STANDING UP FOR THE WORLD
The Rhodes Trust, based at the University of Oxford, brings together and develops exceptional people from all over the world, and in all fields of study, who are impatient with the way things are and have the courage to act.
Acknowledgement Carving in |xam Dedicated at Rhodes House
The Rhodes community gathered to mark the completion of a new parapet inscription in the southern African language |xam, acknowledging the origins of the Trust's wealth.
Rhodes Scholar Oral History Collection Launched
More than 150 Scholar Alumni have shared their personal stories to, through and beyond the Rhodes Scholarship. Explore the collection on our website.
Introducing the Rhodes Scholar Class of 2025
The Rhodes Trust is delighted to announce the completion of selection of the 2025 Class of Scholars. We congratulate them all on the exceptional achievement of securing a Rhodes Scholarship and look forward to their arrival in Oxford in October.
Ten years of the Rhodes Scholarship for the UAE
President Bill Clinton convened a session on addressing shared challenges of today’s world at Ideas Abu Dhabi, with UAE Rhodes Scholars alongside leaders from civil society and business community.
Sixth Rhodes Scholarship for India Announced
We are delighted to announce the creation of a sixth Rhodes Scholarship for India endowed in perpetuity in partnership with the Radhakrishnan-Rajan family.
Our 125th Anniversary Strategic Plan
Find out more about our 125th Anniversary Strategic Plan.
The Transformation of Rhodes House
We are excited to show you around our new spaces. Rhodes House is a place for people to meet, think, study, learn and connect.
Our Partnership Programmes
Our partnership programmes develop and connect compassionate and innovative people, committed to solving humanity’s challenges.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Transforming Africa by shaping a visionary community of future African leaders, who share a life-changing programme of learning in a South African university.
Part of Nelson Mandela’s legacy
The Atlantic Institute
Connecting and supporting a global community of Atlantic Fellows and staff from seven programs, who collaborate across diverse contexts and settings to accelerate the eradication of inequities and bring lasting improvements, locally and globally.
With The Atlantic Philanthropies
Schmidt Science Fellows
Unleashing the potential of science by creating a global community of interdisciplinary scientists, making new discoveries for the benefit of society
With Schmidt Futures
Legacy, Equity and Inclusion
Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of the Rhodes Scholarships
Explore Section - Learn more about Rhodes' impact and legacy
An Unlikeminded Community
Our platform features research and reflections from the unlikeminded but like-hearted community of Rhodes Scholars, Fellows and friends of the Rhodes Trust across the globe. Many entries explore how to create positive change when tackling global challenges.
Explore Section - Explore the Unlikeminded BlogFollow the Rhodes Trust on Social Media
Happy World Alpaca Day! 🦙 Throwback to earlier this year when the Bodleian Libraries welcomed a herd of adorable alpacas to the Radcliffe Camera lawn, inviting Oxford students to take a much-needed break during studying for exams.
Our beautiful art space now has a name! The S. Ann Colbourne Gallery celebrates #RhodesScholar Professor Ann Colbourne's extraordinary volunteer and philanthropic leadership. She shares:
"Art, in its truest form, asks us to see ourselves and each other anew. It calls us to reflect, to challenge, and to dream. My hope is this gallery will be a wellspring of inspiration - a place where the courage of our convictions is nurtured, where the challenges of thoughtful reflection are embraced, and where hope is not simply felt, but embodied and shared."
Stay tuned for details of the upcoming exhibition from our Artist in Residence, Rebecca Korang…
Meet the Scholar Programme Facilitators (SPFs), a group of Scholars in Residence who work closely with our team to help shape the bespoke learning programme that runs alongside #RhodesScholars study commitments.
This year’s cohort shares what they’re looking forward to in the upcoming year:
⭐ Ahmed Aljohani (Saudi Arabia & Wadham 2022)
“Exploring new opportunities and stepping out of my comfort zone.”
⭐ Buntu Fanteso (South Africa-at-Large & Hertford 2021)
“Working in the new workspace in our new building. I also hope to visit and catch up with friends who have moved away, and as always, pick up a new hobby — although I have not figured out yet what it will be. ”
⭐ Chishimba Kasanga (Zambia & Wolfson 2021)
“Slowing down and being more present this academic year, remembering to enjoy the journey, not just the DPhil destination.”
⭐ Jemma Houghton (Diocesan School for Girls, Grahamstown & Green Templeton 2021)
“Being intentional about my last few months in Oxford, from quality time with friends, exploring new places, and cherishing existing favourite spots.”
⭐ Tonia Williams (Jamaica & St John's 2022)
“Meeting everyone and testing how well I can remember all the new names!”
⭐ Misbah Reshi (India & Somerville 2021)
“Diving into my DPhil and making the most of my time here in Oxford as I think about what’s next! I am also excited to welcome the new cohort of Rhodes Scholars and those returning to Oxford, hoping they feel right at home and ready for the adventure ahead.”
⭐ Elena Frogameni (Massachusetts & Queen's 2022)
“Meeting and welcoming the incoming scholars! I’m so excited to have our Rhodes community grow.”
