The Rhodes Trust exists to offer merit-based scholarships for talented young people who seek to do good in the world. Our reputation rests on the enormous contributions our Scholars have made to the world since the Rhodes Scholarship was established over 120 years ago.
Rhodes Scholars combine intellectual distinction with concern for others, energy to lead and a focus on public service. Since its foundation, the Scholarship has grown and changed, and we are proud to celebrate the impact of our global community.
The Rhodes Scholarship exists because of the wealth of southern Africa and its people, extracted and commercialised by Cecil Rhodes, and we understand the importance of this complicated history.
In 2021, the Rhodes Trust launched a Legacy, Equity and Inclusion (LEI) Action Plan which laid out guiding principles and goals, and established three advisory groups. Our aim was to hold conversations about our history, the legacy of our founder Cecil Rhodes, and how we can move forward as an organisation in pursuit of inclusive excellence. Our advisory groups reported in 2023 and the Trust has now taken many of their recommendations forward.
