energy to use talents to the full, truth/courage/devotion to duty/kindliness/unselfishness/fellowship, and moral force of character and the instinct to lead
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Candidates must, at a minimum, meet the entry requirements of their chosen Oxford course, with most successful applicants exceeding these minimums and typically holding a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent
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The process for the 2026 application cycle (for entry in October 2027) includes: an initial online application review, preliminary interviews (which may be in person or via video conference, held in September or October 2026), followed by a potential semi-final interview
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Shortlisted candidates are then invited to a final interview and an in-person social engagement event, usually held in a major city in November 2026
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Domestic travel for the final interview is reimbursed
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No candidate is selected without an interview, and the final decision is made by the Selection Committee
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All applicants are emailed with the outcome by December 2026.
Renewal Policy
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The Rhodes Scholarship typically covers full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford for a period of two years
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There is a possibility of extension for a third year, particularly for DPhil (PhD) programs or for scholars pursuing a second Master's degree
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However, third-year funding is not automatic and usually requires a separate application to the Rhodes Trust, based on academic performance and the duration of the chosen course
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Scholars transitioning to a second course of study at Oxford will also 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
Carefully read the 'Information for Candidates - India' and 'Conditions of Tenure' documents available on the Rhodes Trust website to understand course coverage and other details.
- 2Shortlist Oxford Course(s)
Choose a primary and a strong second-choice full-time postgraduate course at the University of Oxford that aligns with your academic goals and the scholarship's scope.
- 3Register Referees Early
You will need four referees: three academic referees who have taught and graded you, and one character referee. Register them early in the application process and ensure they receive the 'Guidance for Referees' document.
- 4Write Statements
Prepare a personal statement (up to 1,000 words) and an academic statement (up to 450 words) outlining your academic plan, goals, course choices, and preparedness for graduate study.
- 5Complete Online Application Form
Access and complete the online application form through the official Rhodes Trust portal. Note that you will complete a CV section within the form; you cannot upload a separate CV.
- 6Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents, which typically include: * Valid Indian passport or equivalent proof of citizenship (PIO/OCI cardholders are not eligible). * Birth certificate or passport page to verify age. * Official university/college transcripts (undergraduate performance). * 10th and 12th-grade (or equivalent) mark sheets. * If applicable, documentation showing at least four years of formal study in India within the last ten years. * Evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) if English is not your first language and required by Oxford University. * Official English translations for any documents not in English.
- 7Submit Application
Submit your complete online application before the deadline, which for the 2026 cycle is 23:59 India Standard Time, 23 July 2026.
- 8Track References
It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees submit their letters online by the reference deadline (23:59 IST, 6 August 2026 for the 2026 cycle). You can track their progress and send reminders from within the application form.
- 9Attend Interviews
If shortlisted, prepare for preliminary and final interviews, which are mandatory for selection.
- 10Await Outcome
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email by December 2026.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Are OCI/PIO cardholders eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship (India)?
No, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders do not satisfy the Indian citizenship criteria for the Rhodes Scholarship (India). Applicants must be citizens of India holding an Indian passport or equivalent proof of citizenship. Applications from refugees/asylum seekers in India are considered.
Does the Rhodes Scholarship cover expenses for family members or dependents?
No, the living stipend provided by the Rhodes Scholarship is calculated for a single student and does not cover expenses for partners or dependents. If you are married or planning to bring family, you must build those costs into your plan separately, as the award will not cover them.
Can I apply for any course at Oxford University with the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship supports full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Most full-time postgraduate courses are covered, including Master's degrees (MSt, MSc, MPhil, MBA, BCL) and doctoral programmes (DPhil). The scholarship is not restricted to any particular field of study. However, you should check the official 'Conditions of Tenure' document on the Rhodes Trust website to ensure your proposed course of study is eligible.
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.