Bring your ideas to life at the University of Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programmes, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

Applications for the 2022 scholarships are open 1 July 2021.

The Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for exceptional young people with the potential to make a difference for good in the world. Rhodes Scholars are people who have a vision of how the world could be better and the energy to make a difference – whatever their sphere of interest.

Each year, there are nine prestigious Rhodes Scholarships available for Australia. One candidate is selected for the scholarship from each state, with another three 'Australia-at-Large' Rhodes scholars who may be selected from anywhere in the country.

Learn more about the Rhodes Scholarships in the video below.

Watch video

About the Scholarship

You will be supported in full-time study at the University of Oxford, where you can choose from a wide variety of courses. The scholarship is usually awarded for two years but may be extended to three for some degrees.

The scholarship will provide funding for:

  • all university and college fees
  • the university application fee
  • a personal stipend for living expenses
  • private health insurance
  • one economy class airfare to the UK at the start of the scholarship, and one economy fare for the flight back home at the end of the scholarship.

You will also have the opportunity to be part of the exclusive Rhodes community in Oxford and attend:

  • events that develop your leadership, problem-solving and public speaking skills
  • presentations from leading international speakers in politics, academia and commerce
  • weekly discussions and debates on global challenges
  • internships with a wide range of organisations.

Eligibility

Scholars are selected based on their exceptional intellect, character, leadership and commitment to service. To be eligible to apply you must:

  • be an Australian citizen and have lived in Australia for at least two of the last 10 years
  • have completed at least two years of secondary schooling in Australia
  • have reached your 19th and not passed your 26th birthday on 1 October 2020, which means you must have been born after 30 September 1994 and on or before 1 October 2001.
  • have completed the requirements of an Australian Bachelor Honours degree (Australian Qualifications Framework level 8) or Australian Masters Degree (Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 or 9E); or international equivalent with a proficiency level of first class honours; or an equivalent mark of distinction for Masters students, by no later than 15 June 2020.

Note: you cannot apply if you have previously applied for a Rhodes scholarship two or more times.

Apart from first-class honours, there is no particular list of academic qualifications or personal or professional achievements that you need to be a Rhodes Scholar.

Selection Committees for the Scholarships are looking for young leaders of outstanding intellect and character who are motivated to engage with global challenges, committed to the service of others and show promise of becoming value-driven, principled leaders for the world’s future.

The Committees are looking for the following:

  • literary and scholastic attainments
  • energy to use one's talents to the full
  • 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 an interest in one's fellow beings.

How to apply

Check out the great webinar put together by UTS on how to apply for the scholarship.

For full eligibility and application requirements, and how to apply please read information for Australian applicants.

Important note: if you are intending to apply, you must first contact your State or Territory Honorary Secretary to discuss your eligibility and for general information on the preparation of application.

Contact us

Professor Tyrone Carlin
Honorary Secretary to the New South Wales Selection Committee
E: registrar.office@sydney.edu.au

Brian Hurd
Manager
Coursework Scholarships and Prizes Unit
Macquarie University
E: brian.hurd@mq.edu.au
T: +61 (2) 9850 7321

Professor David Wilkinson
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Corporate Engagement and Advancement
E: david.wilkinson@mq.edu.au