The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 at Oxford University is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for outstanding students who want to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The Rhodes Scholarship was established in 1902 and is the oldest international graduate scholarship programme in the world. Today, more than 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded each year across different Rhodes constituencies. Successful applicants begin their studies at Oxford in October 2027.
The scholarship can support most full-time postgraduate degrees at Oxford, including many Master’s programmes and, subject to the Rhodes Trust’s conditions, doctoral study.
Quick Facts
🎓 Degree Level: Master’s and PhD / DPhil
🇬🇧 Country: United Kingdom
🏫 University: University of Oxford
💰 Funding: Fully Funded
🌍 Eligibility: Depends on your Rhodes constituency, nationality/residency and age rules
📅 Deadline: Varies by constituency
📖 IELTS: Not a separate Rhodes requirement; Oxford course English requirements apply
🗓️ Study Start: October 2027
If you are comparing other major UK scholarships, you may also want to read our guides to
Imperial College London Aeronautics MSc Scholarship 2027/28, and
Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – Quick Summary
| Scholarship Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Rhodes Scholarship |
| University | University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Postgraduate – mainly Master’s and eligible DPhil/PhD routes |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Course Fees | Covered |
| Living Stipend | Current published 2026/27 rate: £21,060 per year, paid monthly |
| Visa & IHS | Covered after selection |
| Flights | Two economy-class flights, to and from the UK |
| Oxford Application Fee | Covered for selected Scholars |
| Standard Scholarship Length | Normally 2 years; some approved DPhil routes can receive longer support |
| 2027 Entry | October 2027 |
| Application Deadline | Varies by constituency |
What Is the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship is a postgraduate award that brings high-achieving students from different parts of the world to study at the University of Oxford.
It is not based on grades alone. The Rhodes Trust looks for people who combine academic strength with leadership, service, character and the energy to use their abilities well.
Rhodes Scholars normally spend two or more years at Oxford and can apply for most full-time postgraduate courses, subject to the Rhodes Trust’s Conditions of Tenure and Oxford admission rules.
Is the Rhodes Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes. The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award.
The scholarship covers major study and living costs, including:
- University of Oxford course fees
- An annual living stipend
- The Oxford graduate application fee after selection
- Student visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Two economy-class flights
- A settling-in allowance on arrival in Oxford
For the 2026/27 academic year, the Rhodes Trust lists an annual stipend of £21,060, paid in monthly instalments of £1,755. The 2027/28 stipend may be updated before the new academic year begins.
The stipend is intended for the Scholar’s own living expenses and is not designed to support partners or dependants.
How Long Does the Rhodes Scholarship Last?
The standard Rhodes Scholarship is for two years.
Some approved academic pathways can receive additional support. For example, eligible DPhil students may receive up to three years of fees and stipend, depending on the approved programme and the Rhodes Trust’s conditions.
You should check the official Conditions of Tenure before choosing your Oxford course.
Who Can Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship 2027?
Rhodes eligibility is not identical for every applicant.
The scholarship is organised through Rhodes constituencies. These are countries, groups of countries or regions that run their own application and selection process.
Your exact eligibility can depend on:
- Citizenship
- Residency or education history
- Age
- Undergraduate degree completion
- Academic achievement
- Your connection to a particular Rhodes constituency
This is why applicants should use the official Rhodes eligibility checker before preparing an application.
Important Note About Global Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Trust currently states that the Global Rhodes Scholarships are suspended.
This means applicants from countries without a normal Rhodes constituency should not assume they can apply through a Global route. Some candidates with strong connections to more than one constituency may be able to request inter-jurisdictional consideration.
Academic Requirements
You must normally complete your undergraduate degree by the deadline stated for your constituency and have an academic background strong enough to meet the entry requirements of your chosen Oxford postgraduate course.
Many Rhodes constituency pages say that candidates are more competitive if they have:
- A First-Class Honours degree or equivalent, or
- A GPA around 3.70/4.0 or higher where a GPA system is used
However, Oxford admission standards vary by course, so you should check your exact programme requirements.
