There are Many Roads to Oxford with the Rhodes Scholarship

Most would agree that getting into Oxford University is no easy task. Paying for it is another pitfall for students with limited funds. The Rhodes Scholarship Fund at Oxford University for international students is one way to get there. Awarded to Masters and PhD students only, applications open on June 1, 2017, deadlines being sometime between July and October. The award is then disbursed for October, 2018.

Applicants should keep in mind that the award requires exceptional performance and evidence of outstanding academic performance as it is one of the oldest and most sought after scholarship awards in existence, begun by Cecil Rhodes in 1902.

The scholarship is awarded to 95 scholars each year and is open to any major of study for full-time students at the University of Oxford. The award is available to students from a number of international regions including Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

In order to qualify for the award, students must meet the residency requirements of the country from which they apply, be between the ages of 18-28, and have achieved and maintain satisfactory academic success.

The selection criteria on the official website mentions four important characteristics for being selected as a scholar: literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence), demonstrated mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, or theatre; a number of ethical character traits such as truth, courage, and devotion to duty; and leadership instincts.

Although the official website does not indicate exactly what the level of academic attainment must be in scores, it is clear that a school like Oxford would require nearly perfect academic performance.

In addition to the above, candidates must provide 4-8 references, of which at least 3 must be from the applicant’s past university professors. As such applicants should keep in mind and respect the time of their previous university professors, giving them plenty of time so as not to pressure them into writing a lackluster recommendation, which would hurt more than help the applicant. Additional character references are also required. And, of course, as per usual with scholarships, a written essay is required.

To apply for the scholarship, students are directed to the following link: http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/ and then select their countries specific page from the main website. This is important as all applicants have different eligibility criteria based on their country of origin. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the opening of applications.