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How to apply

Step 3 - Find out if you meet the criteria to become a Rhodes Scholar and start your application. We offer scholarships in over 22 designated Rhodes constituencies, as well as our Global Rhodes Scholarships.

Class of 2017
Class of 2017 1
Class of 2017 2
Chinese 2017 Scholars

Could you be a Rhodes Scholar?

For each of the following steps for how to apply, you will be referred to Rhodes constituency page to which you will be applying. On each constituency page you will find the detailed Information for Candidates specific to that region. This will be the guiding document for your application. The complete list of countries covered by the different Rhodes constituencies can be read here. If you are not eligible for any of the designated Rhodes constituencies, you can apply for the Global Rhodes Scholarships.

  • Do you meet the Rhodes selection criteria?

    Rhodes Selection Committees are looking for young persons of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service from 23 Rhodes constituencies  worldwide. 
    The four criteria governing the selection of Rhodes Scholars are:

    • literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)
    • energy to use one's talents to the full (as demonstrated by mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved)
    • truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship
    • moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.
  • Do you meet the eligibility criteria specific to the Rhodes constituency to which you are applying?

    Please refer to your country/region’s Information for Candidates for constituency-specific information on nationality/residency, age, education and English language proficiency criteria. These can be found in the menu below as you start your application.

  • Do you meet the academic criteria specific to the Rhodes constituency to which you are applying?

    All applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree to a very high standard by 1 October of the year following application.  In some constituencies, you will need to have completed your degree in the year of application. Academic achievement must be sufficiently high to assure entry to the University of Oxford, whose admissions are internationally competitive, and to give confidence that Rhodes Scholars will perform to a high academic standard in Oxford. Please see the requirements listed in your country/region’s Information for Candidates for further details.

  • Have you thought about what you will study at the University of Oxford?

    In considering your choice of course at Oxford, you should:
    a) Check the entry requirements for your chosen course at Oxford 
    b) Check the Rhodes Conditions of Tenure 
    c) If English is not your first language, you may be asked to provide evidence of proficiency - check the specific requirements for your country/region’s Information for Candidates, and see Oxford’s requirements for English Language proficiency.

  • Have you prepared a personal statement?

    The personal statement is your chance to tell your story in your own voice: Who are you? What matters to you? Why are you applying for the Rhodes Scholarship? What are you hoping to do in the world? What do you wish to study at Oxford and why.  Your academic transcript, your curriculum vitae and your reference letters will provide the substantive detail of your commitments and accomplishments, but this essay gives you the opportunity to cast the overarching narrative for the selection committee. You can see current Rhodes Scholars speaking about the personal statement here. Please note: You will be asked to sign a statement confirming that this essay is your own work and that no external help was given in its creation or editing. 

  • Have you identified your referees?

    You will need 4-8 referees depending on the country/region to which you are applying, at least 3 of which must be academics under whom you have studied at University.

    You must also have referees who can testify to your character and/or your involvement in extra-curricular/service or leadership activities. These referees should be persons who are able to comment critically on whether you fulfil the extra-curricular, non-academic requirements of the Scholarship and who can speak in detail to your character. A good referee is one who knows you well, rather than a well-known person who only knows you superficially. Your referees must not be personal friends, relations or contemporaries. Choose reliable people who are likely to respond to your request for a detailed reference, as their reports will be crucial to your application. See the detailed Guidance for Referees on the appropriate country page.

  • When should you apply to the University of Oxford?

    Successful candidates will apply to the University of Oxford shortly after selection. The Rhodes Scholarship is confirmed only when you have been offered a place in a Department or Faculty and College of the University of Oxford.

  • Still have questions?

    If you have other questions, please consult the most frequently asked questions

Start your application

Have you read carefully the detailed Information for Candidates specific to the country/region to which you are applying? Have you checked the opening and closing dates of the application for your country/region? If so, then you can start your application now by selecting your country below.

Select your country

The Rhodes Scholarships for United Arab Emirates

There are two Rhodes Scholarships offered from the UAE each year.

Please note that the selection weekend will take place in Al Ain between late November to mid-December. 

Opening date: 1 June 2017
Closing date: Applications for the UAE must be received by midnight, 30 September 2017 (Gulf Standard Time) 




National Secretary for the United Arab Emirates

Dr Christoph Avenarius

Email: christoph.avenarius@gmail.com

Application for Rhodes Scholarships 2018Now Closed
The Rhodes Trust warmly welcomes applications from talented young persons of diverse backgrounds. Selection of Rhodes Scholars is made without regard to gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, social background, caste, or disability.