⭐ Klarke Stricklen (Tennessee & Somerville 2022)
Welcome Week is approaching and our new Scholars are packing their bags, saying goodbye to home and making their way to Oxford. Watch #RhodesScholars Bomikazi Lupindo, from South Africa, and Max Han, from Malaysia, share the items you don't want to forget to pack 🧳
Earlier this month, we had the joy of celebrating our 2025 #RhodesScholars Elect from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia at a Bon Voyage gathering in Cape Town.
Alumni from across seven decades gathered to share stories, insights and encouragement as the new cohort prepared for their journeys.
Scholars Elect around the world are getting ready to begin their time in Oxford, and we can't wait to bring the Class of 2025 together for the first time at Welcome Week!
The best part? Realising everyone is here to support, not compete.
Sam O’Sullivan, from the USA, reflects on the friendships and sense of belonging she’s found as a #RhodesScholar at Oxford.
When Rachel Kolb arrived at Oxford in 2013, she navigated settling into university life as a signing deaf #RhodesScholar. Today, she is a writer whose work explores communication, language and disability as central components of human experience.
Here, Rachel shares her experiences, her advice for the Class of 2025 #RhodesScholars arriving this autumn, and her thoughts on how we can all communicate to better understand each other.
Take a look at our recommendations for tasty, budget-friendly food spots in Oxford:
🌍 Gloucester Green Market @oxfordoutdoormarket
🧆 Najar’s
🇪🇹 Lula’s @lulasethiopiancuisine
🇹🇭 Sasi’s Thai
🍔 Five Akhis @fiveakhis
🍳 Brothers Cafe @oxford_brothers_cafe
🇸🇾 Damascus Rose Kitchen @damascusrosekitchen
🍕 Italiamo @italiamocafe
🍜 Donburi Inn @donburi_inn
🇬🇷 Georgina’s
Many places offer student discount so it’s always worth asking. You can turn to websites such as @thefork_uk and @firsttableuk to find great restaurant deals. If you’re on the go, check out the @toogoodtogo.uk app which sells unsold items from restaurants, cafes and shops at considerably reduced prices.
#RhodesScholars are often found having lunch at the Nyatta Cafe in Rhodes House - the perfect space to enjoy a nourishing, great value meal and catch up with fellow Scholars within the peaceful surroundings of Rhodes House.
Please share any other suggestions in the comments! 😋
Congratulations to our Class of 2025 #RhodesScholars from Germany! We can't wait to welcome you to Oxford soon 🎉
Laura Wegner is passionate about healthcare technology and has founded a digital healthcare passport that empowers patients to manage and access their health records anywhere in the world. At Oxford, Laura plans to continue focusing on digital health, expanding her technical skills in machine learning and learning how to build ethical and fair algorithms.
Johanna Gring is passionate about using computational methods to understand the climate crisis and its management. During her time at Oxford, Johanna plans to build her mathematical modelling skills further. She is particularly interested in applications in physical oceanography.
Is there something you’ve been surprised to learn about the Rhodes experience, now that you’re in it?
"Just how unique everyone’s path has been, as well as how diverse the community is. There’s not one single story, background, passion, or interest that represents Rhodes Scholars. As Americans, in particular, many of us come either immediately or soon after undergrad, while this is not the case for many other constituencies and countries. Some scholars come to Oxford as practicing doctors or lawyers from their home countries; others come with years of other work experience. It’s so important to realize - There is not just one type of Rhodes Scholar.
In addition, we are also lucky to have our own space: Rhodes House. When I arrived at Oxford, I was told that Rhodes Scholars were very lucky to have at least three built-in communities to call home: our college, our department, and the Rhodes community. We all come from such unique and interesting places — what we call “home,” in whatever way we see it — but we come together and have such a strong community at Oxford. I will always be grateful for it."
Thank you to #RhodesScholar Astrid Liden for sharing your reflections. We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming Class of 2025 Rhodes Scholars to one of their Oxford 'homes' in just a few weeks!
Meet #RhodesScholars Bomi and Kuhle, who are gearing up for the Cape Town Marathon and raising funds to bring mental health support to children at a local orphanage in Matatiele, South Africa. 🏃➡️
⭐ Kukhokuhle Tsengwa is a mechatronics and robotics engineer dedicated to nurturing young minds through innovation, education, and transformative technologies that inspire curiosity and creativity. He is currently pursuing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford.
⭐ Bomikazi Lupindo is a clinical psychologist committed to advancing child and youth mental well-being. Currently working on her DPhil in Experimental Psychology, Bomi’s work focuses on developing impactful mental health initiatives that are changing lives in communities across South Africa.
Learn more about their journey and support Bomi and Kuhle at bit.ly/BomiKuhleMarathon!
Just a few more weeks until the Rhodes Scholars Class of 2025 arrives in Oxford! 🧳
#RhodesScholar Gift Gwawawa talks about his move to Oxford from Zimbabwe, and how he navigated the transition with the help of the community at Rhodes House & at University College, Oxford.