Age Requirements
Age rules also vary slightly by constituency.
For many 2027 constituencies, the standard rule is that applicants should be around 18 to 23 years old at the relevant reference date.
Some constituencies allow older candidates who completed their first undergraduate degree later than usual. Certain regions also have special rules for professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, law or engineering.
Do not rely on a general age range. Use your constituency’s official eligibility page.
What Does the Rhodes Trust Look For?
The Rhodes selection process uses four long-standing criteria.
Academic Excellence
You should show strong intellectual ability, curiosity and a record of high academic performance.
Using Your Talents Fully
The Trust looks for sustained achievement outside the classroom as well. This can include areas such as sport, music, debate, theatre, creative work or other activities where you have developed real skill.
Service, Courage and Character
Applicants should show integrity, care for others, a sense of responsibility and a record of contributing to their communities.
Leadership
Selection committees also look for people who can take initiative, inspire others and use their abilities in ways that can make a positive difference.
Can You Study Any Subject at Oxford?
Rhodes Scholars can apply for most full-time postgraduate courses at Oxford.
This can include programmes in areas such as:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medicine and Health
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
However, not every course or combination of courses is automatically covered. Your study plan must meet both Oxford’s admission requirements and the Rhodes Trust’s Conditions of Tenure.
IELTS Requirement for Rhodes Scholarship 2027
The Rhodes Scholarship itself does not have one universal IELTS score.
If you are selected as a Rhodes Scholar, you still need to gain admission to the University of Oxford. Your chosen Oxford course will state whether it requires the University’s Standard or Higher English level.
Oxford’s current graduate minimum IELTS requirements are:
- Standard level: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each component
- Higher level: IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, with at least 7.0 in each component
You can apply to Oxford before taking an English-language test. If Oxford makes you an offer, you may be required to provide acceptable English evidence before starting your course.
Oxford also allows eligible applicants to request an English-language test waiver in certain circumstances, such as recent full-time degree-level study taught and assessed entirely in English.
ScholarInt Tip: It is better to say “IELTS may not be needed for eligible applicants” than to call Rhodes a “No IELTS scholarship.” English requirements depend on your Oxford course and personal circumstances.
Rhodes Scholarship 2027 Deadlines
There is no single worldwide Rhodes Scholarship deadline.
Each constituency has its own opening and closing date.
Examples for the 2027 cycle include:
- India: 23 July 2026
- Southern Africa: 3 August 2026
- Pakistan: 5 August 2026
- Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine: 27 August 2026
- Commonwealth Caribbean: 18 September 2026
- Canada: 24 September 2026
- United States: 7 October 2026
As of late September 2026, some constituencies have already closed while others may still be accepting applications.
Always check your constituency page for the exact local time and reference deadline.
Do You Apply to Oxford First?
No.
For the Rhodes Scholarship, you normally apply to the Rhodes Scholarship first.
If you are selected, you then apply to your chosen Oxford postgraduate course with support from the Rhodes Trust.
Winning the Rhodes Scholarship does not automatically guarantee admission to Oxford. The scholarship is confirmed only after you successfully receive an Oxford offer and satisfy the required conditions.
Documents You May Need
Exact requirements vary by constituency, but Rhodes applications commonly require documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- CV or resume
- Academic statement of study
- Personal statement
- References
- Proof of citizenship or residency
- Identity documents
- Information about your proposed Oxford course
- Any constituency-specific forms or endorsements
Some constituencies, such as the United States and Canada, also have institutional endorsement or certification requirements.
How to Apply for the Rhodes Scholarship 2027
Step 1: Find Your Rhodes Constituency
Go to the official Rhodes application page and use the eligibility checker to identify the constituency that applies to you.
Step 2: Read Your Constituency Rules
Check the exact nationality, residency, education, age and academic requirements.
Step 3: Check Oxford Course Eligibility
Choose a postgraduate course that is compatible with the Rhodes Scholarship Conditions of Tenure and make sure you meet Oxford’s entry requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Start early. Prepare your transcript, CV, personal statement, academic statement and any other documents required by your constituency.
