The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive academic awards in the world. Named after British philanthropist Cecil John Rhodes, the scholarship was established in 1902 to promote international understanding and peace. Every year, scholarships are awarded to exceptional students from around the world. This year, 103 scholarships will be awarded.

If you’re thinking of applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Rhodes Scholarship and what does it cover?

The scholarship provides full tuition for an individual to pursue a full-time postgraduate study of their choice at the Oxford University. It’s an incredible opportunity to dive deep into a specific subject and enhance your skills and knowledge. With such generous coverage from the Rhodes Scholarship, it’s worth looking into for anyone who is considering furthering their studies.

Who can apply for the Rhodes Scholarships?

The scholarship is a full-tuition, postgraduate award that grants remarkable students the chance to pursue their passions and take their education to a higher level.

Those who are eligible to receive this honor must have obtained an undergraduate degree and show leadership potential, as well as community service experience. It is a highly selective program designed to select top students from each country who demonstrate exceptional mental ability and academic accomplishments. Scholars who possess drive and ambition are encouraged to apply for this amazing opportunity!

How do you apply to be a Rhodes Scholar?

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate exceptional scholastic achievement, the highest degree of character and personal integrity, strong leadership abilities, and a vision for how to use their education for the good of humankind.

Prospective applicants should begin by reading through the online application instructions in detail to make sure they understand all of the requirements.

Each country or region also has a selection committee.

What are the selection criteria for the Rhodes Scholarship?

Rhodes Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, talents, strong moral force of character, leadership, and other characteristics. Rhodes Scholars are required to demonstrate commitment to service, leadership, academic excellence, and the potential to bring positive change to society.

Applicants must possess outstanding personal character, willingness to engage with current global issues, and demonstrate their commitment through participation in extracurricular activities.

To be successful, they must provide evidence of potential contributions they could make while studying at the University of Oxford and upon graduation as an ambassador back in their home country or region.

Scholarship selection criteria is not limited by a “type” of student. Rather, the power of this program lies in its ability to reach and recognize students from all backgrounds and experiences.

What do Rhodes Scholars Study?

Rhodes Scholars are selected to pursue a postgraduate degree of their choice at the University of Oxford. This can include any field that is offered by Oxford University, ranging from social sciences to hard sciences and everything in between. As a scholarship recipient, you would have the freedom to choose the degree program that is most suited to your field of interest.

Rhodes Scholars also have plenty of opportunities outside their studies as well, with access to an extensive network of other Rhodes Scholars around the world and the chance to participate in many stimulating academic discussions and debates.

Furthermore, Rhodes Scholars are encouraged to take part in various extra-curricular activities, such as attending conferences or participating in projects related to their field of study! This means that not only will you receive top-notch educational resources during your time at Oxford but also gain invaluable experience through hands-on activities.

What does the Rhodes Scholarship cover?

The Rhodes Scholarship provides full tuition and a generous stipend to cover living expenses. Scholars may also receive an additional allowance for research and academic material as well as travel costs to Oxford. Additionally, the Rhodes Trust has established partner universities around the world where scholars can complete internships during their studies or gain valuable experience in the field of their choice.

How long does the studies at the University of Oxford last?

A Rhodes Scholarship usually covers a two-year period. However, some recipients may be eligible to extend their studies up to three years, or reduce their studies to as little as one year, depending on the degree and field of study they choose. During this period, Rhodes Scholars are expected to keep up their academic achievements and contribute positively to their communities through various initiatives.

What benefits do Rhodes Scholars get after graduating?

Rhodes Scholars receive a wealth of professional benefits upon graduating from Oxford. Not only do they gain experience and knowledge through their studies, but they also get the chance to build lasting relationships with other scholars around the world, develop personal skills, and make invaluable connections in their chosen field.

Also, many Rhodes Scholars receive offers from top companies, universities, and other prestigious organizations upon graduating from Oxford. These opportunities give them a chance to pursue successful careers or even become leaders in their respective fields.

Finally, Rhodes Scholars are expected to return back home and continue making positive contributions in their communities. This final requirement serves as a reminder that this program is aimed at giving back to the world, not just enriching individual lives.

By providing an opportunity for young people to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities, the Rhodes Scholarship is truly one of the most esteemed awards anyone can receive. It’s a chance to create lasting global change that will benefit future generations!

List of famous people who won the Rhodes Scholarship

For over a century, the Rhodes Scholarship has provided students with an incredible opportunity to pursue world-class higher education. Since 1903, many renowned figures have been able to benefit from this prestigious award.

Some of the more notable recipients of this scholarship include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, writer Susan Sontag, and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Other famous winners include author Jhumpa Lahiri, journalist Fareed Zakaria, and Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

The controversy surrounding Rhodes Scholarships

In recent years, there has been increasing controversy surrounding the scholarship due to its elitist nature and its colonial roots.

• There have been allegations that the selection process is biased towards certain backgrounds and nations, leading to criticism over its lack of diversity and inclusion.
• The scholarship’s original goal of creating an “Anglo-Saxon elite” has caused several calls for the program to be abolished altogether.
• Some have argued that there are plenty of other scholarships out there with fewer strings attached, such as those offered through Ivy League universities or private sponsorships.

Supporters of the Rhodes Scholarship point out that it remains one of the best options for students interested in studying at Oxford University due to its generous funding and extensive network of contacts.

The Cecil Rhodes statue at Oxford University has also been the subject of recent controversy. The statue, which overlooks High Street, is a memorial to Cecil Rhodes and has been the focus of protests since 2015.

The Rhodes Must Fall movement was started by students who argued that the statue should be taken down due to its association with colonialism. Despite this, Oriel College decided not to remove the statue but instead installed a plaque next to it describing him as a “committed colonialist.”

This decision was met with mixed reactions. While some welcomed it as an acknowledgement of Rhodes’ controversial legacy, others felt that it did not go far enough in addressing his history of imperialism.

Despite all the controversy regarding Cecil Rhodes’ involvement in Britain’s colonial past, it is widely accepted that his iconic scholarship has produced many of the world’s most exceptional minds and leaders who have contributed immensely to society.

Rhodes Scholar eligibility criteria for U.S. applicants

The eligibility criteria vary based on the applicant’s country of origin.

U.S. applicants must be:

• A citizen of the United States, or a lawful permanent resident,
• At least 18 years old and have not reached their 24th birthday (or 27th for those who completed their bachelor’s degree later) on October 1, 2022,
• Must have already completed, or will have completed by July 2023, an undergraduate degree, and
• Meet a minimum GPA of 3.7 (out of 4.0).

Applications for U.S. students open in early July each year.

Amount: Full tuition, room & board, stipend

Eligible Grade Levels: College senior

Eligible Majors: All majors

Residency Requirement: No residency requirement

Minimum GPA: 3.7

Deadline: Application opens in June/July 2023.

Please note that Rhodes Scholarship deadline changes from year to year, so make sure to check the website for up-to-date deadlines.

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