Step 5: Arrange Your Referees
Contact your referees well before the deadline and make sure they understand the Rhodes reference requirements.
Step 6: Complete Any Endorsement Requirements
If your constituency requires university endorsement or certification, complete that process before the final deadline.
Step 7: Submit the Online Rhodes Application
Submit the application through the official Rhodes portal before your constituency’s closing time.
Step 8: Attend the Selection Process
The exact process varies, but final selection normally includes a social engagement event and an interview.
Step 9: Apply to Oxford if Selected
Successful Scholars-Elect then apply to Oxford for their chosen postgraduate course.
Check Eligibility and Apply on the Official Rhodes Scholarship Website
How to Make Your Rhodes Application Stronger
Do Not Focus Only on Grades
Academic excellence is essential, but Rhodes selection also looks closely at leadership, service and character.
Use Real Examples
Instead of saying you are a leader, explain what you actually did, who you worked with and what changed because of your work.
Choose Your Oxford Course Carefully
Your academic plan should make sense when compared with your past studies, interests and future goals.
Write in Your Own Voice
Your personal statement should sound like you. The Rhodes Trust wants an authentic picture of your experiences, values and ambitions.
Start References Early
Strong referees need enough time to write detailed letters. Do not wait until the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Rhodes Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. It covers Oxford course fees, a living stipend, visa and IHS costs, flights and other approved support.
2. How much is the Rhodes stipend?
The current published stipend for 2026/27 is £21,060 per year, paid as £1,755 per month. The 2027/28 amount may be updated.
3. Can international students apply?
Yes, but eligibility depends on the Rhodes constituency system. Not every country currently has the same application route.
4. Is the Global Rhodes Scholarship open for 2027?
No. The Rhodes Trust currently states that Global Rhodes Scholarships are suspended.
5. Can I apply for a Master’s degree?
Yes. Many Rhodes Scholars complete Master’s programmes at Oxford.
6. Can I use the Rhodes Scholarship for a PhD?
In some cases, yes. DPhil funding can be available subject to the Rhodes Trust’s Conditions of Tenure and approved academic pathway.
7. Do I need IELTS when applying for Rhodes?
There is no single Rhodes IELTS requirement. If selected, you must meet your Oxford course’s English-language requirement unless you qualify for an accepted exemption or waiver.
8. What is the Rhodes Scholarship deadline for 2027?
There is no single global deadline. Each constituency sets its own closing date.
9. Do I apply to Oxford before Rhodes?
Usually no. You apply for the Rhodes Scholarship first, and successful applicants then apply to Oxford.
10. When do 2027 Rhodes Scholars begin at Oxford?
Applicants selected in 2026 for the 2027 Scholarship normally begin their studies at Oxford in October 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 at Oxford University is one of the strongest fully funded postgraduate opportunities for students who combine academic excellence with leadership, service and character.
The funding is comprehensive: Oxford course fees, a living stipend, visa and health costs, flights and other approved expenses are covered.
The most important thing to understand is that the Rhodes Scholarship is constituency-based. Eligibility, age rules and deadlines are not identical for every country.
Before spending time on the application, use the official Rhodes eligibility checker, confirm your constituency and read the 2027 Information for Candidates for your region.
For applicants still comparing UK postgraduate funding, ScholarInt also has guides to the fully funded Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and the Imperial College London Aeronautics MSc Scholarship.
Scholarship Summary
| Application Deadline | Varies by Rhodes constituency |
| Study Level | Master’s and eligible PhD / DPhil programmes |
| Sponsor | Rhodes Trust |
| City to Study | Oxford |
| University | University of Oxford |
| Course to Study | Most eligible full-time postgraduate courses |
| Eligible Country | Depends on Rhodes constituency and eligibility rules |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Current Published Stipend | £21,060 per year for 2026/27 |
| IELTS Requirement | Course-dependent; Oxford English requirement applies, waiver may be possible |
| Application Status | Open in some constituencies; closed in others |
| Official Application URL | https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/ |